At the office of Fay Hu General Dentistry, we invest in imaging tools that let us see the full picture of your oral health. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) gives our team three-dimensional views of teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures that standard two-dimensional x-rays cannot provide. These high-resolution images help us diagnose issues earlier, plan treatments more precisely, and communicate options clearly with patients.
While advanced, CBCT is straightforward for patients: a quick scan in the operatory produces the data clinicians need without lengthy procedures. The technology complements—not replaces—traditional exams and periapical films, giving clinicians a richer dataset for complex cases while keeping routine care comfortable and efficient.
Traditional dental x-rays are excellent for many uses, but they compress three-dimensional anatomy into a flat image. CBCT resolves that limitation by capturing volumetric information in a single rotational scan. This allows clinicians to evaluate bone quality, root morphology, and the spatial relationship between teeth and critical structures like nerves and sinuses with far greater confidence.
One of the most immediate benefits is the ability to detect problems that might be missed or only suspected on 2-D films—small root fractures, complex root canal anatomy, or localized bone defects become visible in three dimensions. That clarity helps clinicians develop a targeted care plan and reduces uncertainty when deciding between treatment options.
Because CBCT data can be viewed in multiple planes and reconstructed into cross-sectional slices, our team can measure distances and angles directly from the images. Those measurements are invaluable when precise positioning is necessary, such as when assessing bone availability for an implant or evaluating the extent of pathology.
CBCT has become a cornerstone of modern implant treatment planning. The scan reveals the exact volume of available bone, the orientation of adjacent teeth, and the proximity of vital anatomy like the inferior alveolar nerve and maxillary sinus. With this information we can determine whether bone grafting is needed, select the appropriate implant size, and choose the safest surgical approach.
Using CBCT data alongside digital planning software allows for the creation of surgical guides and templates that translate planning into predictable placement. Those guides support more accurate implant angulation and depth, which can shorten surgery time and improve prosthetic outcomes by optimizing implant position for final restorations.
Beyond implants, CBCT aids oral and maxillofacial procedures such as impacted tooth extractions, evaluation of cysts or tumors, and assessment of traumatic injuries. The ability to anticipate anatomic challenges before entering the operatory increases safety and helps the clinical team prepare the appropriate instruments and techniques.
CBCT is useful across multiple dental disciplines, not just surgery. In endodontics, three-dimensional imaging reveals canal configurations, missed canals, and periapical pathology that can guide retreatment decisions. For orthodontics, CBCT offers detailed views of skeletal relationships and airway dimensions to inform comprehensive treatment planning.
Periodontal specialists benefit from CBCT when assessing bone defects, furcation involvement, and the extent of osseous disease. In restorative dentistry, CBCT can support crown and bridge planning by confirming the relationship of planned restorations to underlying root and bone anatomy, helping preserve both function and esthetics.
For patients with temporomandibular joint concerns or suspected pathology, CBCT helps evaluate joint anatomy, bony changes, and condylar position in three dimensions—information that complements clinical findings and guides appropriate referrals or conservative management strategies.
Modern dental CBCT units are designed with dose optimization in mind. Unlike hospital-grade medical CT scanners, dental CBCT uses a lower radiation output and often a smaller field of view tailored to the area of interest. This targeted approach reduces exposure while still providing clinically useful images for diagnosis and planning.
When recommending a CBCT scan, our team follows the principle of justification: we only use three-dimensional imaging when it produces information that will influence care. We also select the smallest field size and lowest exposure settings appropriate for the diagnostic task, balancing image quality with patient safety.
Patient comfort is also a priority. Scans are typically brief—often under a minute of actual exposure—and conducted with simple positioning aids so patients can remain relaxed. Our clinical team explains the process in plain language and monitors each step, ensuring the experience is as quick and reassuring as possible.
One of CBCT’s strengths is how well it integrates with other digital tools. The 3-D data can be exported to planning platforms, merged with intraoral scans, and used to design surgical guides or restorations. This digital workflow streamlines case coordination between clinicians and labs, reduces manual measurements, and supports predictable, efficient treatment timelines.
