Understanding a Dental Cone Beam CT Scan

When you go to your regular dentist for a bi-annual cleaning, you will likely have a few x-rays taken. Designed to just check for fairly topical issues like cavities, enamel erosion, and oral cancers, these x-rays are fairly standard. However, when you have a much more complex oral issue and need to see Dr. Leslie H. Sultan, you may have to get a different type of x-ray called a Dental Cone Beam CT. Sounding much more intense than it is, a Dental Cone Beam CT is designed to help dentists see more intricate details of your mouth like soft tissues. Additionally, Dental Cone Beam CT scans offer dentists the ability to see things in 3D which isn’t a capability with other forms of imaging. If you have to get a Dental Cone Beam CT, this article will help you understand more about this imaging scan and what you can expect. Read on to learn more.

Is It Used Routinely?

As previously mentioned, unlike traditional x-rays that you will get at your dental checkup, Dental Cone Beam CT scans aren’t used on a routine basis because they use a high dose of radiation in the imaging process. Although a few of these x-rays won’t be harmful, exposing yourself to this type of radiation on a frequent basis isn’t necessary.

Is It Painful?

The great thing about virtually any type of radiation treatment or diagnostic testing is that it is almost never painful. When you come into our office to get a Dental Cone Beam CT scan, you can expect to not feel an ounce of pain or discomfort.

What Is It Like?

During your Dental Cone Beam CT scan, you will either sit or stand with your head in between two cushion-like devices and your mouth will be placed on a small metal device. Lasting only a few minutes long, your x-ray technician at Dr. Sultan’s office should be able to get you in and out of the office in no time at all.

If Dr. Leslie H. Sultan has ordered that you get a Dental Cone Beam CT scan, it’s comforting to know what it is and what you can expect. As a non-invasive imaging procedure, this type of scan gives dentists the ability to see more complex components of your mouth to treat you better. To learn more about this type of scan or to schedule an appointment with our office, contact Dr. Leslie H. Sultan today!