Dental Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner

Dental Cone-Beam CT Scanner
Dental Cone-Beam CT Scanner

The Dental Cone-Beam CT scanner is a special type of x-ray equipment, which is used in cases when regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient.  This type of CT scanner uses a type of technology for creating three dimensional (3-D) images of dental structures, soft tissues, nerve paths and bone in the craniofacial region in a single scan. The images received with dental cone-beam CT allow a more precise treatment programming.

 

Cone-Beam CT is not the same with the conventional CT. However, dental cone-beam CT can be used to produce images similar to the ones provided by the conventional CT depiction. With the dental cone-beam CT, a cone-shaped x-ray beam moves around the patient and receives a large number of images. CT scans and cone-beam CTs simultaneously produce high quality images. This type of tomography provides detailed images of the bone, and it is performed to evaluate diseases of the jaw, denture, facial bone structures, nasal cavity and sinuses. It does not provide the complete diagnostic information package that a conventional tomography scan would have, especially when it comes to evaluating soft tissue structures such as muscles, lymph nodes, glands, and nerves. Nevertheless, it has the advantage of lower radiation exposure in contrast with the conventional CT.

 

Common uses of the dental cone-beam CT

This tomography is usually used for treatment planning in cases of orthodontic problems. It is also useful in more complex cases, such as:

  • surgical planning for damaged teeth
  • diagnosis of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder
  • accurate placement of dental implants
  • evaluation of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals and nasal cavity
  • detection, measurement and treatment of jaw tumors
  • determining bone structure and tooth orientation
  • locating the origin of pain or pathology
  • cephalometric analysis
  • reconstructive surgery

 

Dental Cone-Beam CT Scanner in use.
Dental Cone-Beam CT Scanner in use.

 

What are the benefits of cone-beam CT;

  • The focused x-ray beam reduces scatter radiation, resulting in better image quality.
  • Α single scan produces a wide range of aspects and angles which can be controlled to provide a more complete evaluation of the mouth and jaw situation.
  • It provides more information compared to the conventional dental CT, allowing a more accurate treatment planning.
  • Cone-beam CT is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
  • It can depict bones and soft tissue at the same time.
  • No radiation remains in the patient’s body after a CT examination.
  • X-ray beams used for CT scans are not linked to direct side-effects.