What is a CAT scan?
In layman's terms, is a compact, faster and safer version of the regular CT. Through the use of a cone shaped X-Ray beam, the size of the scanner, radiation dosage and time needed for scanning are all dramatically reduced.
A typical CBCT scanner can fit easily into any dental practice and is easily accessible by patients. The time needed for a full scan is typically under one minute and the radiation dosage is up to a hundred times less than that of a regular CT scanner.
What are the Cone Beam scanners used for?
- Oral surgery
- Implant planning (learn more about implants)
- Orthodontic planning & implant anchorage
- Cephalometric analysis
- TMJ analysis
- Airway study (sleep apnea)
- Jaw tumors
- Impacted teeth
- Periodontal diseases
- Endodontic anomalies
What does the CBCT equipment look like?
Most of the CBCT scanners are square like machines with a chair. You will sit upright while a C-arm rotates around your head.Within the arm there is an X-ray source and detector (X-ray receiver),which will make 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. Some of the CBCT scanners have you lay down on a table that can move up or down, and slide into and out of the center of a hole, while a gantry makes the 360° rotation.
How does the CT scan help Dr. Gonzales and his team?
It allows him/her to:
- Visualize internal anatomy that can not be diagnosed externally
- Plan treatment and surgery
- Prepare necessary aids
- Assess risk
- Analyze the position and orientation of critical structures, like nerves, teeth roots, previous implants, the sinus and nose
Is it painful?
No, the CBCT scan process is completely painless.
Is it handicap-accessible?
The iCAT scanner from Imaging Sciences International is handicap Accessible
How much does a scan Cost?
Cone Beam scans cost between $250-$600 depending on locality. Locate one for me.
Why a CBCT scanner rather than a regular Medical CT scanner?
- X-Ray Radiation exposure to the patient is up 10 times less than a regular CT scanner.
- Much faster scan time. Scan on a CBCT takes between 10-40 sec, while on a regular CT scanner it takes a few minutes.
- Cheaper, average price of a CBCT scan could be up to 50% less than a regular MDCT scan.
What are the benefits versus risks?
Benefits
- Unlike regular x-rays CT scans can discriminate between many types of tissue including bone, teeth, nerves and soft tissue.
- CT scans are noninvasive, and can eliminate the need for exploratory surgery in some cases.
- CT can identify the effects of conditions such as infection and tumors.
- A cost effective tool for imaging a wide range of clinical problems.
Risks
As with all imaging modalities that use ionizing radiation, the use of CBCT does involve a consideration of risk to the patient. However, it has the benefit of providing useful information needed to assist in making a diagnosis and/or in facilitating treatment. When your doctor refers you for an x-ray examination, he has made the determination that the benefit outweighs the risk. Of course, it is ultimately up to you to decide whether to undergo the examination.Bear in mind that the risk of most x-ray examinations are much less than other risks we commonly accept in daily life.
How should I prepare for the scan?
No special preparation is needed for a CBCT scan of the head. You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your CBCT exam. Anything that might interfere with imaging such as earrings, necklaces,piercing, hairpins or eyeglasses should be removed. The x-ray technician may ask you to also remove dentures or other appliances, but it is advisable to bring these along to the appointment as the technician may on occasion want to use them.
