What You Should Know about CBCT Scans
If your dental or airway specialist has recommended a CBCT, you may be asking yourself, “What is that?” And you wouldn’t be alone. Patients and parents alike often have this question, primarily due to concerns about radiation. Let’s dive into what a CBCT scan is, why you may need one, and what to expect when it’s part of your treatment plan.
What is a CBCT Scan and Why is it Important?
CBCT stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography. It is 3D imaging that provides a comprehensive view of our teeth, jawbones, nasal passages, and airway. Your tissue, nerve pathways, and muscles are all visible, along with your bones, unlike traditional X-rays that provide a two-dimensional, limited view of your teeth. CBCT scans provide a significantly more detailed view, enabling your provider to diagnose and create a personalized treatment plan with confidence.
CBCT uses:
Evaluating jaw development or facial growth
Planning for orthodontic treatments like expanders or braces
Investigating possible airway obstruction or mouth breathing
Preparing for procedures involving tooth movement or oral surgery
The details provided by CBCT imaging can make a significant difference. Providers can assess airway volume, jaw structure, sinus health, and TMJ alignment, for example, all in one scan. The scan enables earlier and more accurate diagnosis of issues that can impact breathing, sleep, or facial development.
CBCT Radiation
For good reason, this is a common concern. It’s helpful to put radiation exposure into perspective.
Daily radiation exposure comes from the sun, soil, and even the foods we eat. This is known as background radiation, and in the U.S., we receive about eight microSieverts (µSv) of it each day.
Here’s how CBCT compares:
A full-volume CBCT scan is about 74 µSv—roughly the same as spending nine days in natural background radiation.
That’s also equivalent to a round-trip flight from San Francisco to New York.
For comparison, a routine mammogram is over 38 times higher than a full-volume dental CBCT scan.
CBCT scans are equal to approximately nine days of background exposure and still far below the levels used in a medical CT (CAT) scan. A CBCT scan is well within established safety guidelines, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.
Why the Benefits of CBCT are Worth It
The goal of imaging is clarity for care. CBCT scans offer the depth of information that two-dimensional images cannot match.
Consider-
Earlier detection of jaw imbalance or airway concerns
More accurate treatment planning, which can prevent unnecessary procedures
Better outcomes, especially for children in growth stages or patients undergoing orthodontic work
Aids in collaborative care with other providers
Significantly, CBCT imaging reduces guesswork. It helps providers identify underlying causes of symptoms such as snoring, teeth grinding, or facial pain, often leading to less invasive and more effective solutions.
Final Thoughts
CBCT technology has changed the way dental and orthodontic professionals care for patients. With more explicit images, better diagnostics, and low radiation exposure, this scan is a valuable tool for supporting long-term oral and airway health. As stated in the article below, a picture is worth a thousand words; a CBCT is worth a million. With this knowledge, you can feel confident and informed about your healthcare decisions.
If you're unsure whether a CBCT scan is right for you or your child, don’t hesitate to ask questions. A trusted provider will always help you weigh the benefits, risks, and timing so that you can feel confident in your care.
Sources:
Carlson, Sean & Graham, John & Harrell, William & Lin, Edward & Molen, A. & Womack, R.. (2011). The truth about CBCT radiation. Orthotown. 4. 62-68.