Cone Beam CT
What is a Dental Cone Beam CT Scan (CBCT)
A dental cone beam CT scanner uses x-rays and a computer to produce undistorted and accurate 3D images of the upper and lower jaw including all teeth that cannot be seen by standard 2D x-rays.
It is non-invasive, safe and quick with precise results.
The greatest advantages of a CBCT over a medical CT is that the level of effective radiation dose the patient receives is significantly less by up to 98%*.
Patient positioning for these examinations involves sitting in a chair as opposed to lying on a bed and moving through a tunnel.
When do you need a Dental Cone Beam CT Scan (CBCT)
CBCT Scans offer dentists information that cannot be seen by standard 2D X-rays
CBCT scans show bone / teeth / anatomy in 3D which helps your Doctor assess things like:
*Assessing if you have enough bone available for Dental Implants
*Position of nerves relative to your lower wisdom teeth
*Any pathology that isn’t clearly seen on 2D X-rays
It is also useful for more complex cases that involve:
*Surgical planning for impacted teeth;
*Examining your TM joints for signs of arthritis or joint problems
*Locate lesions and other pathologies such as cysts, tumors and underlying disease.
*Evaluation of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals and nasal cavity;
*Detect and accurately measure bone density and jaw deformities;
*Determine bone structure, tooth positioning and orientation;
*Diagnose dental trauma;
Scanners at VDIG
We have 3 different CBCT scanners across all of our sites such as…
- i-CAT
- Morita
- Galileos
Morita
High Resolution, ideal for:
- Periodontic studies
- Endodontic studies
- Pathology assessment
i-CAT
Used by:
- Dentists
- Dental Specialists
- ENT and Facial Surgeons
i-CAT
Also assists with:
- Implant studies
- Wisdom teeth
- TMJ imaging
I have no teeth… Can a CT scan show if I can have dental implants?…… Yes
Dental Implants
These scans help your Doctor with planning the implant procedure. It shows how much bone you have available to insert the implant and also the location of nerves in your lower jaw.
CT Patient Preparation
No patient preparation is required.
How is the CBCT Performed
Depending on the reason for the scan, you may be seated or standing during your scan. VDIG has 3 different types of high level scanners, each dedicated to specific examinations. During the scan, you will be asked to remain completely still between 9-23 seconds. Scans can be taken over small or large areas in accordance with what your Doctor is looking for. We always ensure that the correct size scan is selected to minimize unnecessary X-ray exposure. For our young patients….. You will not experience any pain during or after your examination. You will be able to return to your normal activities once the examination is complete.
Cone Beam CT Fees
Medicare only pays rebates for CBCT scans when the referral is from a Dental Specialist such as an Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgeon, Orthodontist, Periodontist, Endodontist or a Medical Doctor.
There are no Medicare Rebates available to you when your referral is from a general dentist , VDIG offers reduced fees to these patients.
If you have private health insurance, there may be a rebate available to you from your health insurance provider- please check with them directly.
At Doncaster and Bundoora, VDIG BULK BILLS ‘SINGLE REGION’ IMPLANT STUDY CBCT scans when requested by a Dental Specialist or Medical Doctor / Specialist.
Confirmation of a Bulk Billed scan can be done though our ‘Referral Upload’ feature on our home page
Payment for Cone Beam CT scans is required on day of service.