What to expect
When you are referred
We are proud to offer this state-of-the-art radiographic imaging system here at Denora Worcester, and we were one of the first in the country to install and offer the service to our patients and other dentists. Our CBCT equipment is a dedicated CBCT machine that produces a very sharp 3D scan of your jaw with the minimum possible radiation exposure. We train regularly and audit our processes so that we are able to keep abreast of all the regulations that we comply with.
What is dental cone beam CT?
A CBCT scan, also known as Cone Beam Computerised Tomography, is an X-ray technique that produces 3D images of your skull that allow visualisation of internal bony structures in cross-section rather than as overlapping images typically produced by conventional X-ray exams and is used to produce images that are similar to those produced by conventional CT imaging with a significant reduction in the radiation dosage. Dental cone beam CT was developed as a means of producing high-quality images like a conventional CT, but with a much smaller effective radiation exposure.
An X-ray beam, in the shape of a cone, is moved around the patient to produce a large number of images detected on a flat panel detector. The technology uses a special type of X-ray machine to provide a more detailed visualisation of the jaws and is commonly used in situations where regular dental or facial X-rays are not sufficient, like dental implant planning, TM Joint problems, wisdom teeth location, orthodontic planning, etc. This type of scan uses a digital radiography technology (filmless) to compute and generate three-dimensional (3-D) images of dental structures, sinuses, nerve paths and bone in the craniofacial region in a single scan. Images obtained with cone beam CT allow for more precise treatment planning.
Metal objects, including jewellery, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins, may affect the CT images and should be left at home or removed before your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and dentures. You may be asked to remove any piercings, if possible. You should inform the operator if you have a pacemaker. Pacemakers do not hinder the use of CT.
How does the procedure work?
During a cone beam CT examination, the C-arm or gantry rotates around the head in a complete 360-degree rotation while capturing multiple images from different angles that are reconstructed to create a single 3-D image. The X-ray source and detector are mounted on opposite sides of the revolving C-arm or gantry and rotate in unison. In a single rotation, the detector can generate anywhere between 150 to 200 high-resolution two-dimensional (2-D) images, which are then digitally combined to form a 3-D image that can provide your dentist or oral surgeon with valuable information about your oral and craniofacial health.
How is the procedure performed?
You will be asked to stand still in a particular position (just like a large dental X-ray), and any ‘stents’ or reference devices will be placed in your mouth, which your dentist may have provided. Your dentist or oral surgeon will position you so that the area of interest is centred in the beam. You will be asked to remain very still while the X-ray source and detector revolve around you for a 360-degree rotation or less. This typically can take between 14-16 seconds for a jaw volume capture, either upper or lower jaw.
What will I experience during and after the procedure?
You will not experience any pain during a cone beam CT exam, and you will be able to return to your normal activities once the exam is complete.
Who interprets the results, and how do I get them?
Your referring dentist, oral surgeon or radiologist (referrer) will receive the scan electronically and analyse the images. They may discuss the results with you directly or communicate the results to your referring physician or dentist. We are only the ‘operators’ and will make the scan as requested by the referrer, using the principles of keeping the dose as low as possible and making sure that we are able to produce the most diagnostically acceptable scan to help your referrer plan your treatment.
