At the office of Draper Dental, we combine compassionate care with advanced diagnostic tools to give patients clearer answers and more predictable treatment results. One of the technologies that has transformed modern dentistry is cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). By creating three-dimensional images of oral structures, CBCT helps clinicians see beyond what two-dimensional X-rays can capture — revealing the precise relationship between teeth, bone, nerves, and sinus anatomy.
Our team prioritizes accurate diagnosis and thoughtful planning. CBCT is a tool that supports those goals: it reduces uncertainty, shortens diagnostic time, and helps clinicians tailor care to each patient's unique anatomy. The information gained from a CBCT scan can inform everything from routine evaluations to complex surgical procedures, and it is especially valuable when precision matters most.
Cone-beam CT produces a volumetric image — essentially a stack of thin slices that together create a three-dimensional representation of the jaws and surrounding structures. Unlike traditional panoramic or bitewing X-rays, CBCT reveals depth and spatial relationships, allowing clinicians to assess bone thickness, tooth position, and the course of critical nerves with much greater clarity.
This detailed perspective is useful for visualizing impacted teeth, identifying fractures, evaluating root anatomy, and detecting pathology that might be hidden on conventional films. CBCT can also reveal the extent of bone loss around teeth and implants, which supports more informed decisions about restorative and periodontal care.
Another advantage is the ability to view anatomy in multiple planes — axial, coronal, and sagittal — or to generate cross-sectional slices at a specific location. These views make it easier to measure dimensions accurately and to simulate treatment outcomes before any irreversible procedures begin.
When planning surgical procedures such as dental implant placement or corrective jaw surgery, CBCT provides a reliable map of anatomical landmarks and potential obstacles. Knowing the exact position of the mandibular nerve, the maxillary sinus floor, or the contours of the alveolar ridge reduces the risk of complications and supports safer, more predictable operations.
CBCT also enhances restorative planning. With accurate bone and tooth measurements, clinicians can determine whether a site needs bone grafting, what implant size is most appropriate, and how prosthetic components will interact with the surrounding tissues. This level of forethought shortens chair time and improves the likelihood of long-term success.
In complex endodontic cases, three-dimensional imaging helps locate extra canals, assess root resorption, and evaluate periapical pathology. For patients facing revision treatments or retreatment, CBCT often provides crucial information that changes the treatment approach in favor of techniques that preserve tooth structure and improve outcomes.
Concerns about radiation exposure are common, and CBCT technology has evolved to address them. Modern units offer adjustable fields of view and exposure settings that allow clinicians to capture only the area of interest at the lowest radiation dose necessary. This targeted approach minimizes exposure compared with older volumetric imaging systems.
Clinicians follow established guidelines to determine when a CBCT scan is justified. The decision is based on whether the additional diagnostic information will influence patient care or improve treatment safety. When imaging is clinically warranted, the benefits of a more precise diagnosis and reduced procedural risk typically outweigh the modest increase in exposure.
For many patients, the short CBCT scan (which often takes less than a minute of actual imaging time) delivers peace of mind by confirming anatomy and clarifying clinical questions that would otherwise remain uncertain. Our team is available to explain why a scan is recommended and to answer questions about safety and positioning before the procedure begins.
CBCT is not limited to one type of procedure — its value spans multiple dental disciplines. In implant dentistry, it is an indispensable planning tool; in oral surgery, it clarifies relationships among teeth, bone, and vital structures; in endodontics, it exposes complex canal systems and hidden lesions; and in orthodontics, it helps evaluate airway space and skeletal relationships.
Beyond these uses, CBCT aids in diagnosing pathologic conditions such as cysts, tumors, and inflammatory changes. It can also support temporomandibular joint (TMJ) assessments by revealing joint morphology and bony changes that plain radiographs can miss. For patients with trauma, CBCT often uncovers fractures and displacements that inform urgent and restorative care.
Because CBCT datasets are digital, they can be integrated with other technologies such as surgical guides, computer-aided design (CAD) workflows, and digital impressions. This interoperability promotes a coordinated approach where diagnostics, planning, and treatment execution are aligned for better efficiency and accuracy.
Most CBCT scans are quick and comfortable. The patient either sits or stands, and the imaging arm rotates around the head while capturing data. There is no sedation or invasive preparation required. Proper positioning and a steady posture for a short period are the main needs for a high-quality scan.
After imaging, the raw data are reconstructed into three-dimensional images that the clinician reviews on a high-resolution monitor. Your dental provider will interpret the findings, discuss any implications for treatment, and explain how the images influence recommended next steps. In many cases, this review happens the same day, allowing for efficient planning.
Patients who have specific concerns, such as pregnancy or certain medical conditions, should notify the team so appropriate precautions can be taken. Our staff is trained to select settings that prioritize patient safety and to provide clear instructions for a smooth imaging experience.
In summary, CBCT is a powerful diagnostic tool that delivers three-dimensional insight into dental and maxillofacial anatomy, supporting more confident diagnoses and more predictable treatment plans. If you’d like to learn whether a CBCT scan could help clarify your dental needs, please contact us for more information.
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a specialized three-dimensional imaging technique designed for dental and maxillofacial evaluation. A CBCT unit rotates around the head to capture a series of images that are reconstructed into a volumetric dataset. The resulting images show teeth, bone, nerve pathways and sinus anatomy with much greater spatial detail than conventional radiographs.
CBCT provides cross-sectional and multiplanar views that reveal depth and precise spatial relationships. Clinicians use those views to assess complex anatomy, localize pathology, and plan interventions more accurately. CBCT is a diagnostic tool that complements rather than replaces traditional two-dimensional X-rays when appropriate.
