Cone Beam CT Imaging

Dental imaging is a routine aspect of comprehensive exams. At Joy Dental Center, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the latest in advanced dental technology to ensure we obtain the most thorough insight into your oral health. Take a closer look at one of our systems utilized at our dental office in Baytown, Texas, below to provide each and every patient with a state-of-the-art experience.

Cone beam CT   

Dental cone beam tomography, also known as a cone beam CT, is largely used when regular dental 2-D x-rays are not applicable to the dental condition being treated mainly in the areas of  implant surgery, endodontics, orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery.

By reconstructing and manipulating images in a versatile way, our dentist can visualize full-cranial intricate structures such as teeth, gums and other soft tissues, as well as the bones and the nerve pathways of the roots, to correctly evaluate and treat the problem at hand without surgery.

How Cone Beam CT Works

X-rays form an image on a photographic film or a digital camera sensor. Think of regular dental x-rays as a still-life picture. Now imagine a “flip book” . When you rapidly page through it, you may see an animated cartoon or a still subject from different perspectives. If you could put together a flip book made from a series of X-rays taken at slightly different angles, you would be able to create a 3-D model.

That’s exactly what CB-CT scanners do. Using a rotating imaging device that moves around the patient’s head, the scanner records between 150 and 600 different X-ray views in under a minute. Then, a powerful computer processes the information and creates a virtual model of the area under study.

When  the 3-D model appears, it can be rotated and manipulated in any number of ways without having the patient feel discomfort or even being present! 

Where Cone Beam CT Is Used

The ability to see fine anatomical structures in 3-D has proven invaluable in treating conditions in many areas of dentistry.

Orthodontics: Having accurate information on the position of teeth and jaws helps determine exactly how and where teeth should be moved.
Dental implants: Detailed CB-CT images are used to determine the optimum location for the titanium implants while avoiding nerves, sinuses and areas of low bone density.
Orthographic Jaw Surgery and Temporo-mandibular Joint (TMJ) Disease: Patients benefit when the specialists who treat these conditions can evaluate their anatomy with the three-dimensional perspective that cone beam CT provides.
Oral Surgery: Treatment for tumors or impacted teeth is aided by the level of fine detail shown in these scans.
Endodontics: Dentists performing intricate procedures (like complex root canals, for example) can benefit from a clearer visualization of the tooth’s anatomy.
Sleep Apnea: Imaging the tissues and structures of the nose, mouth and throat can aid in diagnosis and treatment of this dangerous condition.

Could Cone Beam CT Benefit You?

Each patient’s situation is different, and must be carefully considered by a clinical professional before any test or procedure is performed. While CB-CT delivers a smaller dose of radiation (X-rays) than many other diagnostic tests, it still carries a small risk — particularly for younger patients, pregnant patients, or those with other health problems. We will take into account all risks, benefits and alternatives before recommending this (or any) dental procedure.