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CBCT in Dentistry
CBCT, or Cone Beam Computed Tomography, is a special type of X-ray that gives your dentist a detailed 3D view of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding areas. It can be considered a 3D map of your mouth, which helps your dentist in planning treatments like dental implants or checking for issues with wisdom teeth.
Comparison of CBCT vs. Traditional X-Ray Imaging
Both Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and traditional X-ray imaging are important tools for your Perth dentist in diagnosis and treatment planning. We have provided a short, quick comparison between the two for you below:
Image Quality & Detail
CBCT: CBCT creates a three-dimensional picture that can offer dentists more information. The detailed image that CBCT creates helps your dentist plan treatments like implants or assess complicated issues more accurately.
Traditional X-Ray: Regular dental X-rays provide dentists with flat, two-dimensional images, which don’t show depth very well has and lower resolution.
Field of View (FOV)
CBCT: Can take a wide and detailed image of your whole mouth, including your teeth, jaws, and the areas around them in one image.
Traditional X-ray: A traditional X-ray only shows a small part at a time, so the dentist may need to take several images to see everything clearly.
Radiation Dose
CBCT: CBCT generally exposes patients to more radiation than conventional X-rays, but it is still less than medical CT scans.
Traditional X-Ray: Traditional X-rays use lower radiation for each image, but you may need multiple exposures for comprehensive assessment.
Diagnostic Capabilities
CBCT: Great for checking bone structure, planning implants, diagnosing TMJ issues, and handling complicated root canal cases.
Traditional X-Ray: Traditional X-rays are best for spotting cavities, fractures, gum disease, and other basic dental problems.
Image Distortion & Superimposition
CBCT: CBCT eliminates overlapping parts and gives clear and detailed images, which can make it easier to see everything accurately.
Traditional X-Ray: In traditional X-rays, sometimes different structures can overlap in the image, which can make it harder for the dentist to spot certain issues.
Cost & Accessibility
CBCT: CBCT is more expensive and requires specialized equipment; so they are often found in high-tech dental or medical clinics.
Traditional X-Ray: Traditional X-rays are more affordable and available in most dental and medical offices.
Processing Time
CBCT: It needs digital processing, but it quickly creates 3D images that your dentist can review right away.
Traditional X-Ray: Processes fast and shows the image instantly on film or a digital screen.
Conclusion
CBCT gives clearer and more detailed 3D images, which help dentists plan treatments better. But, it costs more and uses a higher dose of radiation. On the other hand, traditional X-rays are a more affordable and practical choice for regular dental check-ups.
Usages of CBCT in Dentistry
Implant Planning
CBCT helps dentists see a 3D image of your jawbone and makes it easier for them to place dental implants more accurately. It shows important details like bone density, nerve positions, and nearby structures to avoid complications.
Endodontics
CBCT is useful in diagnosing complex root canal issues that regular X-rays may not be able to catch. It helps your dentist to detect hidden infections, extra root canals, and fractures inside teeth.
Orthodontics
CBCT gives your orthodontist a clear 3D view of your teeth, jaw, and airway and helps them plan braces or aligners. It shows exactly where the teeth are, how the bones are shaped, and any possible growth issues.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
For surgeries like wisdom tooth removal and jaw reconstruction, CBCT can give the surgeon a detailed 3D view of your bones and nerves, which helps them plan the removal more accurately.
Periodontics
With CBCT, your dentist can see detailed images of your jawbone, which lets them check for bone loss that may be caused by gum disease. It also helps them plan treatments, such as bone grafts, when it is necessary.
TMJ Disorders
Because CBCT scans show detailed and clear images of the joint and nearby areas, they can help healthcare professionals diagnose temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. They can spot bone changes, joint space narrowing, and possible misalignment. This helps in planning treatments like splints or surgery in some cases to help relieve pain.
Airway Analysis
CBCT can also be helpful for checking airway blockages that can lead to sleep apnea and breathing problems. It provides a clear 3D view of your nasal passages and throat and helps dentists and sleep specialists assess the airway size. This allows them to plan better treatments for sleep and breathing issues.
Why and When Do Dentists Use CBCT?
Dentists may need CBCT scans for one of the following purposes:
- CBCT gives clear 3D images to help with better diagnosis
- It helps plan treatments like implants or braces
- It can spot problems that regular X-rays might miss
- It helps check for impacted teeth
- It can diagnose jaw problems like TMJ disorders
- It helps find hidden infections or bone issues
A CBCT Session: Step by Step
Your CBCT scan will be quick, painless, and straightforward. Here’s what you can expect from a CBCT session:
Getting Ready
Before the scan, you may need to take off anything that could affect the images, like jewellery, glasses, or metal hairpins. If you have a removable dental piece, like a retainer, you may have to take that out, too.
Positioning Yourself
Depending on the type of CBCT machine, your dentist will ask you to either sit or stand. The technician will adjust your head to make sure you’re in the right position, comfortable, and staying still for the scan.
The Scanning Process
Once you’re in the right position, the machine will slowly move around your head. It only takes about a minute, and you won’t feel a thing. Just try to stay as still as possible so the images come out clear.
After the Scan
Once you’re in the right position, the machine will slowly move around your head. It only takes about a minute, and you won’t feel a thing. Just try to stay as still as possible so the images come out clear.
Reviewing the Results
After the procedure is done, your dentist or specialist will review the results with you. They’ll show you the images, explain what they mean, and suggest the best possible treatment option to address the issue.
Safety and Radiation Concerns
CBCT uses a low dose of radiation, which is even less than a regular CT scan. Our dentists only recommends it when it’s truly needed to help with your treatment. They use CBCT only when it is necessary and make sure it is safe and the benefits are greater than its possible risks.
Benefits of CBCT Scans
CBCT scans have many benefits in dental care. They create clear 3D images of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding areas, which will help your dentist diagnose problems more accurately and plan treatments better. CBCT uses less radiation, which can be a safer choice. The scan is quick, painless, and only takes about a minute. It can also catch hidden issues like infections or impacted teeth early.
Limitations of CBCT
CBCT scans are valuable in dental care, but they have some limitations, as well.
Soft Tissue Evaluation: CBCT scans may not be as good as traditional CT scans at showing soft tissues like gums and muscles. This means it may not give very detailed information about these areas.
Small Caries Detection: It can be hard to spot tiny cavities with CBCT because it doesn’t show contrast as clearly as other scans. As a result, small caries may go unnoticed.
Radiation Exposure: Even though CBCT uses less radiation than a regular CT scan, it still exposes patients to more radiation than a standard dental X-ray. That’s why our dentists only use it when it is absolutely necessary to make sure the benefits are worth it.
Metal Artifacts: If you have metal objects like fillings or implants, they can sometimes cause streaks or distortions in CBCT images. These distortions, known as artifacts, can make it harder for your dentist to see certain details clearly and diagnose problems accurately.
Get Clear Dental Care with Advanced 3D Imaging
Precise diagnosis leads to better treatment, and CBCT technology allows us to see what traditional X-rays might miss.
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