What is Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT)?
CBCT is a digital x-ray scanner specifically designed for scanning the head and jaws. The scanner rotates 360 degrees around the patient’s head in a matter of seconds. The x-ray is a low energy fixed anode tube similarly used in panoramic machines. This method reduces radiation scatter common to most conventional x-rays. The cone shaped x-ray provides 360 views that can be presented in 2D image and 3D volume for advanced planning and diagnostic support.
Why the need for a CBCT?
This one scan provides more images than plain film conventional imaging, with complete visualization of the patient’s entire maxillofacial region. These images clearly display TM disorders, impacted teeth, critical bone and tooth relationships, oral- nasal airways, para-nasal sinus, mandibular canal and difficult to see pathologies within one volume. The user friendly software system reconstructs true size, distortion free, high resolution images.
Why is this better for patients?
The CBCT scanner is fast, comfortable and painless for patients. It provides a complete set of maxillofacial images with less radiation than conventional orthodontic and medical type CT work-ups. CBCT now can re-create true size cephalometric and panoramic images, virtually eliminating the need for conventional orthodontic x-rays, so your patients will be comforted by the knowledge that you have all the information needed to evaluate and plan their treatment.