Cone Beam CT (CBCT) 3D Imaging

Your safety sits at the center of our imaging protocol. CBCT uses a focused beam and modern dose-reduction techniques, and we apply the ALARA principle, which means “as low as reasonably achievable,” for every patient. Protective measures, careful selection of the field of view, and clinical justification keep exposure conservative while still delivering the clarity needed for excellent care.

Comfort is equally important, so the scan requires no sensors in your mouth and no claustrophobic tunnel. Most patients find the experience simple and surprisingly quick. If you are pregnant or think you may be, please tell us before imaging so we can discuss timing and alternatives that support your health and your child’s well-being.

Different problems call for different perspectives. Our system allows us to narrow the field of view to a few teeth for focused questions, such as a suspicious root or a single implant site, which minimizes exposure and speeds interpretation. Broader questions, such as airway assessment, TMJ concerns, or complex rehabilitation, benefit from a full field of view that shows relationships among the jaws, sinuses, and airway.

When a full field scan is taken during the New Patient Experience, we extend your safety net further by sending those images to a licensed radiologist. That specialist evaluates structures beyond the dental scope so important incidental findings, such as carotid calcifications or sinus pathology, do not go unnoticed. You receive a coordinated plan that respects both dental and medical best practices.

Airway-focused dentistry is evolving quickly because breathing quality influences sleep, energy, and overall health. CBCT supports airway evaluation by revealing the size and shape of the airway, nasal passages, and related skeletal anatomy. These images do not diagnose sleep apnea on their own, although they help identify risk factors and guide appropriate referrals for sleep testing when needed.

Temporomandibular joint evaluation also benefits from 3D visualization. Joint spaces, condylar position, and adjacent structures become easier to assess, which can steer conservative therapies or multidisciplinary care. Implant dentistry is where CBCT has been a game-changer for years, since it measures bone volume, density, and proximity to critical structures that should be respected for a safe, lasting result.