CBCT 3D imaging · planning precision
A 3D view of your jaw, in 20 seconds
Cone beam imaging lets us plan implants, root canals, and complex cases with precision a flat 2D X-ray can’t deliver — at a small fraction of medical-CT radiation dose.
When we use a CBCT scan
- Implant planning — bone depth, density, and proximity to the nerve in the lower jaw or the sinus in the upper.
- Difficult root canals where the canal anatomy isn’t visible on a 2D X-ray.
- Complex extractions where the tooth roots are wrapped around a nerve or near the sinus floor.
- TMJ evaluation when we suspect a structural cause for jaw pain.
- Airway assessment for sleep apnea cases where we’re considering an oral appliance.
- Bone graft planning — measuring exactly how much bone is needed and where.
Why it changes the plan
A 2D X-ray is a shadow — it tells you what’s there but not how thick, how deep, or how it’s positioned in three dimensions. For an implant, two millimeters of unseen bone can be the difference between a routine placement and an unexpected complication. CBCT lets us plan the exact angle, depth, and position before we start. The surgery itself becomes more predictable, faster, and gentler.
What the scan is like
- Positioning — you sit or stand still, with your chin resting on a small support. No contrast dye, no IV.
- Scan — about 20 seconds while the imaging arm rotates around your head once.
- Review — within minutes we’re looking at the 3D images and walking you through your anatomy.
- Planning — for implants, we use the scan to design the placement digitally before any surgery is scheduled.
Common questions
Frequently asked
- What is a CBCT scan?
- Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a 3D X-ray that captures the bone, nerves, sinuses, and tooth roots of your jaw in a single 20-second scan. The result is a full 3D model of your mouth that we can rotate, slice, and measure — far more detail than a standard 2D X-ray can provide.
- Why is a 3D scan necessary for implants?
- A 2D X-ray flattens everything into one image. For an implant, we need to know the exact depth of bone available, the distance to the nerve in the lower jaw, the location of the sinus in the upper jaw, and the bone quality in three dimensions. CBCT gives us all of that and lets us plan the implant placement before we ever touch your mouth.
- Is the radiation dose dangerous?
- No. A dental CBCT scan delivers a tiny fraction of the radiation of a medical CT scan — comparable to a couple of days’ worth of background radiation from the natural environment. We only use it when the diagnostic value clearly outweighs that small dose.
- How long does the scan take?
- The scan itself is about 20 seconds. You sit (or stand) still while the machine rotates around your head once. Total visit time, including positioning, is about 5 minutes.
- Will I see my own scan?
- Yes. We walk through the 3D images with you at the consultation — pointing out the bone, the nerves, the sinuses, and exactly where the implant will go. Most patients find it much easier to understand the plan after seeing the actual anatomy.
- Is it covered by insurance?
- Many plans cover CBCT scans when they’re clinically necessary for treatment planning. We verify your coverage before scheduling and explain any out-of-pocket cost upfront.
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