CBCT scan

A CBCT scan, also known as Cone Beam Computerized Tomography, is an x-ray technique that produces 3D images of your skull that allows visualization of internal bony structures in cross-section rather than as overlapping images typically produced by conventional x-ray exams. CBCT scans are primarily used to visualize bony structures, such as teeth and your jaws, not soft tissue such as your tongue or gums.

i-CAT® 3D Imaging

Rather than traditional X-Rays and Panorama Imaging, our orthodontists are proud to offer you the most current, state-of-the-art 3D imaging equipment available in the market today. High-resolution, volumetric images provide complete 3D views for a more thorough analysis of the bone structure and tooth orientation, while allowing our orthodontists to control the dose and follow ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) radiation protocols. QuickScan+ technology allows for full-dentition 3D scans with lower radiation than a traditional panoramic x-ray image. Images are immediately uploaded into our electronic medical records system, giving our orthodontists greater flexibility in scanning, planning and treatment.

Advantages of a CBCT Scan over conventional x-rays: A conventional x-ray of your mouth limits your dentist to a two-dimensional or 2D visualization. Diagnosis and treatment planning can require a more complete understanding of complex three-dimensional or 3D anatomy. CBCT examinations provide a wealth of 3D information which may be used when planning for dental implants, surgical extractions, maxillofacial surgery, and advanced dental restorative procedures.

Benefits of CBCT scans

1. Higher accuracy when planning implant placement surgery.
2. Greater chance for diagnosing conditions such as vertical root fractures that can be missed on conventional x-ray films.
3. Greater chance of providing images and information which may result in the patient avoiding unnecessary dental treatment.
4. Better diagnosis of third molar (wisdom teeth) positioning in proximity to vital structures such as nerves and blood vessels prior to removal.
5. The CBCT scan enhances your dentist’s ability to see what needs to be done before treatment is started.

Radiation: CBCT scans, like conventional x-rays, expose you to radiation. The amount of radiation you will be exposed to is equivalent to what you would receive from several days in the sun. At the office of Becher & Gil Orthodontics, the dose of radiation used for CBCT examinations is carefully controlled to ensure the smallest possible amount is used that will still give a useful result. However, all radiation exposure is linked with a slightly higher risk of developing cancer. But the advantages of the CBCT scan outweigh this disadvantage.

Here are some facts you should know about 3-D imaging. An i-CAT® 3D CBCT scan @ 4.8 seconds that encompasses most of the skull is:

• Approximately 1 ½ times as much as a typical digital 2D panoramic/cephalometric X-ray.
• Approximately ½ as much as a plane flight from Los Angeles to London.
• Approximately 1/10th – 1/20th as much as a typical medical CT scan.

Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant should not undergo a CBCT scan due to the potential danger to the fetus. Please tell the dentist if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Diagnosis of non-dental conditions: While parts of your anatomy beyond your mouth and jaw may be evident from the scan, your dentist may not be qualified to diagnose conditions that may be present in those areas. If any abnormalities, asymmetries, or common pathologic conditions are noted upon the CBCT scan, it may become necessary to send the scan to an Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist for further diagnosis. If this occurs, we will discuss this option with you as well as the fee for the additional diagnosis and referral.