PRP's Cone Beam CT Service Information

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

Please advise us beforehand

If you are, or may be pregnant

Preparation

No preparation

What happens during the procedure

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.

How long does it take?

A Cone Beam CT takes less than a minute.

After your examination

There are no restrictions after having a Cone Beam CT.

Your images and report

After your examination, the most pertinent images from your study will be available on the myPRP patient portal. A report, along with the images will be sent directly to your referring doctor. PRP will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.

Please bring any previous X-rays with you.

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.