Seeing Inside the Bone with a 3D Cone CT Scan
What Is Cone Beam Computed Tomography?
Three-dimensional imaging and cross-sectional views of a targeted area are produced through cone beam CT technology. This diagnostic information is essential in several clinical contexts, such as planning dental implant placement, carrying out a complex extraction or root canal procedure, and identifying the origin of pain or infection. Before proceeding with a dental procedure, CBCT provides the detailed picture of a patient’s condition that is necessary for informed treatment planning.
The Difference Between CBCT and a Hospital CT or CAT Scan
Unlike hospital CT and CAT scanners, dental cone beam CT delivers a lower radiation dose while producing more comprehensive imaging. Conventional hospital CT systems acquire a sequence of parallel X-ray slices moving from the top of the head downward. Because this approach leaves intervals between each slice, the imaging software must interpolate to fill those gaps, and the cumulative number of X-ray passes involved results in a substantially higher radiation exposure.
As a cone beam CT rotates around the head, it captures a series of overlapping images with no gaps between them. The radiation involved is considerably lower in intensity, and most of it is directed toward the target area — the region where the overlapping images converge to form the three-dimensional model. This combination of overlapping coverage and concentrated, reduced-intensity radiation is what allows CBCT to produce a more comprehensive image while minimizing overall radiation exposure.
How Do I Benefit From Cone Beam 3D Imaging?
Aside from providing more complete information, dental CBCT scans emit very little radiation, equivalent to just one day of normal background radiation. The risk from such a low level of radiation is much less than that of getting an inaccurate diagnosis. A CBCT scan ensures that Dr. Khatibian will be able to diagnose you with the best possible accuracy. For more information about cone beam 3D imaging, give us a call at our Sunnyvale office at (408) 774-1200 or our San Jose office at (408) 300-0767 or send us an email.
