Cone Beam Scanning
Richardson, TX
 A relatively recent innovation in the dental industry, cone beam imaging allows us to see clear, detailed 3D pictures of your teeth, bone, and surrounding soft tissues. Today, we at Dr. Xixi Wu will answer some of the most common questions about how this remarkable equipment is used, how it differs from other X-ray technology, and explore its costs vs. benefits.
If you or a loved one believe you may need a cone beam scan X-ray and have any questions that are not answered below or wish to set up an appointment, please call us today at (972) 669-9444.
Why Is It Called Cone Beam Scanning?
The name "cone beam" comes from the X-ray literally being cone-shaped, whereas standard CT scans have fan-shaped X-ray beams.
What Makes Cone Beam Scanning Useful?
This form of imaging can be significantly more useful than traditional 2D X-rays for the following reasons:
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It can take nearly 600 “slices” of data about your mouth, after which specialized software lets us assemble every part into a 3D image. This type of picture can be freely moved around to examine your teeth, bone structures, and soft tissue from every angle.
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We can get a more detailed view of exactly how close a wisdom tooth is to the nerves and arteries in your jaw.
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We can judge how much or little bone you have to support a dental implant.
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More accurate positioning of dental implants.
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Evaluating whether a root canal is the appropriate treatment option for a patient.
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Preparing for an extraction, especially in cases where your tooth is impacted.
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Sinus examination.
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Sleep apnea.
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Oral fractures.
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Having more resources to solve previously undiagnosable pain, discomfort, or other issues.
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Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems. |
How Do I Prepare For Cone Beam Scanning?
This examination requires no special preparations of any kind. Patients may simply be asked before the scan to remove anything that could interfere with the imaging (glasses, hairpins, hearing aids, jewelry, other metal objects). Depending on the case, any removable dental work or prosthesis you’ve had may also need to be removed. This is to ensure we get the best picture possible from the collected information. However, it is generally recommended to bring these to your examination anyway, as we may need to have a look at them too. As with all X-rays, women should always inform us beforehand of any possibility (however remote) that they are pregnant.
How Is The Procedure Done?
We will have you sit in the exam chair or lie down on the exam table, depending on which type of cone beam scanner is used. Dr. Wu will position you so that the area being scanned is centered on the beam. We will ask that you remain very still while the machine does all the work, mounted on opposite sides, and rotating 360 degrees around your head to capture multiple images from every angle. This process typically takes between 20-40 seconds for a full mouth X-ray. Upon completion, these pictures are reconstructed to form one full 3D image.
Is Cone Beam Scanning Painful?
No, you will experience no pain or discomfort during the examination and may return to your everyday routine once the procedure is finished.
What Are The Benefits?
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The focused X-ray beam reduces scatter radiation, providing superior image quality.
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More precise treatment planning.
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Accuracy is maintained without being invasive.
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Hard and soft tissues can both be scanned at the same time.
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No radiation remains in your body after the examination is complete.
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No immediate side-effects. |
What Are The Risks?
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As is always the case with X-rays, there is a slight risk of cancer from radiation exposure. However, the chances of this are minute at best.
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Because children are more sensitive to radiation, we recommend getting them an X-ray exam only when crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Even then, all scans on children should be done with a low-dose technique. Exams should be repeated only when necessary. |
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