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 specific area are produced through cone beam CT technology. This diagnostic information plays an essential role 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 treatment, CBCT allows for a thorough understanding of the patient’s condition.
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 capture a sequence of parallel cross-sectional X-ray images progressing from the top of the head downward. Because this approach leaves intervals between each image slice, the system’s software must interpolate the missing data, and the cumulative number of exposures required results in a substantially higher radiation burden.
As a cone beam CT rotates around the head, it captures a series of overlapping images, ensuring that no gaps exist between slices. The radiation involved is considerably lower in intensity, and it is concentrated primarily on the region being examined — the same area where the overlapping images converge to form the three-dimensional reconstruction. This combination of overlapping coverage and targeted, 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. Donn will be able to diagnose you with the best possible accuracy. For more information about cone beam 3D imaging, give us a call at 856-424-7477 or send us an email.