Vu Orthodontics - Orthodontist - Braces  & Invisalign

CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography)

One of the most important innovations in dentistry has been the advent of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), which has proven effective for many applications in dental care.

CBCT is a specific name for dental CAT (Computer-Aided Tomography) scan. 

CBCT is a technology that is considered by some to be the standard of care where 3D imaging is necessary in dentistry such as dental implant placement.

This technological leap allows practitioners to gain immediate access to accurate 3D images of anatomical structures, which often are critical to precise diagnoses, and more effective treatment planning.

As CBCT is adopted by more practitioners, it will continue to provide numerous benefits for practitioners and patients, including improved outcomes; reduced need for exploratory procedures; improved treatment predictability; reduced morbidity; and potentially lowered cost and time savings.

CBCT technology offers ceertain benefits,and it can be used safely for the maximum benefit of patients.

CBCT is essential for the following applications:

• orthodontics:
  • impacted teeth (canine, premolar, or other)
  • moving teeth where alveolar bone is very thin
• dental implants

Radiation Dose

Dental CAT scan has very low radiation compared to medical CAT scan because the former utilizes cone beam whereas the latter uses fan beam.

Technological advances in digital imaging systems have significantly increased the level of detailed clinical information available to oral health practitioners while reducing the level of radiation exposure to patient.

Any use of ionizing radiation should only be used when and where it is indicated.

Patients should always be informed of the potential risks, benefits and alternatives. The ALARA (As-Low-as-Reasonably-Achievable) Principle dictates that every precaution should be taken to minimize radiation exposure.

While oral health professionals have long relied on 2D imaging for diagnosis and treatment planning, this technology typically requires multiple exposures and, with them, multiple doses of radiation.

With a properly prescribed 3D scan, practitioners have gained the ability to collect much more data, often with a single scan and potentially with a lower effective patient dose.

Dosimetry of the CS 9300 CBCT and Panoramic Unit