Cone Beam CT Scan Imaging in Herrin, IL
3-D imaging that maps bone volume, nerves and sinuses so implants are planned to the millimetre.
Radiology is an important tool in diagnosing and assessing dental abnormalities in patients. It is especially helpful in treating patients with problems in the dentomaxillofacial region. Cone Beam CT Scan Imaging, also known as CBCT, is considered an important innovation in dental X-ray diagnostics, particularly for dentomaxillofacial surgery. Unlike regular X-rays, CBCT scans can differentiate among many types of tissue including bone, teeth and nerves.
Benefits of CBCT
CBCT has several advantages over traditional scanning which include the following:
High Resolution and 3-D imaging - This enables subtle structures like root canals or the periodontal ligament to be clearly displayed.
Lower Radiation Exposure - CBCT uses significantly lower radiation than traditional CT scans and has a lower rate of image disturbance caused by metallic structures.
Duplicate Imaging - CBCT provides images of both bone and soft tissue at the same time.
CBCT Applications
Cone Beam CT Scanning is commonly used in surgical planning for displaced or impacted teeth and for pre- and post-operative imaging for surgery. CBCT is also effective in diagnosing or assisting in the treatment of the following:
- Dental implant placement
- Cleft-palate malformations
- Bone and tooth fractures
- Maxillary sinus examination
- Diagnosis of jaw conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ
- Detection, measurement and treatment of jaw tumors
- Location of the origin of pain
CBCT is an effective tool in assisting dentists with various diagnosis and treatments. Depending on a patient's particular condition, a dentist will decide whether the use of a CBCT is appropriate.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. CBCT uses a fraction of the radiation of a traditional medical CT scan, and the dose is comparable to a set of routine <a href="/technology/dental-x-rays-hughes-dental-arts-implant-center/">dental X-rays</a>. The scanner is only used when the 3-D detail genuinely changes your treatment plan.
The scan itself takes about 20 seconds, and the whole appointment — positioning, imaging and review — is usually done in under 15 minutes with no preparation needed beforehand.
A CBCT scan captures a full 3-D volume of your jaw, teeth, nerves and sinuses, while <a href="/technology/dental-x-rays-hughes-dental-arts-implant-center/">a standard X-ray</a> only shows a flat, two-dimensional image. That extra depth is what lets Dr. Hughes plan <a href="/services/dental-implants/">implant placement</a>, extractions and surgery with millimeter precision.
Coverage varies by plan and by the reason the scan is needed. Our team will check your benefits and let you know your out-of-pocket cost before the scan is taken.
Elective imaging, including CBCT, is generally postponed during pregnancy unless it is needed to treat a dental emergency. Let our team know if you are pregnant so we can discuss the safest timing for any necessary imaging.
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New patients are always welcome. Call us or request a consultation online, and our team will follow up quickly.