Dental cone beam computed tomography, or CBCT cone beam, is a new type of X-ray equipment that uses a 3D cone beam and dental scans to provide dentists with a detailed, three-dimensional image of the mouth. Furthermore, patients do not have to suffer any pain or discomfort during the procedure. A CBCT cone beam can bring about detailed photos of the bones, nerve pathways, soft tissues, and teeth with just a single scan.
CBCT cone beam is available at Toni Carr, DDS Inspiring Smiles in Mansfield and the surrounding area. This advance in dental technology may help save your teeth. Call us today at (682) 999-3696 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Inspiring Smiles is extremely proud to be able to offer our patients Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) diagnostic scanning using the Axeos, from Sirona, which is one of the most advanced dental scanning devices available.
In layman's terms, CBCT is a compact, faster and safer version of the regular CT. Through the use of a cone shaped X-ray beam, the size of the scanner, radiation dosage and time needed for scanning are all dramatically reduced.
The Axeos CBCT scanner fits compactly into our office structure and is easily accessible by patients. The time needed for a full scan is typically under 20 seconds and the radiation dosage is up to a hundred times less than that of a regular CT scanner.
In a dosimetry study conducted by Dr. Ludlow (2007) of the University of South Carolina the Sirona Axeos has the lowest radiation dose of any cone beam machine on the market. One scan is compared to about 8 days of normal background radiation. This doesn’t even mean 8 days exposed in the sun but only 8 days of normal radiation by simply living on the planet earth. As with all imaging modalities that use ionizing radiation, the use of CBCT does involve a consideration of risk to the patient. However, it has the benefit of providing useful information needed to assist in making a diagnosis and/or in facilitating treatment. When your doctor refers you for an X-ray examination, he has made the determination that the benefit outweighs the risk. Of course, it is ultimately up to you to decide whether to undergo the examination. Bear in mind that the risk of most X-ray examinations are much less than other risks we commonly accept in daily life.
A CBCT cone beam is a special type of X-ray machine utilized when regular dental or facial X-rays are insufficient. CBCT cone beams generate 3D images of dental structures, soft tissues, nerve paths, and bone in the craniofacial region in a single scan using a special kind of technology. As such, CBCT cone beam images allow the dentist to plan for more precise treatment.
While the CBCT cone beam is not the same as conventional CT, it can still be used to produce images similar to the ones made by traditional CT imaging. With a CBCT cone beam, an X-ray beam in the shape of a cone moves around the patient to produce multiple images, also known as views. Both CT scans and CBCT cone beam produce high-quality images, though CBCT cone beam utilizes a much smaller machine.
"A CBCT cone beam is a special type of X-ray machine utilized when regular dental or facial X-rays are insufficient."
CBCT cone beam scanners are square-shaped machines, including an upright chair for patients to sit or a moveable table for patients to lie down during the examination. Scanners with a chair have a rotating C-arm, a device that intensifies X-ray images and contains an X-ray source and detector. Scanners with a table include a rotating gantry.
The C-arm or gantry will rotate around the head in a single 360-degree rotation, capturing multiple images from different angles during the examination. These images will then be reconstructed to create a single 3D image. The X-ray source and detector will be mounted on opposing sides of the revolving C-arm or gantry. They will rotate in unison, generating anywhere from 150 to 200 high-resolution 2D images. These are then digitally combined to form a 3D image, providing the dentist with valuable information about the patient's oral and craniofacial health.
"CBCT cone beam scanners are square-shaped machines, including an upright chair for patients to sit or a moveable table for patients to lie down during the examination."
CBCT cone beam scanners bring forth far more detailed images than traditional CT scanners. Consequently, as previously established, they are particularly useful when traditional X-rays are insufficient to bring about the needed treatment information. For example, CBCT cone beams can evaluate the bony structures of the face, dentition, diseases of the jaw, nasal cavity, and sinuses.
CBCT cone beam technology can also be useful in diagnosing oral cancers and cysts and managing impacted teeth. According to one study, CBCT cone beam technology was found to have contributed significantly to the planning and successful surgical management of dentigerous cysts and associated impacted teeth. In addition, as cone beams take wide-range photos, they can capture in-depth areas that traditional scanners may miss.
"CBCT cone beam scanners bring forth far more detailed images than traditional CT scanners."
Once the CBCT cone beam procedure has been completed, the dentist will have a clear, 3D image of the teeth, mouth, jaw, neck, ears, nose, and throat. It is possible to review this image immediately and get the best possible view of any area with features such as zooming and rotation. In addition, this is a painless procedure with no recovery time, and the patient will be able to return to their everyday activities immediately.
The dentist will also write a report of the scan results, and the patient will be able to see their images. Finally, the dentist and patient will go over the treatment plan together, during which time the patient can discuss their preferences for the treatment process and aftercare.
"Once the CBCT cone beam procedure has been completed, the dentist will have a clear, 3D image of the teeth, mouth, jaw, neck, ears, nose, and throat."
Q. How do CBCT cone beam scanners work?
Q. What is the difference between CBCT cone beam scanners and traditional CT scanners?
Q. Will my insurance cover CBCT cone beam scans?
A. Some insurance companies may cover CBCT cone beam scans. However, this is not a guarantee, as all plans are different. Your best bet is to contact your insurance provider directly. We can help you figure out what is covered in your plan.
Q. What kind of image is produced by a CBCT cone beam scan?
A. CBCT cone beam scanners take detailed images of the entire head. As teeth positioning affects the entire head, these images allow us to see the underlying bone structure and jawline. With this information, we can create the most accurate treatments possible. CBCT cone beam scanners are particularly beneficial for procedures around delicate areas. They are also useful for planning correctional procedures.
Q. How long does a CBCT cone beam scan take?
A. These scans are typically quite brief. For example, a CBCT cone beam scan only needs a singular rotation around the head. Once you are positioned, the scan itself will usually be over in less than 30 seconds.
Q. How long have dentists been using CBCT cone beam technology?
A. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dentists have been using CBCT cone beam technology for over twenty years. Furthermore, dental scans are becoming increasingly common, thanks to their helpfulness in procedure planning and diagnosing complex conditions.
Q. How much radiation does a CBCT cone beam scan emit?
A. Though CBCT cone beam scans are still considered computed tomography (CT) scans, they emit considerably less radiation than conventional CT scans. However, it does emit more radiation than a traditional X-ray. Therefore, we will only recommend a CBCT cone beam scan if we judge the benefits greater than the risks.
Q. How should I prepare for a CBCT cone beam scan?
A. There is very little preparation necessary for a CBCT cone beam scan. Make sure to remove all loose or metallic objects before the exam. Stay still and do not swallow or talk during the scan.
CBCT cone beam can provide us with the necessary information to personalize an effective treatment plan for you. We at Toni Carr, DDS Inspiring Smiles in Mansfield, can help. Call us today at (682) 999-3696 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Toni Carr, DDS Inspiring Smiles is located at 1900 Matlock Rd. Suite 600 Mansfield, TX 76063.