DENTAL CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY – Hyderabad

What is a Dental Cone Beam CT Scan or CBCT?

Dental Cone Beam computed tomography (CT) is a special type of x-ray machine used in situations where regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient.

A Dental Cone Beam (CB) CT scanner uses x-rays and computer-processed x-ray information to produce 3D cross-sectional images of the jaws and teeth. It is a smaller, faster and safer version of the regular CT scanner.

Through the use of a cone-shaped x-ray beam, the radiation dosage is lower, and the time needed for scanning is reduced. The machine moves around your head in a circular motion in a similar way to the Panoramic Dental Radiography unit.

What happens during a dental cone beam CT or CBCT?

You will be seated in the CBCT machine with your head carefully positioned and you will be asked to keep absolutely still while the scan is being taken. Each scan takes just a few seconds to perform.

Why should I have a dental CBCT scan?

The scan will give us in-depth information which cannot be obtained from normal X-Ray examinations. For example, if you are being considered for dental implants or other special procedures, it enables us to assess the exact shape and density of the bone.

What are the risks associated with it?

CBCT scans are low-dose examinations and give an X-Ray dose to the patient that is normally considerably less than a medical CT scan. So, a CBCT scan of the jaws will give approximately one fifth to one-tenth of the dose of a conventional CT scan of the same area. As with any X-ray Examination, please inform the Radiologist if you are pregnant.

Will I feel any pain?

This procedure is not painful, but you will need to remain still for the duration of the scan. If you are claustrophobic please mention this to the Radiographer so that they can take appropriate care.

Where can I get a CBCT scan?

Most dental clinics in Hyderabad lack an in-house CBCT machine. So, the majority of the times you might have to visit a diagnostic centre to get this scan done. At ALUX DENTAL, we have the KAVO OP 3D by KAVO KERR which is a low dose, in-house CBCT machine which captures the x-ray imagine within seconds.

What are the benefits vs. risks? Benefits

• The focused x-ray beam reduces scatter radiation, resulting in better image quality.
• A single scan produces a wide variety of views and angles that can be manipulated to provide a more complete evaluation.
• Cone beam CT scans provide more information than conventional dental x-ray, allowing for more precise treatment planning.
• CT scanning is painless, non-invasive and accurate.
• X-rays used in CT scans should have no immediate side effects.

Risks:

There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.

At ALUX DENTAL Hyderabad our Radiologist can provide you with a lead collar and a lead apron for added protection from X-rays thereby greatly minimising your exposure to radiation.