Interpreting CBCT images requires training and experience. Our clinicians review scans in context with your clinical exam, medical history, and treatment goals to ensure conclusions are accurate and actionable. When appropriate, we collaborate with specialists—such as oral surgeons or radiologists—to provide a multidisciplinary perspective on complex findings.
Because CBCT files are digital and sharable, they also support continuity of care. When referrals are needed, the imaging information travels with the patient, helping receiving providers make informed decisions quickly and reducing the need for repeat scans.
In summary, cone-beam computed tomography is a powerful diagnostic tool that enhances accuracy, improves treatment planning, and supports safer, more predictable dental care. When used thoughtfully, CBCT helps clinicians tailor interventions to each patient’s unique anatomy and treatment goals. If you’d like to learn more about how CBCT may benefit your care at Fay Hu General Dentistry, please contact us for more information.
Cone-beam computed tomography, commonly called CBCT, is a 3D imaging technology that captures detailed volumetric views of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding facial structures. Unlike conventional two-dimensional X-rays, CBCT produces cross-sectional images that allow clinicians to visualize depth, bone quality, and the spatial relationship of anatomical features in three dimensions. This added perspective helps clinicians detect issues that may be hidden or ambiguous on standard films, such as complex root anatomy or the proximity of nerves to planned implant sites.
CBCT units used in modern dental practices are designed specifically for maxillofacial imaging, offering targeted scans with higher spatial resolution for dental structures. The result is distortion-free data that supports more precise diagnosis and treatment planning across many specialties of dentistry. At Fay Hu General Dentistry, we integrate CBCT data into our digital workflow to improve accuracy and predictability for patient care.
CBCT is especially valuable for implant dentistry, endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, and evaluation of impacted teeth. For implants, CBCT reveals bone height, width, and density as well as the location of vital structures like the inferior alveolar nerve and maxillary sinuses, which are essential for safe and precise placement. In endodontics, three-dimensional imaging can uncover hidden canals, root fractures, and periapical pathology that may not appear on two-dimensional films.
Beyond those applications, CBCT supports airway assessment, TMJ evaluation, and detection of cysts, tumors, or other maxillofacial pathologies when clinically indicated. The technology provides clinicians with comprehensive anatomical information to guide conservative, evidence-based treatment decisions. Its versatility makes it a critical tool whenever complex anatomy or surgical planning is involved.
A CBCT scan is a quick outpatient procedure that typically takes less than a minute of active scanning time, although total appointment time may be slightly longer for positioning and setup. The patient either sits or stands while a cone-shaped X-ray beam rotates around the head, capturing multiple images that are reconstructed into a three-dimensional volume. The process is noninvasive and does not require intravenous contrast or injections.
Patients are asked to remain still and may be given a bite block or head supports to reduce motion artifact and optimize image quality. The machine is open and more comfortable than conventional medical CT scanners, which reduces feelings of claustrophobia for most individuals. After the scan, the images are processed and reviewed by the dentist to determine the next steps in diagnosis or treatment planning.
CBCT employs ionizing radiation, so its use is guided by the principle of ALARA — as low as reasonably achievable — to ensure patient safety. Compared with medical-grade CT scans, dental CBCT systems typically use a lower radiation dose because they are designed to image a small, targeted area rather than the entire head or body. The specific dose depends on the field of view, resolution settings, and the device used, and clinicians choose protocols that balance diagnostic benefit with dose minimization.
Before ordering a CBCT scan, the dentist evaluates whether the image will provide information that affects diagnosis or treatment, and protective measures such as lead aprons are used when appropriate. Pregnant patients should inform the office so the need for imaging can be carefully reviewed and alternatives considered. Overall, when used judiciously and with optimized settings, CBCT is a safe and invaluable diagnostic tool in modern dentistry.
