What is the Difference Between a Traditional CT and Cone Beam CT?
3D Imaging can be very helpful to dentists, and is becoming more common, especially for dental implant work. A traditional CT can provide detailed images of your teeth and jawbones, but Cone Beam CT provides even more detailed views and uses less X-ray radiation, making it not only more useful for the dentist, but safer for the patient.
CT Scans and How They Work
A CT scan, also known as a CAT scan, is a special kind of X-ray that takes multiple views in cross-section. It provides a close-up look at many types of body tissues, including internal organs, muscles and blood vessels as well as bone. This type of imaging is very important in diagnosis of problems such as cancer, certain muscle or skeletal problems, and vascular diseases.
A CT scanner takes images from multiple angles, usually by rotating the X-ray around the patient. The multiple views are then analyzed with a computer to produce detailed, two-dimensional views of the body in “slices,” allowing doctors to look at very specific areas for analysis and diagnosis. This kind of imaging can be useful to a dentist who is preparing a patient for implant procedures, because it provides a close look at the internal structures of the tissue and bone in the mouth.
How Cone Beam CT is Different
Cone Beam CT (CBCT) uses a slightly different type of X-ray that produces even more detailed images. The beam of X-ray light used in CBCT is cone-shaped. This allows for highly detailed pictures using a smaller X-ray machine and lower doses of X-ray radiation. In addition, the amount of time needed to take the images is greatly reduced.
Using CBCT instead of traditional CT 3D imaging provides even more information and detail to your dentist. At the same time, it exposes you to much less radiation and doesn’t require the longer periods of time demanded by a CT scan. With this high-quality imaging, our dentist can provide the best possible care with reduced risk and inconvenience to you as the patient.
For more information about 3D Imaging, contact our office today.