Cone Beam CT (CBCT)

How CBCT Differs from a Standard Dental X-Ray

Standard dental X-rays — including the small films placed inside the mouth (periapical X-rays) and the panoramic image taken from outside (OPG) — are two-dimensional. They are highly useful for routine diagnosis, but they produce a flat image that overlaps structures and cannot show depth.

A CBCT scan produces a three-dimensional model of the same area. The treating specialist can rotate, zoom, and examine individual cross-sections of the anatomy from any angle — including views that would be impossible to obtain from any conventional X-ray.

CBCT also uses a lower radiation dose than a medical CT scan (the type used in hospitals for the rest of the body), making it appropriate for dental and maxillofacial use.

What CBCT Is Used For

CBCT is used across several dental specialties when a standard X-ray does not provide sufficient detail for accurate diagnosis or treatment planning.

• Dental Implants

  Before placing a dental implant, a CBCT scan allows the specialist to assess the exact volume, density, and shape of the available bone — and to identify the precise location of nerves and adjacent structures. This is a critical step in planning implant placement safely and accurately.

• Orthodontics

  In complex orthodontic cases, a CBCT scan provides a three-dimensional view of tooth positions, root angulations, jaw relationships, and airway anatomy. This supports more precise treatment planning — particularly for cases involving jaw surgery or impacted teeth.

• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

  Before procedures such as impacted tooth extraction or orthognathic jaw surgery, CBCT imaging gives the surgeon a detailed picture of the surgical site, including the relationship of the tooth or structure to surrounding nerves and bone.

• Endodontics

  In root canal treatment, CBCT is used when the internal anatomy of a tooth is complex or unusual — such as in cases of dens invaginatus, additional canals, or calcified roots — where conventional X-rays may not reveal the full picture.

• Periodontics

  In the assessment and management of gum disease, CBCT can provide a detailed view of bone levels around individual teeth, supporting more precise diagnosis of bone loss and surgical planning where needed.

• TMJ Assessment

  For patients with jaw joint concerns, a CBCT scan allows detailed assessment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) — the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull — including the shape and position of the joint structures.

What to Expect During a CBCT Scan

A CBCT scan is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.

You will be asked to remain still while the scanner rotates around your head — you do not need to lie down, and nothing is placed inside your mouth. You will be asked to remove any metal objects such as glasses, earrings, or removable dental appliances before the scan begins.

The scan itself takes between ten and forty seconds, depending on the area being imaged. There is no discomfort involved.

Once the scan is complete, the images are processed and reviewed by the treating specialist, who will use them to plan your care and discuss the findings with you.

Is CBCT Safe

CBCT uses ionizing radiation — the same type used in conventional dental X-rays — to produce its images. The radiation dose from a CBCT scan is higher than that of a single periapical X-ray, but considerably lower than that of a medical CT scan used in a hospital setting.

As with all forms of dental imaging, CBCT is only recommended when the clinical benefit of the information it provides justifies its use. It is not used routinely for standard check-ups — it is a targeted diagnostic tool ordered by a specialist when the detail it provides is necessary for safe, accurate treatment planning.

If you have concerns about radiation exposure, your treating specialist will be happy to explain why the scan has been recommended and what it will add to your care.

Ready for your appointment?

If your dentist or specialist has recommended a CBCT scan, or if you would like to discuss a treatment that may require one, contact Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers on 04 394 7777 or book an appointment online. Our specialist teams are available across Jumeirah, Marina Walk, Springs Souk, and Uptown Mirdif.