In the cases where digital X-rays aren’t enough, or to help plan more accurate procedures, cone-beam CT (CBCT) scanning gives dentists a more detailed image of the bone, soft tissue, blood vessels, teeth, and nerve endings in a single scan. Hanbit Chi, DDS, and Sarah Park, DDS, of Alki Dental, serving Seattle, Washington, and the surrounding areas, offer CBCT scanning to help them accurately treat and diagnose dental issues. If you think you might benefit from a CBCT scan, call the West Seattle office or book your appointment online today to learn more.
Dental cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans are a type of X-ray that uses computed tomography (CT) to combine a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around the head to create detailed 3-D images that can be broken up into “slices,” and used to view detailed images of your bones, teeth, blood vessels, soft tissue, and gums in a single scan.
The device creates an X-ray beam in the shape of a cone that takes hundreds of images while rotating around your head. The images are compiled together in one 3-D image that can be investigated in great detail.
Unlike digital X-rays that produce a few 2-D images, cone-beam CT scans produce one high-resolution, detailed 3-D image that can be viewed in segments. The images made with cone-beam CT scans are more detailed and precise, allowing your dentist to investigate and diagnose issues better.
Cone-beam CT scans are used when digital X-rays are not enough. Traditionally, cone-beam CT scans help plan surgeries for impacted teeth, reconstructive surgery, or help create accurate placement of dental implants.
Cone-beam CT scans help with:
If you feel you could benefit from a cone-beam CT scan, call or book your appointment online today.
During the procedure, the arm of the machine will rotate 360 degrees around your head while you remain still and stationary. The X-ray source and detector are mounted on opposite sides of the arm taking hundreds of detailed 2-D images and compiling them into one 3-D image to help your dentist accurately diagnose any underlying issues.
The process takes less than a minute, is noninvasive, and is pain-free. You can return to normal activities immediately after the exam is complete.
You can call Alki Dental or reach out online today to schedule an appointment with the team.