Standard dental X-rays produce flat, two-dimensional images in which structures can overlap and details may be obscured. CBCT captures a volumetric dataset that can be viewed as thin slices or reconstructed into three-dimensional renderings, which reveal spatial relationships and depth. This difference makes CBCT particularly useful when precise anatomy or the relationship between structures is critical to care.
Because CBCT images can be viewed in axial, coronal and sagittal planes, measurements of bone height, width and angulation are more accurate than with panoramic or periapical films. The modality therefore supports more predictable planning for surgical and restorative procedures. That added information helps clinicians reduce uncertainty and tailor treatments to each patient’s unique anatomy.
CBCT is commonly recommended for implant planning, evaluation of impacted or ectopic teeth, assessment of complex root anatomy in endodontics, and analysis of maxillofacial trauma. It is also useful for TMJ evaluation, airway assessment in certain orthodontic cases, and when pathology such as cysts or other osseous lesions is suspected. Clinicians decide to order a CBCT scan when the additional three-dimensional information will change diagnosis or treatment.
The office of Draper Dental and other practices follow clinical guidelines to ensure imaging is justified and targeted to the area of interest. A limited field of view is chosen whenever possible to minimize exposure while capturing the necessary detail. Patients are informed about the reasons for the scan and how the images will influence recommended care.
Modern CBCT systems include adjustable settings and selectable fields of view so clinicians can limit the scanned area to what is clinically necessary. Dental teams follow the ALARA principle (as low as reasonably achievable) by choosing the smallest field of view, appropriate resolution and exposure settings that still yield diagnostic images. When imaging is clinically warranted, the diagnostic benefits generally outweigh the modest increase in radiation compared with conventional films.
Special precautions are taken for patients with unique concerns, such as pregnancy, and clinicians will discuss alternatives or defer imaging when appropriate. Protective measures such as thyroid collars or lead aprons may be used depending on clinical protocol. If you have questions about radiation safety, the dental team will explain the rationale and safety steps before proceeding.
Most CBCT scans are quick and noninvasive, typically requiring the patient to sit or stand while the imaging arm rotates around the head. The actual image acquisition often takes less than a minute, and there is no need for sedation or special preparation beyond removing metal objects from the head and neck area. Proper positioning and stillness for a short interval help produce high-quality images.
After the scan, the raw data are reconstructed into multiplanar images and three-dimensional views that the clinician reviews on a monitor. Your provider will explain the findings and how they affect diagnosis or treatment planning, often during the same visit. Staff are available to answer questions about comfort, positioning and the imaging process at any time.
CBCT offers detailed information about bone volume, bone density distribution and the location of vital structures such as the mandibular nerve and maxillary sinus. These data allow clinicians to select the proper implant size, angulation and position while avoiding anatomic hazards. Accurate preoperative assessment reduces the risk of complications and supports a more predictable surgical outcome.
CBCT datasets can also be used to design surgical guides and to simulate implant placement in digital planning software, improving transfer of the plan to the surgical site. This digital workflow shortens operative time and enhances precision when placing implants or performing related grafting procedures. The result is a more controlled approach that supports long-term restorative success.
CBCT can reveal bony pathology such as cysts, lesions, inflammatory changes and areas of bone loss that may not be visible on two-dimensional films. It is particularly helpful for characterizing the extent and location of osseous lesions and for distinguishing between localized and more extensive changes. When suspicious findings are identified, clinicians use the images to guide further evaluation or referral to a specialist.
CBCT is limited in soft-tissue contrast compared with medical CT or MRI, so additional imaging or biopsy may be recommended to characterize soft-tissue masses or confirm a diagnosis. The dental team will discuss the findings and next steps, which may include coordination with oral and maxillofacial specialists or medical imaging services. Timely follow-up helps ensure appropriate care when pathology is suspected.
CBCT has lower soft-tissue contrast than medical CT and is therefore less effective for evaluating purely soft-tissue conditions. Metal restorations, braces and implants can produce scatter and streak artifacts that degrade image quality in adjacent regions. Patient motion during acquisition can also create blurring or distortion that affects diagnostic confidence.
Field-of-view limitations mean a single CBCT scan may not capture distant anatomic regions, so multiple scans or alternative imaging may be needed for broader assessments. Interpretation requires training and experience to recognize artifacts and to avoid misdiagnosis. Clinicians weigh these limitations against the potential diagnostic gains when recommending CBCT.
CBCT datasets are digital by nature and can be exported in standard formats for use with planning software, CAD/CAM systems and 3D printing workflows. This interoperability enables creation of surgical guides, prosthetic planning, and virtual simulations that align imaging, design and clinical execution. Combining CBCT data with intraoral scans or digital impressions creates a comprehensive digital model for precise restorative and surgical planning.
Integration of digital tools streamlines communication among the restorative team, laboratory and surgical providers, and it can reduce chair time by anticipating anatomic challenges before treatment. Secure data handling and compatibility checks are part of the workflow to ensure accurate transfer of information between systems. When used judiciously, the digital integration of CBCT improves coordination and predictability of care.
CBCT scans are typically reviewed by the treating dentist and, when indicated, by oral and maxillofacial radiologists or other specialists with advanced imaging expertise. The interpreting clinician evaluates the dataset for the specific clinical question and documents relevant findings that affect diagnosis and treatment planning. If additional specialist input is required, the images can be shared with consultants for a more detailed interpretation.
Patients receive an explanation of the key findings and how those findings influence recommended care, often during the same visit. Copies of images or reports can be provided on request or shared with other dental or medical providers involved in treatment. The practice will ensure you understand the results and the proposed next steps before any procedure begins.
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