What Does a Dental Cone Beam Show?

As a dental professional, the 4 letters CBCT are likely not new to you. After all, you’ve probably heard CBCT or dental cone beam computed tomography mentioned in a CE course, webinar, dental conference, by a colleague or coworker or in your dental studies.

But, if you’re accustomed to using 2D imaging now, why switch to 3D dental cone beam CT?

In this article, we’re going to lay out some of the common visualizations CBCT provides, and how they can be applied in your practice - regardless of specialty. For many doctors, CBCT is a proven formula for recurring revenue, keeping more patients in-house and allowing for expanded service offerings - on procedures you’re already trained on covering. Take a look at some of the advantages offered by a dental CBCT machine.

Anatomy Visualization

One of the primary purposes of a dental cone beam is to visualize the intricate anatomy of the oral cavity and surrounding structures. The images captured by a cone beam scan reveal detailed views of the following:

• Teeth: CBCT 3D images show the morphology, position, roots, and surrounding bone density of individual teeth. This information is crucial for diagnosing dental caries, fractures, root resorption, and abnormalities.
• Jawbone: The scan provides a clear depiction of the jawbone, including the alveolar ridge, cortical bone, trabecular bone, and bone density. Dentists use this information for implant planning, bone graft assessments, and evaluating periodontal conditions.
• Temporomandibular Joints (TMJ): CBCT imaging shows the TMJ anatomy, condylar position, articular disc morphology, and any abnormalities or degenerative changes. This is vital for diagnosing TMJ disorders, arthritis, and assessing joint function.
• Sinuses/Airway: The sinuses, including the maxillary sinuses, are visible in CBCT scans. Dentists evaluate sinus anatomy, air-fluid levels, sinus pathologies, and assess potential sinus lift procedures for implant placement.
• Nerves and Blood Vessels: A CBCT imaging system’s high quality CT scans can show the location and proximity of nerves (such as the inferior alveolar nerve) and blood vessels, aiding in surgical planning and avoiding injury during procedures.

Pathology Detection

In addition to anatomical visualization, a dental cone beam scan’s image quality helps detect various dental and maxillofacial pathologies:

• Dental Caries and Lesions: Cone beam CT exams reveal early-stage caries, lesions, and defects in tooth enamel and dentin. Dentists use this information for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Bone Pathologies: CBCT imaging detects bone pathologies such as cysts, tumors, infections (e.g., osteomyelitis), bone resorption, and fractures. Early detection of these conditions is crucial for timely intervention and management.
• Impacted Teeth: CBCT shows impacted teeth, their position, orientation, and proximity to adjacent structures. This information guides orthodontic treatments, extractions, and surgical interventions for impacted wisdom teeth.
• TMJ Disorders: CBCT helps diagnose TMJ disorders, including disc displacements, joint degeneration, condylar abnormalities, and occlusal issues contributing to TMJ dysfunction.

Treatment Planning and Surgical Guidance

Dental cone beam imaging plays a pivotal role in treatment planning and surgical guidance:

• Dental Implant Planning: A CBCT machine’s scans provide detailed information for implant planning, including bone quality, quantity, dimensions, proximity to vital structures, and angulation considerations. This ensures precise implant placement and optimal prosthetic outcomes.
• Orthognathic Surgery: CBCT assists in orthognathic surgery planning by evaluating skeletal relationships, facial symmetry, airway dimensions, and surgical simulation for jaw repositioning procedures.
• Endodontic Treatments: CBCT imaging aids endodontists in visualizing root canal morphology, detecting canal abnormalities, assessing treatment outcomes, and planning complex root canal procedures.
• Surgical Guide Fabrication: CBCT scans are used to create custom surgical guides for implant placement, ensuring accuracy, proper angulation, and minimizing surgical complications.

Getting Started with Dental Cone Beam? Word to the wise, save 30-50% with Renew Digital!

For over 10 years, Renew Digital has been the leader in certified pre-owned dental imaging equipment. We’ve helped thousands of dentists (including orthodontists) save big vs. new list prices on CBCT machines.

We have a wide inventory of CBCT, all from the leading brands pediatric dentists trust most - including Sirona, Planmeca, Carestream, i-CAT/DEXIS, Vatech and many more - along with 2D dental X-ray machines and intraoral scanners.

We back the quality of your pre-owned equipment through a rigorous system of testing and inspection, and then give peace of mind with our comprehensive parts and labor warranty so you can be sure the equipment they install will work safely and effectively for many years to come.

We also provide full-service installation and training and project management services, just as you would receive if you purchased a new machine.

Reach a dedicated sales rep by calling Renew Digital at (888) 246-5611 or completing an online form below. Your rep will work with you to determine how your equipment will be used, where it will be placed, and match you to the brands and models most likely to work within your configuration (including considerations like network/electrical as well). From purchase through installation, we’ll provide you with 5-star rated customer service.