Modern dental imaging can provide detailed information that may not be visible during a routine dental examination. At Oak Park Dental Group, we use cone beam CT scanning and 3D imaging in Lenexa, Kansas, to help evaluate dental and facial structures and support treatment planning.
Cone beam 3D imaging can create detailed three-dimensional views of the teeth, jaw and surrounding structures. Depending on your individual needs, this technology may be used for dental implant planning, evaluation of the jaws and face, root canal treatment planning, orthodontic assessment and other dental conditions.
What Is Cone Beam CT Scanning?
Cone beam computed tomography, commonly called cone beam CT or CBCT, is an imaging technology that creates three-dimensional images of dental and facial structures.
Unlike a conventional two-dimensional dental X-ray, cone beam imaging can provide views from multiple angles and allow the dental team to examine structures in three dimensions.
At Oak Park Dental Group, cone beam 3D imaging can provide images of the teeth, mouth, jaw and other surrounding structures.
How Is Dental CT Imaging Used?
Your dentist may recommend cone beam CT imaging when more detailed information is needed for diagnosis or treatment planning.
Depending on the situation, CT imaging may be used to:
- Plan dental implant placement
- Evaluate the jaw and facial structures
- Examine abnormal teeth
- Assist with root canal treatment planning
- Evaluate certain dental and facial injuries
- Plan or evaluate orthodontic treatment
- Assess certain TMJ-related conditions
- Provide additional information about dental problems
The appropriate use of CT imaging depends on your individual dental needs and the type of treatment being considered.
CT Scanning for Dental Implants
Dental implant treatment requires careful planning. Detailed three-dimensional images can help your dentist evaluate the jaw and surrounding anatomy before implant placement.
Cone beam CT imaging can provide information about the location and structure of the jaw that may be useful when planning implant treatment.
At Oak Park Dental Group, cone beam 3D imaging is used to help plan dental implant placement.
If you are missing one or more teeth and are considering dental implants, your dentist can determine whether CT imaging is appropriate as part of your treatment planning.
CT Imaging for Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment involves treating the inside of a tooth and the structures surrounding its roots.
In selected cases, three-dimensional imaging may provide additional information about tooth anatomy and help with treatment planning.
Oak Park Dental Group lists endodontic evaluation and root canal treatment planning among the potential uses of its cone beam 3D imaging technology.
CT Scanning for Orthodontic Treatment
Three-dimensional imaging may also be useful in certain orthodontic cases.
Detailed images can provide information about tooth position, jaw structures and other anatomy that may be relevant to orthodontic treatment planning and evaluation.
Whether CBCT imaging is necessary depends on the individual patient and treatment plan.
CT Imaging for the Jaw and Face
Cone beam imaging can provide a three-dimensional view of the jaw and facial structures.
At Oak Park Dental Group, this technology may be used to evaluate the jaws and face and to view relevant head and neck structures as part of certain dental assessments.
Your dentist will determine whether three-dimensional imaging is appropriate based on your symptoms, examination findings and treatment needs.
CT Scanning and TMJ Evaluation
The temporomandibular joints, commonly called the TMJ, connect the jawbone to the skull.
Certain dental imaging techniques can provide information about the structures involved in the jaw joint. Oak Park Dental Group lists assessment of TMJ disorders among the potential applications of its cone beam 3D imaging technology.
If you are experiencing jaw discomfort, clicking, difficulty opening your mouth or other jaw-related symptoms, discuss them with your dentist so the appropriate evaluation can be considered.
CT Scanning for Dental and Facial Trauma
Dental or facial injuries can sometimes affect structures that are difficult to evaluate using a standard visual examination.
Three-dimensional imaging may provide additional information when evaluating certain dental or facial trauma.
Oak Park Dental Group lists dental and facial trauma evaluation among the applications of its cone beam CT technology.
CT Scan vs. Digital X-Ray
Cone beam CT scans and digital X-rays are both dental imaging technologies, but they provide different types of information.
Digital X-rays create two-dimensional images and are commonly used to evaluate teeth and supporting structures. They can help identify problems such as tooth decay, bone loss, infections and other dental abnormalities.
Cone beam CT scans create three-dimensional images and can provide a more comprehensive view of the teeth, jaw and surrounding anatomy.
Your dentist will determine which type of imaging is appropriate for your specific situation.
Is a Dental CT Scan Needed for Every Patient?
No. Cone beam CT imaging is not required for every dental visit or every patient.
Your dentist may recommend a CT scan when three-dimensional information would provide useful information for diagnosis or treatment planning.
For routine dental care, other examination methods and imaging techniques may be sufficient.
What Happens During a Cone Beam CT Scan?
The exact process may vary depending on the equipment being used, but cone beam imaging is designed to capture detailed images of the dental and facial structures.
Your dental team will explain what you need to do before the scan and help position you correctly for imaging.
The resulting images can then be reviewed by the dental team as part of your examination or treatment planning.
Does a CT Scan Replace a Dental Examination?
No.
Dental imaging is one part of a comprehensive dental evaluation. Your dentist may combine imaging with your dental history, symptoms, visual examination and other diagnostic information.
The purpose of imaging is to provide additional information that can support diagnosis and treatment planning.
Benefits of Cone Beam 3D Imaging
When appropriate for a patient’s dental needs, cone beam imaging can provide:
- Three-dimensional views of dental structures
- Detailed information about the jaw
- Additional information for implant planning
- Support for certain root canal treatment planning
- Evaluation of selected dental and facial conditions
- Information that may not be visible in a standard examination
The usefulness of the technology depends on the patient’s individual condition and the purpose of the imaging.
CT Scanning in Lenexa, KS
Oak Park Dental Group provides cone beam CT scanning and 3D dental imaging at its Lenexa, Kansas, dental office.
The practice uses cone beam 3D imaging for applications including dental implant planning, evaluation of the jaws and face, root canal treatment planning, orthodontic evaluation, dental and facial trauma assessment, abnormal teeth and selected TMJ evaluations.
If your dentist has recommended 3D dental imaging or you have questions about CT scanning, contact Oak Park Dental Group at 913-492-9660 to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About CT Scanning
What is a cone beam CT scan?
A cone beam CT scan is an imaging technology that creates three-dimensional images of the teeth, jaw and surrounding structures.
Why would a dentist recommend a CT scan?
A dentist may recommend CT imaging when detailed three-dimensional information is useful for diagnosing a condition or planning treatment.
Is a CT scan used for dental implants?
Yes. Cone beam CT imaging can be used to help plan dental implant placement by providing three-dimensional information about the jaw and surrounding structures. Oak Park Dental Group specifically lists implant planning as one of its uses for cone beam imaging.
Is cone beam CT the same as a dental X-ray?
No. A traditional dental X-ray generally provides a two-dimensional image, while cone beam CT creates three-dimensional images.
Can a CT scan help with root canal treatment?
In selected situations, three-dimensional imaging can provide additional information for endodontic evaluation and root canal treatment planning. Oak Park Dental Group lists endodontic problems and root canal planning among its applications for cone beam imaging.
Can CT imaging be used for TMJ problems?
Cone beam imaging may be used to assess certain TMJ-related conditions. Your dentist will determine whether this type of imaging is appropriate for your symptoms and clinical situation.
Does everyone need a dental CT scan?
No. CT scanning is generally used when additional three-dimensional information is needed. Your dentist determines whether it is appropriate for your individual treatment.
Where can I get a dental CT scan in Lenexa, KS?
Oak Park Dental Group provides cone beam CT scanning and 3D dental imaging at 12148 W. 95th St., Lenexa, KS 66215. The office can be reached at 913-492-9660.