Cone Beam CT

When regular facial or dental X-rays do not provide sufficient information required to make a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for periodontal issues, it may be necessary to use dental cone beam computed tomography (CT). Standard dental cone beam CT is generally avoided if possible, due to it having significantly higher radiation exposure, compared to traditional x-rays. Cone Beam CT has become a popular diagnostic tool due to it producing high-quality 3D diagnostic images, using considerably less radiation.

Cone Beam CT involves moving a cone shaped x-ray beam around the patient, which creates a high resolution, clear 3D images of the oral and facial structures, providing periodontists with a view of the patient’s nerves, bone, teeth, soft tissues, airway and nerve pathways in one single scan. The information gathered from these Cone Beam CT images is a critical component in accurately diagnosing and effectively treating a range of oral health issues, and can be applied in several different ways, including mandibular joint appliances, airway appliances, corrective jaw surgery, and/or surgical guides.

Cone Beam CT can also provide a visualization of the nerves to the lip, chin, and tongue, which significantly reduces potential damage that can occur when infected or impacted teeth are removed. For patients scheduled for a bone graft or dental implant procedure, the Cone Beam CT scan provides a clear and undistorted view of your bone, nerves, sinuses, soft tissue, teeth, as well as other structures, allowing your periodontist to accurately determine the proper width, height, and density necessary for a dental implant and/or bone graft.

Cone Beam CT is also a useful tool for diagnosing and treating tumors and cysts, performing bone grafts, removing impacted wisdom teeth, diagnosing TMJ, evaluating the nasal cavity, nerve canals, sinuses, and jaw, reconstructive surgery, and/or identifying the origin of pathology or pain.