Cone-beam computed tomography helps in placing proper dental restoration by using 3-dimensional imaging for multiple dental implants, works well for both upper and lower teeth.

With the help of cone beam guided implant restoration, surgeons get an idea of exact surgery prior to the main surgery as a result, patients feel less pain and discomfort during th surgery. 

THE PROS OF CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

• The doctor understands important dental anatomy in advance so chances of complications decrease.
• Earlier, surgeons used to combine cone-beam computed tomography with X rays only but now they are also connecting it with CT scan.
• Surgeons can easily measure the width, height, and accurate alignment.
• Also, the structure of the bone also becomes visible clearly with the CT scan in CBCT.
• If a patient has tumours, cysts, and infection then surgeons can know about it easily in advance.
• Also, surgeons won’t get confused about horizontal and vertical augmentation.
• Small cone-beam computed tomography for dental restorations is very advantageous than a bigger one because patients don’t face more radiation for a longer time in smaller ones and also smaller CBCT can be operated and customized easily.
• Much better than fan-based CBCT, in terms of quality and speed.
• Smaller CBCT is less costly.
• It helps to check the temporomandibular joint-related disease.

DRAWBACKS OF CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

• CBCT doesn’t help to get a precise picture of deep soft tissues and muscles.
• Objects mostly made up of metal and disturb during tests and diagnoses. 

IN WHICH SITUATIONS CBCT IS VERY EFFECTIVE?

• When the need for 5-6 or more implants arises this becomes the best fit.
• When the restoration is tricky and challenging.
• People who aren’t happy with the size or shape of the bone.
• To know in detail about neighbouring teeth.
• Urgent dental implant

WHAT’S THE COST OF CONE BEAM CT SCAN?

Surgeon/dentist usually charges on the basis of the equipment or machine they are using if they are using expensive or big CBCT then cost ranges from $400-$500 else it can be $100-$300.

WHAT’S THE AMOUNT OF RADIATION IN CONE BEAM CT SCAN?

For smaller ones – It is between 20-80 microsievert

For larger ones – It is between 80-200 microsievert

HOW TO PREPARE FOR CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY?

• On the day of surgery, don’t come with metal made objects as it disturbs the imaging process like jewellery, belts, bags, etc.
• Openly talk about your pregnancy if you are pregnant, in your first appointment.

WHAT IS THE APPEARANCE OF CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY?

It is square-shaped and resembles a cone. Patients typically lie down on a table or on a dental engine chair so that CBCT can move at a 360-degree angle to take a  closer look at their teeth and automatically clicks the picture of their teeth. Mostly C arm or rotating gantry based tables or chairs are used. 

WHAT’S THE DURATION OF CBCT CT SCAN FOR TEETH?

It takes 30-45 minutes to depend upon how deeply the problem is rooted.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE CBCT PROCEDURE?

With C-arm or gantry, x-ray detectors are arranged simultaneously. The detector makes 2D pictures initially with 150-300 resolution and then the dentist and surgeon convert it into a 3D picture. Dental experts might find it tricky to perform this test on children as this requires no movements and without activity.

IS IT OK TO REPEAT CT SCAN?

More radiation exposure is harmful but if it is very necessary for accurate results and to confirm the former test one extra won’t damage much but for children with the age 18 or below one time is more than enough.