Dental CT Scan or Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is otherwise referred to as. CBCT scan is a method of X-Ray imaging where a Cone-shaped X-Ray beam rotates to generate x-ray images. A CBCT scan is typically employed by the dentists and ENT specialists for visualizing dental structures, maxillofacial area, ears, nose and throat.
What Are the Uses of a CBCT Scan?
A CBCT Scan Machine employs a cone beam x-ray rotating system to generate CBCT Scan images of the head and neck area that shows maxilla, mandible, teeth, supporting bone, ear, nose, maxillary sinus, and other structures in its image. They can be combined and altered to create a 3D image as well. The images aid your physician to assess the structures and diagnose for certain conditions-
For Pathology Detection- CBCT can be employed to visualize and examine lesions (pathologies) that take place in various regions of the head and neck region like maxilla, mandible, jaw, teeth, gum etc. any pathology could be accurately pinpointed with the aid of the scan
For Orthodontic Treatment Planning- A CBCT may be a useful instrument in facilitating the treatment planning for orthodontic corrections. Orthodontic correction could be braces, aligners, etc. Orthodontic treatment involve different stages to formulate a detailed treatment plan which could be-
- Cephalometric Analysis
- Reconstructive surgery planning like BSSO surgery (bilateral sagittal split osteotomy), Lefort-1 osteotomy etc.
- Impacted teeth visualisation and removal
- Model analysis etc.
For the detection of Sinus Conditions- Sinusitis, mucositis, nasal polyps etc are few pathologies related to sinus, which could be observed and assessed with the aid of a CBCT scan.
For the detection of Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)- Origin and pain for any pathology presenting in TMJ region can be identified by CBCT scan images. CBCT also may appreciate the TMJ dislocation or TMJ subluxation. Any dislocation must be corrected urgently by a specialist and trained dentist.
For Detecting Other Sinuses- Other sinuses like nasal cavity, frontal sinus, paranasal sinuses are also scanned in the CBCT.
Dental Implant Planning- An implant placement is done with a CBCT to assess the amount of alveolar bone available and the surrounding anatomy. This review may assist your physician in assessing whether or not you require bone graft placement or other minor procedures for successful implant placement.
Analysis of tumours and cysts- a CBCT can reveal a tumour or any cysts which are showing up in the vicinity of the tooth or other head and neck area.
How to do CBCT Scan?
A cone beam computed tomography is a procedure by which a very high resolution view of teeth, jaw, and its surrounding structures is acquired through a cone beam x-ray system. The process of carrying out a CBCT scan is-
Before the scan
- You may be asked to take off any jewellery holding your eyeglasses, earrings, noserings,any dental denture etc.before going in for the scan.
- You will be provided with a shield to shield other parts of your body from excessive exposure
- You may be provided with earplugs or a headset to protect your ears from noise as the machine produces clicking sounds while working.
- The machine is switched on and the projection parameters are adjusted as per your age, height, subject of interest, purpose of scan etc.
During scanning
- You are placed in the CBCT machine
- You will have to remain still while your face will be placed on a small ledge in front
- There is a mouthpiece where you will be asked to bite lightly so that your head remains stable during scanning
- The quality of the image relies significantly on your steadiness
- The machine moves around you to take pictures while it sends low-dose radiation into you.
- The machine is approximately 2-3 minutes to do one scan.
After scan
- When the scan is done, the unprocessed image are then gathered by the detector of the CBCT machine.
- There raw data are processed to generate a precise 3D image of teeth,jaw, and surrounding structures by the computers.
- The report is joint and submitted to your doctor for further assessment and treatment planning.
Are OPG Scan And CBCT Scan Same?
A CBCT sectional view scan And OPG scan differ in numerous ways;
- One of the most apparent differences is in their image display function. The images of the CBCT scan are 3D in character while the OPG X Ray images are 2-Dimensional (2D)
- A CBCT scan is more expensive than the OPG price. because the CBCT machine employs better technology.
- The receptors for a CBCT scan can create better quality 3-dimensional images compared to an OPG 2-dimensional image.
- The CBCT scan machine possesses an inbuilt quality to create 2D images as an OPG can do in addition to its ability to create 3D images as well.
- An OPG is mostly employed for primary dental diagnosis while a CBCT is a detailed image and is utilized for secondary examination and diagnosis of hard to see pathologies and conditions.
What Does The CBCT Machine Look Like?
A CBCT scan machine is a square shaped device which may have a chair where the patient is seated, the chair has a connecting arm. There is a rotating table that goes around the patient during scanning. There is an x-ray image intensifier with an x-ray source and a detector fixed to the rotating head.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the risks of a CBCT scan?
The CBCT procedure is carried out under safety standards. Even then, it may have some risks associated with it, cancer can be one of the risks but there is a very small chance of developing cancer due to radiation. The children are also more susceptible to radiation. For children the exposure settings are set to low exposure.
Q. Who will inform me of the results?
Your doctor or dentist interprets the CBCT scan images and writes a diagnosis and treatment plan. He will then explain the results to you.
Q. Does a CBCT scan hurt?
A CBCT scan is painless and rapid imaging. You can go back to your normal routine as soon as you are out of the centre.
Q. How much does a CBCT scan cost?
A CBCT scan may vary from 1000-3000 based on the location where you are living, the accessibility of CBCT scanning equipment, and the region where your scan is to be performed.
Q. How long does the CBCT scan last?
A single CBCT scan may take 1-2 minutes to be taken. There might be a chance that you might require another scan based on the need and purpose of your test.
