CBCT 3D Scanner
Cone Beam technology provides a 3D digital tomographic view of the patient’s area of interest. While a traditional x-ray is only two-dimensional, Cone Beam systems offer a full 360 degree view of the tooth and all surrounding areas. The 3D Cone Beam scanner provides nearly limitless views of the teeth while using less radiation than traditional medical CT technology. This new technology is fast, simple and painless, providing many wonderful benefits that were unavailable only a few years ago.
What is the difference in a panoramic X-ray and a cone beam CT X-ray scan?
At TMJ Plus Wellness Center, our goal is to provide our patients with the best possible treatment options in a cost-effective manner. While the cone beam CBCT films are more expensive than traditional Panoramic x-rays, they also provide a much larger and more detailed assessment of the scanned area. While a panoramic x-ray may help illuminate some patients' areas of concern, those patients may also benefit from the more detailed information that a CBCT scan can provide.
TMJ Plus Wellness Center has made an investment in providing the convenience and safety of digital cone beam imaging onsite in our office. The images are obtained within a matter of minutes and can be transferred into bundled treatment planning software or other software at minimal costs. While we understand that these issues may sound somewhat complicated, we do feel it is important for those patients who have questions related to their unique imaging needs be aware of the issues involved in the decision making process. Please do not hesitate to discuss your individual situation with us.
What do I do if I already have an x-ray from another office?
In order for Dr. Coats to accurately diagnose your concerns, she will probably need to obtain one or more x-rays of your jaw, including your teeth, facial bones and the surrounding soft tissues either to assist her in evaluating your condition or as part of treatment or follow-up. While your referring dentist's imaging can be an integral part of your treatment plan, the quality or orientation of these films can be inadequate as a diagnostic tool. Dr. Coats will typically need recent CBCT cone beam images to accurately diagnose and treat your symptoms.
Does dental insurance that covers a cone beam CT exist?
In the past, dental insurance did not cover CBCT scans, but insurance companies are quickly evolving to provide coverage for cone beam CT scans. That said, the average patient's total dental benefits/coverage for an entire year is only $1000.00-$2000.00 and the cost of a CBCT scan (approximately $350) can deplete those benefits. Please contact your dental insurance company to see if your policy covers CBCT scans.
How much radiation is on a cone beam CT Scan?
A cone-beam CT is a low-dose scan that allows Dr. Coats to evaluate the anatomy of your jaws in all three planes and can be a useful tool for many dental problems. If you are planning on getting an implant placed, it is considered the standard of care by the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. The amount of radiation each patient receives during a cone-beam CT of the jaws will vary depending on several factors: the patient's size, image resolution, and the location and size of the are of interest. The radiation dose that patients are exposed to during a CBCT scan is only slightly higher than the dose obtained when receiving a panoramic x-ray. While the amount of radiation received during a CBCT scan is minimal in comparison to what we receive being alive on the earth, we still are very careful to always follow the principles of ALARA (as low as reasonably possible) when deciding which films a patient needs.