CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CBCT)

CBCT

Some technologies improve surgical care so much over “traditional” methods that it makes it really hard for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to justify not adopting them. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scanning is one of those technologies that assists surgical professionals in diagnosing and treating a variety of ailments with unprecedented accuracy and confidence.

Maxillo 3 Lacs clinic is pleased to be sharing the benefits of this technology with the patients of the Vaudreuil-Dorion community. In addition to having state-of-the-art conventional ‘2D’ digital X-Ray imaging, the M3L clinic is also particularly proud of our extensive 3D imaging capabilities. We use this technology routinely to the greatest benefit of our patients by improving our ability to diagnose and treat our patients through 3D imaging.

Being able to accurately visualize teeth structures, jaw anatomy and face details facilitates the diagnosis of a myriad of problems and makes subsequent treatments more predictable and less invasive. Cone beam CT also helps tremendously in the management of patients requiring complex surgical procedures, as it streamlines implant surgery, root canal treatment, crown and bridgework into straightforward and predictable procedures.

What is Dental CBCT?

Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a special type of x-ray machine used when regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. It is able to create three-dimensional images of teeth structures and bones of the craniofacial region in a single scan.

A medical (CT) scan uses a mixture of x-rays and computers to create ‘slices’ of the body without the need for invasive surgery, taking multiple images of internal organs, bones and soft tissues. Dental CBCT uses CT technology to take 3D images of the patient from the neck up. With cone beam CT, an x-ray beam in the shape of a cone is moved around the patient to produce a large number of high-quality images that will be used by Dr. El-Hakim, Dr. Makhoul or Dr. Gigliotti to evaluate the jaw, dentition, bony structures of the face, nasal cavity and sinuses.

The procedure for a dental CBCT is extremely simple and starts by removing all jewellery to avoid distorting the results and the quality of the images. The patient is then asked to sit, or stand, depending on the type of scanner being used and to bite down gently on a plastic mouthpiece to ensure their head and jaw remain still while the scanner rotates around the head.

Please remember to tell our team if you are pregnant or suspect that you might be pregnant.

Don’t worry if you forget, as a member of the M3L surgical team will take the time to ask you all these important questions prior to your scan. After the scan, you will be able to resume your normal activities immediately and drive home directly. The results of the scan will be sent to your doctor or you may be asked to pick them up and deliver them yourself to your dentist.

If you want more information about x-rays and the state-of-the-art technology we use in our clinic, please don’t hesitate to call us today at (514) 395-9896 or to contact us using our online form.