A CT scan can show dental problems and is a standard tool in modern dentistry for viewing the complex structures of the mouth and jaw in three dimensions. Traditional two-dimensional dental X-rays suffer from superimposition, where structures overlap and obscure underlying issues. Computed Tomography (CT) technology produces cross-sectional images, which are digitally combined to create a detailed 3D model of the teeth, bone, and surrounding anatomy. This enhanced visualization allows dentists to detect problems and anatomical features otherwise hidden on a standard X-ray image.
Differentiating Cone Beam Computed Tomography
The type of CT scan most commonly used in dentistry is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Unlike large, medical-grade CT scanners that use a fan-shaped X-ray beam, the CBCT unit employs a cone-shaped beam. This cone shape captures the entire area of interest—the oral and maxillofacial region—in a single rotation.
CBCT technology allows for significantly reduced radiation exposure compared to conventional medical CT scans, making it appropriate for routine dental use. The unit is typically smaller and more accessible, often allowing the patient to sit or stand during the quick scanning process. The resulting 3D images offer high spatial resolution, which is beneficial for visualizing the fine details of bone and teeth.
This specialization focuses the imaging power precisely on structures a dentist needs to evaluate, such as the jawbone, dental arches, and sinuses. The quick scan time, often less than a minute, minimizes patient exposure and discomfort. CBCT overcomes the limitations of 2D imaging by eliminating distortion and overlapping structures.
Diagnosing Complex Oral Pathology
CBCT’s three-dimensional view is transformative for diagnosing intricate oral pathologies difficult to confirm with 2D images. A primary diagnostic use is detecting subtle root fractures or accessory root canals, which are often obscured by dense bone on traditional X-rays. This detail is useful in endodontics, where identifying all parts of the root canal system is necessary for successful treatment.
The scan is effective for locating and measuring the extent of jawbone cysts, tumors, or other bony lesions. A CBCT image can show whether a lesion has caused cortical perforation or is encroaching upon structures like the inferior alveolar nerve. It allows for an accurate assessment of bone density and the progression of periodontal disease by measuring the amount of bone loss surrounding the teeth.
It can pinpoint the spatial relationship of impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, relative to adjacent structures. Dentists use this information to determine the proximity of the tooth to the mandibular nerve canal or the maxillary sinus boundaries. This capability provides the detail necessary for identifying the problem and understanding its anatomical context.
Essential Role in Advanced Dental Procedures
The diagnostic information from a CBCT scan is utilized for planning advanced dental procedures, converting 3D data into actionable treatment steps. Pre-surgical planning for dental implants is a common application of the technology. The scan allows the clinician to accurately measure the height and width of the available jawbone, ensuring the implant is placed in the densest, most stable bone.
This imaging permits the virtual placement of the implant within software before the procedure begins, enabling the selection of the optimal implant size and angulation. The 3D view ensures the implant avoids damage to structures, specifically the nerve canal in the lower jaw and the sinus membrane in the upper jaw. This precise planning often leads to the fabrication of a custom surgical guide, a template used during surgery to ensure the implant is placed exactly as planned.
For complex root canal treatments, the CBCT map helps the endodontist navigate intricate root anatomy, locate calcified or missed canals, and assess periapical lesions. In orthodontics, the 3D images assess the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, the position of impacted canines, and the movement required for teeth. Visualizing these structures in three dimensions reduces the risk of complications and enhances the predictability of the outcome across specialized dental interventions.