Dental cone beam CT scan (CBCT)

A dental cone beam CT scan is a type of CT scan used by dentists. It is sometimes called a CBCT scan. This is a quick and painless test. The scan creates 3D images of your jaws and teeth. It does this using X-rays and information on a computer. The cone-shaped X-ray beam uses a lower amount (dose) of radiation than a typical CT scan. This means that it is safer.

The scan gives us information that we cannot get from usual X-rays. For example, we can check the exact shape and structure of your jawbone. This helps us to decide if you are suitable for dental implants.

Background radiation (energy given out as particles or waves) is always there in our everyday environment. A typical CT scan of the jaw gives about the same amount of radiation that you would get in 63 to 154 days. A cone beam CT scan of the jaw gives about the same amount of radiation that you would get in 6 to 30 days. This is much lower than for a standard CT scan of the same area.