What is CBCT?
To better explain what Cone Beam CT (CBCT) is, we should first explain what regular CT is:
Computed tomography (CT) imaging, also referred to as a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan, involves the use of rotating x-ray equipment, combined with a digital computer, to obtain images of the body. Using CT imaging, cross sectional images of body organs and tissues can be produced. Though there are many other imaging techniques, CT imaging has the unique ability to offer clear images of different types of tissue. CT imaging can provide views of soft tissue, bone, muscle, and blood vessels, without sacrificing clarity. Other imaging techniques are much more limited in the types of images they can provide. To understand the difference between CT imaging and other techniques, consider an x-ray of the head. Using basic x-ray techniques, the bone structures of the skull can be viewed. With magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood vessels and soft tissue can be viewed, but clear, detailed images of bony structures cannot be obtained. On the other hand, x-ray angiography can provide a look at the blood vessels of the head, but not soft tissue. CT imaging of the head can provide clear images not only of soft tissue, but also of bones and blood vessels.
CT imaging is commonly used for diagnostic purposes. In fact, it is a chief imaging method used in diagnosing a variety of cancers, including those affecting the lungs, pancreas, and liver. Using CT imaging, not only can physicians confirm that tumors exist, but they can also pinpoint their locations, accurately measure the size of tumors, and determine whether or not they’ve spread to neighboring tissues. In addition to the diagnosis of certain cancers, CT imaging is used for planning and administering radiation cancer treatments, as well as for planning certain types of surgeries. It is useful for guiding biopsies and a range of other procedures categorized as minimally invasive. Thanks to its ability to provide clear images of bone, muscle, and blood vessels, CT imaging is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. It is often used to measure bone mineral density and to detect injuries to internal organs. CT imaging is even used for the diagnosis and treatment of certain vascular diseases that, undetected and untreated, have the potential to cause renal failure, stroke, or death.
So, what exactly is Cone Beam CT?
In layman's terms, CBCT is a compact, faster and safer version of the regular CT. Through the use of a cone shaped X-Ray beam, the size of the scanner, radiation dosage and time needed for scanning are all dramatically reduced. A typical CBCT scanner can fit easily into any dental practice and is easily accessible by patients. The time needed for a full scan is typically under one minute and the radiation dosage is up to a hundred times less than that of a regular CT scanner. By comparison, the CBCT amounts to 1/3 of the radiation of typical chest film.
The introduction of Cone Beam Computed Tomography to the realm of dental implants and periodontics has given the dental profession a means of diagnosing and treatment planning in three dimensions. The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists recommends the use of CBCT in the diagnosis and treatment planning of implant cases and oral pathology.
This additional diagnostic tool can be used to adequately assess your ability to place an implant and what additional therapies may be required in order to successfully replace a missing tooth with an implant. This information can be used to design a customized treatment plan that accounts for accurate placement of implants to the nearest tenth of a millimeter. The movie to the right demonstrates a three dimensional plan for replacing three teeth with two implants. This precision of analysis and preparation allows for predictable implant therapy.
Besides implants, this imaging device allows us to evaluate your skeletal health in all dimensions as opposed to an “educated guess” with traditional radiographs. There is considerable research that supports the use of CBCTs to evaluate a patient for numerous conditions that would otherwise not be readily detected. Besides the jaw bone, the sinuses, TMJ (jaw joint), nerve canals, and nasal passageway are all easily evaluated. We employ this technology in order to provide you with the most advanced and accurate analysis available.
