What Is a CBCT Scan? Everything You’ve Wanted To Know

At Redmond Art of Dentistry, Dr. Bickel is proud to use the latest dental technology, and this includes CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography). What is CBCT? What are the benefits? Why does it matter? Read on and find out everything you need to know about CBCT in Redmond.

What Is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)?

CBCT is short for Cone Beam Computed Tomography. This is a special type of x-ray that uses hundreds of x-ray “slices” to assemble a 3D image of your face and jaw. 

When you get a CBCT scan, a special imaging device rotates around your head, and takes x-rays continuously as it rotates. Each image is shaped like a cone. Then, these images are loaded into a computer that stitches them together into a 3D image of your entire face, jaw, and head.

This type of digital x-ray technology has a lot of benefits for dentists. It offers excellent precision, fast results, and a highly precise image of your face and jaw that can be used to plan future oral treatments, such as the placement of dental implants. 

What Can I Expect When I Get A CBCT Scan? 

Getting a CBCT scan takes less than a minute. First, you’ll put on a lead vest to protect yourself from radiation. Depending on the machine used, you’ll either sit in a chair or you’ll stay standing. You’ll place your head in the middle of the CBCT sensor, and you will bite down on a special mouthpiece. This keeps your jaws in a good position and also keeps you from moving.

Then, the CBCT machine will be activated. The sensor will rotate slowly around your head, taking hundreds of x-rays. After about 20-40 seconds, it will stop, and you’ll step out of the machine. That’s it! 

What Are The Benefits Of CBCT Technology?

Wondering why CBCT is so useful for dentists, and why it matters for you? Here are just a few benefits of this advanced imaging technology. 

• Highly-precise imaging – CBCT uses extremely powerful, precise x-ray sensors and technology to deliver unbeatable accuracy. The insights that Dr. Bickel gains into your oral health are very useful, and can help guide your treatment and keep your mouth healthy for years to come.
  
  
• Very fast and efficient – It takes only about 20-40 seconds to scan your entire head with CBCT. This means you’ll spend less time at the dentist’s office overall.
  
  
• Easy to manipulate and adjust – Because the images are digital, Dr. Bickel can easily adjust, zoom, manipulate, and alter the 3D scan of your face and jaw to examine small areas more effectively and plan your treatment.
  
  
• Lower radiation doses – Compared to having multiple x-rays taken of your face, CBCT usually results in a lower overall radiation dose. While all types of dental x-rays are completely safe, this does mean that CBCT typically leads to lower overall levels of radiation in dental patients, which is always a good thing.
  

Get Expert Care In Redmond From Dr. Daniel Bickel 

At Redmond Art of Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Bickel is always standing by to provide expert care in Redmond. If you’re overdue for a teeth cleaning and oral exam and are interested in the advanced technology and dental services we have to offer, don’t wait. Contact us online or call today at (425) 883-1331 to schedule the treatment you need.