From tracking weight loss to staying up-to-date on your favorite television show, technology makes everything easier. And when it comes to your oral health, visiting a dentist who makes use of the latest tools and advanced technology is even more vital: it can mean all the difference in your overall wellbeing. The cone beam CT scanner is one example of the kind of technology you want your dentist to use. Keep reading to learn more about what it is and how it works.
What Is the Cone Beam CT Scanner?
Digital cone beam computed tomography (CT) is a type of x-ray that can show your dentist far more than a traditional dental or facial x-ray. Rather than a flat black-and-white image, the cone beam CT scanner can produce three-dimensional images of your teeth, neural pathways, soft tissues, and jaw bone in just one scan.
Benefits of the Cone Beam CT Scanner
If your dentist recommends a cone beam CT scan, there are a number of advantages both for them and for you. Some of the most significant benefits include the following:
- More precise treatment planning for a variety of procedures, from dental implants to preparing for orthodontic treatment
- Rather than having to take multiple scans, the cone beam CT scanner produces a high-quality comprehensive image from a single scan
- The cone beam CT scanner produces less radiation than a conventional CT scan and can be housed right here in the dentist’s office
How to Prepare for a Cone Beam CT Scan
You probably do not need to do anything special to have a cone beam CT scan taken. Let your dentist know if you could be pregnant before any type of x-ray is taken. Your dentist will tell you if special precautions are necessary for your particular case. In general, you should wear comfortable clothing, avoid wearing large jewelry, and be prepared to remove your glasses or hearing aids if you wear them.
To begin the scan, you will stand comfortably and place your chin in a precise area so the arm can move around your head and face. As the scanner moves, it is capturing information that will be transformed into a single composite image to help your dentist plan your treatment. A single scan can usually be captured in 20 to 40 seconds.
Questions?
If you have questions about the cone beam CT scanner or any other piece of technology, do not hesitate to ask your dentist. Armed with the latest tools and techniques and all the information you need to know, you can feel confident that you are receiving the best dental care possible — for a smile that lasts a lifetime.
Meet the Practice
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is a general dentist with decades of experience in the field. A 1984 graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill, Dr. Kennington offers excellent dental care for patients of all ages. To learn more about the technologies he uses to keep smiles healthy or to book a visit, contact the office by phone: (360) 703-9092.