A cone beam CT (CBCT) is a compact version of a regular multi-slice CT specifically designed to provide high-resolution distortion-free 3D images of the teeth, jaw and surrounding anatomy. While health professionals have long relied on two-dimensional (2D) imaging provided by standard 2D OPG examinations, a 3D CBCT can provide additional information about the dentition and surrounding structures, allowing the doctor to better diagnose and evaluate the extent of dental abnormalities.

CBCT is increasingly being used by dental and maxillofacial surgeons to evaluate their patient’s anatomy with a 3D perspective. These indications include:

Location of anatomical structures – mandibular canal, maxillary sinus, submandibular fossa

Evaluation of the jaw for implant planning and for previously placed implants

Evaluation of abnormalities in or affecting the bones – infections, cysts, tumours

Evaluate extent of alveolar ridge resorption

Impacted teeth

Evaluation of bone structure and tooth orientation

Alveolar fractures

Assessment of the mandibular nerve prior to the removal of impacted teeth

TMJ analysis

Jaw lesions/tumours – relationships to other anatomical structures, expansion, erosions etc.

Cephalometric analysis

Oral surgery

Endodontics/root canal

Sleep apnea – imaging the soft tissues of the mouth, nose and throat

Cleft palate

Periodontal diseases

Orthodontic planning

If you are, or may be, pregnant

Please bring your referral, Medicare and Pension Health Care Cards with any previous imaging relating to the region being scanned.

You may be required to remove your jewellery from the head and neck region.

You will need to be standing to have a Cone Beam CT. Your chin will be placed on a chin rest and you will be given a bite piece to hold in your mouth. There are handles that you will need to hold on to - this will help ensure you stay absolutely still while the scan takes place.

A Cone Beam CT takes less than a minute.

There are no restrictions after having a Cone Beam CT.

After your examination, you will be given a copy of the most pertinent images from your study. A report will be given to you with the images, or sent directly back to your referring doctor by fax or email. PRP will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.

Please bring any previous imaging with you for comparison.

It is important that you return to your doctor with your examination results. Whether they are normal or abnormal, your doctor needs to know promptly so that a management plan can be formulated.