Detailed three-dimensional imaging for complex diagnosis and planning, at Highfield Dental Clinic, Edgbaston.
Some problems simply cannot be seen on flat X-rays. Our on-site scanner provides three-dimensional detail when it will genuinely change the diagnosis or plan.
CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. It is a scan that produces a three-dimensional image of your teeth, jaw bones and surrounding structures, allowing them to be viewed from any angle and in fine detail.
Conventional dental X-rays are flat, so structures overlap and some problems are hidden. CBCT is used where three-dimensional information will change the diagnosis or the treatment plan, such as planning implants, investigating complex root canal problems, assessing wisdom teeth near the nerve, or examining resorption and fractures.
Need detailed imaging for implant or root canal planning in Birmingham? Our experienced team will confirm whether a CBCT scan is appropriate.
The scan is quick, open and comfortable. It usually involves:
The scan itself takes well under a minute. Nothing touches your mouth, and the machine is open rather than enclosed.
CBCT gives a higher radiation dose than a standard dental X-ray, though considerably lower than a medical CT scan. Because of this, UK guidance and the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 require that it is only used where conventional imaging cannot provide the information needed.
We use the smallest field of view that covers the area of interest, which keeps the dose as low as reasonably practicable. Every scan is justified by a suitably trained clinician, and a written report is produced covering the whole scanned volume, not only the tooth in question. Please tell us if you are, or might be, pregnant.
CBCT uses more radiation than a standard dental X-ray but far less than a medical CT scan. It is only taken when the clinical benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
Standard X-rays are two-dimensional, so structures overlap. CBCT separates them, revealing extra canals, fractures, bone levels and nerve positions that flat images can miss.
No. You sit or stand while the machine rotates around your head, so it suits patients who find enclosed medical scanners difficult.
The scan itself takes well under a minute. The full appointment, including positioning and reviewing the images, takes longer.
Yes. A written report covering the whole scanned area is produced by a suitably trained clinician, and we will go through the findings with you.
Yes. We accept referrals for CBCT imaging and will share the images and report securely with the referring clinician.
