Why a 3D CBCT scan matters
What a 3D CBCT scan shows, how it differs from a panoramic X-ray and why it matters for planning dental implants safely.
When we talk about implants or oral surgery, you will often hear us say: "We'll take a 3D scan." Many patients ask why, if the dentist can already see so much on a panoramic X-ray. Here we explain briefly what CBCT is and how it helps us plan safely.
What is CBCT?
CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. The machine rotates around your head, taking a series of images, and a computer combines them into a three-dimensional picture of your jaw and teeth.
The scan itself is straightforward. You stand or sit in the machine, your head is gently supported, and you keep still for a few seconds. You don't lie in a tunnel, and it doesn't hurt.
How is it different from a panoramic X-ray?
A panoramic X-ray gives a single, flattened image of all your teeth. It is very useful as an overview, showing teeth, fillings, roots and the general condition of the bone.
But it is two-dimensional. Structures overlap, and in some areas measurements can be distorted. It won't show, for instance, how wide the jawbone is – only roughly how tall.
A 3D scan lets us look at the bone from every direction, even slice by slice. We can see its height, width and shape.
Why it matters for implant planning
An implant is placed in the bone, so we need to know exactly how much bone there is and what it is like. A 3D scan also shows important structures that must be avoided during the procedure:
- the nerve canal in the lower jaw, which supplies feeling to the lip and chin;
- the maxillary sinus above the upper jaw;
- the roots of neighbouring teeth.
With this information, the surgeon can plan in advance where the implant should go, at what angle and what size. The procedure becomes more predictable, with less room for surprises.
The scan also reveals if there isn't enough bone. In that case we discuss before treatment whether bone grafting or a sinus lift is needed and how it fits into your treatment plan.
When else can it help?
A 3D scan isn't only useful for implants. Your dentist may also recommend one, for example:
- before removing a wisdom tooth that lies close to the nerve;
- for more complex root canal treatment, where the canals take an unusual course;
- to judge the exact position of an infection or other change in the bone.
Whether you need one is always your dentist's decision, based on your examination.
What about radiation?
CBCT uses X-rays. For dental purposes it generally involves a lower dose than a conventional medical CT scan, but we still only take a scan when it is genuinely needed for your treatment.
If you are, or might be, pregnant, please always tell us before any X-ray. If you already have recent scans or X-rays, bring them along or send them in advance – they may be helpful, and we will check whether they can be used.
How to prepare
No special preparation is needed. Before the scan, please remove metal jewellery, hair clips, glasses, hearing aids and any removable denture, as these can affect the image.
It is important to keep still for the few seconds the scan takes. If that is difficult for you – because of a tremor or a stiff neck, for example – let us know beforehand and we will help you get comfortable.
On site, at the practice
At our practice we take 3D CBCT scans and panoramic X-rays on site with a NewTom GIANO HR machine. You don't need to go elsewhere, and the dentist can talk you through what the images show at the same visit.
We are happy to show you the images on screen. Many patients find it reassuring to see the situation for themselves and to understand why we recommend a particular treatment.
Questions about the scan?
If you are considering an implant or oral surgery, request a consultation. After the examination you receive a written, itemised treatment plan.
Read more: Dental implants · Oral surgery · Our practice
