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.