Our dental cone beam computed tomography (CT) is a type of X-ray machine much more powerful than a regular X-ray, and is the standard of care in our practice when it comes to planning advanced surgical cases.. Cone beam CT has become more and more important when it comes to diagnosing problems and making a treatment plan for dental procedures, especially dental implants.

How A Cone Beam CT Is Different

A cone beam CT allows us to take around 600 images of your mouth and jaw, which are then reconstructed into 3D images. These images will provide us with a detailed look at your bone anatomy, dental structures, soft tissues, and nerve pathspositions. With this information, Dr. Ryan Jenkins iswill be better equipped to decide on aput together the most appropriate treatment plan.

Why You May Need A Cone Beam CT

Below are a few of the most common reasons we may need to take cone beam CT scans:

• Treatment planning dental implant surgery
• Diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJ)
• Evaluating the jaw, nasal cavity, sinuses, and nerve canals
• Creating a treatment plan for reconstructive surgery
• Detecting and measuring tumors pathology in the jaw
• Creating a treatment plan for reconstructive surgery
• Accurately planning and placing dental implants
• Surgical planning for impacted teeth
• Locating an origin of pain

When you arrive for your cone beam CT, you will first need to remove any metal objects. This may include jewelry, belt buckles, eyeglasses, or bras with a metal underwire. Before the CBCT, a radiographic guide will either be fabricated by your general dentist or we will take impressions and send them to the lab to make the guide. Once the guide is received, you will schedule the CBCT scan with our imaging center. You will pick up your guide and take it to the imaging center to wear for the scan. The appointment for the scan will take around 15 minutes. After the scan is taken, the CBCT scan will be sent to Dr. Jenkins’ office for him to review. Once received, Dr. Jenkins will read the scan and review it with you to prepare for the next phase of treatment. IIf you have any questions or concerns about the cone beam CT scan, please don’t hesitate to contact Littleton Implants & Periodontics, located in Littleton, Colorado.