The dentist who ordered the CBCT typically reviews and interprets the images within the context of the patient's clinical exam and history. For complex cases or when specialized expertise is required, images may be reviewed in consultation with an oral and maxillofacial radiologist, oral surgeon, or other dental specialists. Interpretation includes assessment of bone anatomy, identification of pathology, and evaluation of anatomic relationships that are critical for planning procedures like implants or extractions.
CBCT data can be integrated into digital planning software to simulate treatments, design surgical guides, and coordinate multidisciplinary care. This digital workflow improves precision, helps anticipate potential complications, and enables clear communication among the dental team and with the patient. Accurate image interpretation is essential to translate CBCT findings into safe, effective treatment plans.
While CBCT is broadly useful, it is not appropriate for every situation and should be used only when the expected diagnostic benefit outweighs the radiation exposure. Absolute contraindications are rare, but clinicians exercise caution for pregnant patients and recommend imaging only when essential. Patients who are unable to remain still may produce motion artifacts that degrade image quality, so alternative diagnostics or motion-reduction strategies may be considered.
Other precautions include limiting the field of view and resolution to what is clinically necessary to reduce dose, and reviewing prior imaging to avoid unnecessary repeat scans. Any metal appliances, such as braces or removable prosthetics, should be managed according to the clinician’s instructions because metal can produce artifacts in the images. The dental team will assess risks and tailor the approach to each patient’s circumstances.
CBCT provides three-dimensional information about bone volume, density, and the spatial relationship of anatomical landmarks, which are essential for safe implant placement. With these data, clinicians can determine the optimal implant size, position, and angulation while avoiding critical structures such as nerves and sinus cavities. This level of planning reduces intraoperative surprises and supports more predictable surgical outcomes.
Digital implant planning using CBCT can be combined with surgical guide fabrication to transfer the virtual plan accurately to the operative field, improving precision for implant placement. The result is more efficient surgeries, better prosthetic alignment, and a lower risk of complications. Careful use of CBCT contributes to long-term implant stability and overall patient satisfaction with restorative results.
Yes, CBCT can be a valuable adjunct for evaluating TMJ anatomy, airway space, and various maxillofacial pathologies when clinically indicated. For TMJ assessment, CBCT reveals bony structures and joint relationships, which can aid in diagnosing degenerative changes or structural abnormalities. For airway evaluation, three-dimensional views help clinicians assess airway volume and identify potential obstructions that may contribute to sleep-disordered breathing.
CBCT is also useful for detecting cysts, tumors, impacted teeth, and other lesions in the jaws, but it does not replace clinical examination or other modalities when soft tissue detail is required. If a suspicious finding is noted, the dentist may recommend further evaluation or referral to a specialist for definitive diagnosis and management. CBCT provides important anatomical context that guides appropriate next steps.
Preparation for a CBCT scan is typically minimal and straightforward, and your dental team will give specific instructions before the appointment. You may be asked to remove jewelry, glasses, hairpins, or removable dental appliances that could interfere with imaging. If you wear hearing aids or other head-worn devices, let the staff know so those items can be managed for an optimal scan.
If you have concerns about claustrophobia or the ability to remain still, inform the team in advance so accommodations can be arranged to improve comfort and image quality. Pregnant patients should notify the office so the clinician can assess the necessity of the scan. Otherwise, most patients can proceed without any special preparation and complete the appointment quickly.
CBCT images are part of the patient’s protected health information and are stored and managed according to applicable privacy and security standards. Digital imaging files are maintained in secure systems with controlled access so only authorized members of the dental team and consulting specialists can view them. The practice follows established protocols for retention, transfer, and secure sharing of images when coordinating care with other providers.
Patients may request copies of their images or have them forwarded to other clinicians as needed for continuity of care, and the practice documents such requests in the patient record. Fay Hu General Dentistry prioritizes confidentiality and uses industry-standard safeguards to ensure that imaging data are handled responsibly and in compliance with privacy regulations.
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