Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

Advanced CBCT Scan Technology at Elite Care Dental, Covina & Long Beach

 
 
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What is CBCT?

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), also known as Cone Beam CT or Cone Beam Volume CT, is an advanced medical imaging technique used by Elite Care Dental. CBCT scans a cone-shaped area, producing detailed and versatile imaging results.  

We utilize CBCT in situations where regular dental or facial X-rays do not provide enough imaging detail. Using this technology, we can produce three-dimensional images of your teeth, jaw, soft tissue and nerve pathways. The information from CBCT images helps us to provide you the exact treatment you need. 

Using CBCT imagery, we can identify diseases in teeth, the jaw, nasal cavities, sinuses and facial structure. Unlike conventional CT scans, CBCT images are suitable for the detailed evaluation of soft tissue structures, like nerves, glands, muscles and lymph nodes. CBCT produces lower radiation levels compared to traditional CT, while providing imagery that enables us to make the best decisions about your dental care. 

 
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How Do We Use CBCT?

We use CBCT to help us plan the treatment of orthodontic issues., as well as for more complex treatments, like: 

  • planning dental surgery for impacted teeth 

  • determining the best location for dental implants 

  • assessing the health of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals and nasal cavity 

  • evaluating bone structure and tooth orientation 

  • finding the origin of pain or pathology, and 

  • preparing for reconstructive surgery 

 
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Benefits and Risks

Benefits

  • The focus of the X-ray beam lowers scatter radiation, producing higher-quality images. 

  • One CBCT scan produces multiple images from several angles, which we can manipulate to provide a better analysis 

  • CBCT scans produce more information than conventional dental x-rays, helping us plan more focused treatment 

  • CBCT scans are painless, non-invasive and precise 

  • With CBCT, we can scan bone and soft tissue simultaneously 

  • Radiation does not remain in a patient's body after a CBCT scan 

  • X-rays used in CBCT scans should not produce immediate side effects 

Risks

  • While prolonged radiation exposure can be problematic, the benefits of a correct diagnosis far outweigh this risk 

  • Children are more sensitive to radiation, so we recommend a CBCT exam only if it is essential to providing an accurate diagnosis. For the same reason, we use low-dose scanning methods and avoid repeat CBCT scans unless there is no alternative