Our Specialist Equipment

Cone Beam CT ( CBCT ) stands for “cone beam computed tomography” which is a faster and more modern version of computed tomography (CT) imaging. Let’s first understand what CT scanning is.

Computed tomography (CT) imaging, is also referred to as a computed axial tomography or the more widely recognised “CAT” scan. This uses rotating x-ray equipment, combined with a computer, for imaging the body. This technique can produce cross sectional images of body organs and tissues which is ideal for clinicians who need to identify internal structures. CT imaging has the unique ability to differentiate between different types of tissue including detail of soft tissue, bone, muscle and blood vessels. When compared to CT imaging, other techniques are much more limited in the type and clarity of images they can provide.

When considering an x-ray of the head, using basic x-ray techniques, the bone structures of the skull can be viewed. With magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood vessels and soft tissue can be viewed, but not of bony structures whereas x-ray angiography can show the blood vessels of the head, but not soft tissue. However, CT imaging of the head provides detail of soft tissues, bones and blood vessels – a distinct advantage over other imaging techniques.

CBCT is a modern, compact, faster and safer version of traditional CT. The CBCT device uses a cone shaped X-ray beam which results in a physically smaller scanner, lower radiation dosage and significantly less time needed for scanning. New CBCT scanners easily fit into any dental practice for ease of access by the patient and clinician. Scan times with modern CBCT are typically less than a minute and the radiation dose is up to a hundred times lower than that of a traditional CT scanner.

Compared to x-ray which produces 2-D images, CBCT produces 3-D images which are far more revealing, detailed and hence more useful to the clinician.

Most of the CBCT scanners are square and often pedestal mounted.

You will stand or sit upright while a C-shaped arm rotates around your head. Within the arm there is an X-ray source and detector (X-ray receiver), which makes one complete 360° rotation for each scan.

While the arm is rotating, it is capturing multiple images of your head from different angles. These images are then reconstructed to create a 3D image of your internal anatomy.

It allows him to:

• Visualise internal anatomy that can not be diagnosed externally
• Plan treatment and surgery
• Prepare necessary aids
• Assess risk
• Analyse the position and orientation of critical structures, like nerves, teeth roots, previous implants, the sinus and nose

No, the CBCT scan process is completely painless.

Yes it is accessible

• Oral surgery
• Implant planning (to learn more about implants)
• Orthodontic planning & implant anchorage
• TMJ analysis
• Airway study (sleep apnea)
• Jaw tumors
• Impacted teeth
• Periodontal diseases
• Endodontic anomalies

A Cone Beam Scan starts from £150.