Reviewed By Dr. Robert Barron, DMD
Reading Time: 3 minutes
When you are preparing for a complex dental procedure, you want to know that your surgeon has the clearest possible picture of your mouth. Standard dental X-rays have their place, but they do not always provide enough information for advanced care such as implant placement, wisdom teeth removal, or other forms of oral surgery.
That is where CBCT scans come in. This advanced imaging technology gives your surgeon a complete 3D view of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures, leading to safer surgery and better results.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
A CBCT scan provides your oral surgeon with advanced 3D imaging of your teeth, bone, nerves, and soft tissues. This technology improves treatment planning, makes surgery safer, and leads to more predictable outcomes with a lower radiation dose than medical CT scans.
What Is a CBCT Scan?
CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. It is an advanced dental imaging technology that produces a three-dimensional view of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures.
Unlike standard dental X-rays, which only show height and length, a Cone Beam CT scan captures bone structure, bone density, nerve pathways, sinus anatomy, and soft tissues in remarkable detail.
This 3D dental imaging tool is especially important for complex procedures such as implant placement, treating impacted teeth, or planning for orthodontic treatment and oral surgery.
Why Isn’t a Standard X-Ray Enough?
For a routine cavity or checkup, a 2D dental X-ray is often sufficient. But when treatment involves dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, or reconstructive procedures, 2D images do not always provide the level of detail required.
A flat image cannot show how close a tooth is to a nerve, the thickness of bone in an implant site, or the shape of your sinus anatomy. Without that information, treatment planning can be more difficult and outcomes less predictable.
How CBCT Improves Treatment Planning and Outcomes
A CBCT scan gives your oral surgeon a clear roadmap before any procedure begins. That translates into real benefits for you:
- Precision for implant planning: By showing exact bone density and available space, CBCT ensures the most accurate placement of a dental implant.
- Safety in oral surgery: Surgeons can see the position of nerves and blood vessels, reducing the risk of complications.
- Clarity with impacted teeth: For complex extractions, especially wisdom teeth, the 3D view shows how the tooth is positioned against the jaw and surrounding structures.
- Better orthodontic treatment planning: CBCT helps orthodontists evaluate jaw alignment, airway structure, and tooth movement possibilities with accuracy.
In short, CBCT means fewer surprises during surgery and smoother recoveries afterward.
Addressing Concerns About Radiation Exposure
Patients often wonder if advanced imaging means higher radiation. In reality, a cone beam CT scan delivers a radiation dose that is much lower than a traditional medical CT scan and only slightly higher than standard dental X-rays.
Because it provides so much more information in a single scan, the overall benefit far outweighs the minimal increase in exposure. Your surgeon only recommends CBCT when it is necessary for safe and effective treatment planning.
The Role of CBCT in Modern Dentistry
3D dental imaging is no longer considered to be a luxury, it is the expected level of care for advanced procedures. Whether you are considering dental implants or need your wisdom teeth removed, CBCT ensures your care is based on the most complete and accurate information available.
CBCT Scans at Concord Oral Surgery in Vaughan, ON
At Concord Oral Surgery, we use CBCT technology to make your treatments safer, more precise, and more comfortable. Dr. Robert Barron, DMD, combines years of surgical experience with the latest dental imaging technology to deliver excellent results for our patients in Vaughan, ON.
To book a dental implant consultation at our oral surgery office in Vaughan, ON, call (905) 669-2616. We are located at 3300 Highway 7 West, Suite 805 Vaughan, ON.
FAQs
Is a CBCT scan safe?
A CBCT scan uses a much lower radiation dose than a medical CT scan. It is considered safe, and your oral surgeon will only recommend it when it is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Do I need a CBCT scan for dental implants?
In most cases, yes. A CBCT scan shows your bone structure, bone density, sinus anatomy,and nerve positioning, which are critical for safe and precise implant placement.
How is a CBCT scan different from dental X-rays?
A standard X-ray provides a 2D image, while a cone beam computed tomography scan creates a 3D model that shows teeth, jawbone, soft tissues, and nerve pathways. This gives your surgeon far more detail for complex procedures.
How long does a CBCT scan take?
The scan itself usually takes less than a minute. It is a quick, comfortable, and painless procedure.
Does insurance cover a CBCT scan?
Does insurance cover a CBCT scan?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan and the reason for the scan. Some plans include CBCT under diagnostic imaging when it is medically necessary for procedures like oral surgery or dental implants. Your treatment coordinator can review your benefits and explain your options before the scan.
How much does a CBCT scan cost without insurance?
The cost depends on the area being scanned. One small field of view is $220. A large field of view, upper or lower arch, $255. Large field of view of both arches, $325.
Is there a dentist near me that offers CBCT scans?
Concord Oral Surgery in Vaughan, ON offers CBCT scans as part of advanced dental imaging technology. Patients from across the Greater Toronto Area visit our office for precise treatment planning, implant placement, and safer oral surgery.
