ConeBeam CT Imaging

Radiographs, or “x-rays,” have been used in dentistry for nearly as long as the profession has existed to look at the roots of teeth for abscesses, to assess bone levels around the teeth, and to look for cavities between the teeth. The technologies available have significantly improved from high-dose film, to high-speed film, to digital sensors, and now to conebeam computed tomography (CBCT). In general, conventional radiographs require higher doses of radiation (measured in microSieverts) than do digital x-rays to get the same quality of image.

Depending on the size of CBCT image taken, the radiation dose of a CBCT image that will give the dentist the ability to see the jaws and teeth in 3D can be comparable or less than the dosage needed for a full series of individual dental x-rays while enabling far superior diagnostic capabilities. For example, a full series of digital x-rays in our office requires about the same amount of radiation as a person gets just from living for 21 days under normal conditions; a CBCT image of the jaws and four digital bitewing x-rays (needed to look for cavities between the teeth) taken in our office requires a dosage comparable to about 8 ½ days of background radiation.

The difference is that the diagnostic potential of the CBCT image is far superior to a 2D full mouth series of x-rays!

Some items that can more readily be visualized with CBCT images than conventional digital radiographs are:

Position of the nerve to teeth and for implant placement
Accurate lengths of teeth
“Inside out” visualizing of abscesses
3D bone assessment to evaluate for appropriate gum disease treatment
Sinus position as they relate to the teeth
Measurement of the narrowest part of the airway for sleep apnea risk assessment
3D evaluation of the jaw joints (TMJs) to look for bone changes
Evaluation of impacted tooth position

Check out these examples from our practice demonstrating some ways it can be used for diagnosis:

CBCT Implant — Implant placement can be planned accurately where bone is limited.

Conebeam CT of the Jaw — General assessment of the teeth and surrounding structures can be evaluated in multiple views, colorations, and from different angles for enhanced diagnosis.

Conebeam CT of Tooth Abscess needing Root Canal — Communicating abscesses can clearly be seen at the root tips of the right lateral and central upper incisors, leading to an appropriate diagnosis and treatment of two teeth with root canal therapy.

Conebeam CT of Root Proximity to sinuses — Root proximity to the sinuses can be readily visualized.

Conebeam CT of infection — Life-threatening infections can be quickly diagnoses so timely appropriate treatment can be planned.

Conebeam CT - tooth measurement — Accurate lengths of teeth and root anatomy can be clearly visualized.

How CBCT 3-D Technology Helps Our Patients

Even the most skilled general dentists sometimes find surprises in the anatomy of their patients’ mouths that they don’t expect.

Fortunately, breakthroughs in technology like CBCT 3D machines make those uncommon cases far easier to handle. When the dentist’s job is made easier, both they and their patients are made much happier as a result.

What is CBCT?

CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) is a way to look at the bones and teeth in 3–D using x-rays that project in a cone-shaped pattern onto a digital receiver and then are compiled into three-dimensional images with computer software.

Making use of CBCT 3D technology allows Dr. Huff to evaluate the anatomy of tooth pulp chambers in much greater detail than can be seen by standard dental x-rays, recognize pulp stones that weren’t noticeable originally, and catch atypical bone loss and tooth fractures more readily than older technology would permit. Making use of the 3–D technology makes treatment planning easier and far more efficient.

This machine also allows Dr. Huff to better evaluate and diagnose temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMD. TMD refers to a group of hard and soft tissue disorders resulting in damage to the muscles and ligaments that support the jaw around the head, neck, and teeth. CBCT allows easy visualization of how the jaws, teeth, and jaw joints relate to one another. For example, the CBCT image below shows a fractured jaw in a patient who presented for new complete denture therapy, and it significantly altered the way Dr. Huff made the denture specific to her needs.