The popularity of cone beam CT or CBCT has rapidly grown over the years, transforming the way dentists perform radiographic imaging. Especially, because it provides dental practitioners with three-dimensional images, enabling them to deliver enhanced and effective care to patients. 

This incredible technology allows dentists to move from pure diagnosis to the formulation of treatment simulations, making it invaluable for dental practitioners specialising in dental implant procedures or reconstructive surgeries. 

Keep reading if you would like to learn more about the leading benefits of cone beam CT scans: 

6 Advantages of CBCT In Dentistry

#1: Improved and Accurate Diagnosis 

The most substantial advantage of using CBCT instead of other conventional techs such as fan beam CT is that it provides three-dimensional (3D) data rather than two-dimensional (2D), becoming a game-changer in the dental industry. Cone beam CT scans enable dental practitioners to come up with enhanced and accurate diagnoses faster, leading to more effective evaluation and treatment plans. 

For example, with a fan beam CT scan, only a single jaw can be visualized at a time. On the other hand, a cone beam CT scan can effectively visualize both. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that CBCT has enabled doctors to make more confident and on-the-spot diagnoses with the help of the data presented to them. 

#2: Radiation Dose Reduced By 98% 

Several pieces of research have proved that unlike traditional imaging techs (such as fan beam CT), cone beam CT generates a significantly lower radiation dose. Radiation exposure from utilising a regular full field of view from a cone beam CT machine lies between 36 to 130 microsieverts. Whereas, the standard medical CT scan of the maxillofacial and oral area can reach 1200 to 3300 microsieverts. Thus, you can see that cone beam CT lowers the radiation exposure by up to 98 per cent!

#3: Superior Image Quality and Accuracy 

CBCT scans focus on a particular spot, enabling dental practitioners to observe an area even if it is as tiny as a tooth’s root. The three-dimensional capabilities of the cone beam CT scan mean that the dentist can view thoroughly from different angles what is going inside the patient’s mouth for a complete evaluation and accurate diagnosis. 

#4: Scans Dental Bones and Soft Tissues

Unlike conventional dental X-ray machines, the CBCT scan can easily image both dental bones as well as soft tissues. Providing more detailed data on the overall dental condition of a patient. 

When dentists know what they are dealing with, the information enables them to create more precise and improved treatment plans and manage a case better. This benefit of cone beam CT has proved to be invaluable in a number of situations, but it has particularly been beneficial when anticipating how long orthodontic treatment may take for an impacted tooth.

#5: Noninvasive, Fast and Painless 

With a cone beam CT machine, full-mouth imaging usually takes between twenty to forty seconds, whereas, to scan a particular area less than ten seconds are required. In addition to this, dental practitioners can produce hundreds of detailed images in a single scan, allowing them to get a full view of the patient’s teeth and mouth. 

Likewise, each scan can generate numerous angles and views that dentists can easily manipulate in order to get a comprehensive evaluation. Moreover, cone beam CT scan is also quick, noninvasive, and painless.

#6: Different Imaging Modes 

Cone beam CT machines usually provide numerous FOV sizes, allowing dentists to choose different scanning modes for particular clinical indications. For instance, doctors can pick from varying FOV sizes such as:

  • 50 x 50mm
  • 100 x 50mm
  • 100 x 81mm
  • 150 x 81mm
  • 150 x 130mm

Dental practitioners can use different imaging modes for dental implants, orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, airway evaluation, TMJ, and more. Different scanning modes and the possibility to choose the volume size according to the diagnosis enables dentists to acquire high-quality image resolution and diminishes the risk of radiation for patients. 

Closing Note

There is no denying that the use of cone beam CT scan machines in dentistry has made work substantially easier for both dental practitioners as well as patients and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it’s the future of modern dentistry. With the help of CBCT, your dentist can spatially examine your oral conditions for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

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