A simple guide to dental cone beam CT, positioning, scan time, radiation and receiving your results.
What is cone beam CT?
Cone beam computed tomography, usually shortened to CBCT, is a specialised X-ray examination that creates three-dimensional images of the teeth, jaws and facial skeleton. The scanner rotates around your head while a cone-shaped X-ray beam and digital detector collect the information used to build a 3D volume.
CBCT is different from conventional medical CT. It is designed mainly for high-resolution assessment of teeth and bone. Depending on the clinical question, the field of view can be focused on a small dental region or include a larger part of the jaws and face.
For an overview of dental imaging available at MBR Health, see X-ray & Dental Imaging.
Before the scan
Most dental CBCT examinations require no fasting, injection or special preparation. MBR Health should receive an appropriate referral identifying the clinical question and the area that needs to be included.
- Bring relevant previous dental images, reports or treatment plans.
- Tell the clinic if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
- Remove earrings, necklaces, facial piercings, glasses, hearing aids, hair clips and removable dental appliances when asked.
- Tell the radiographer if you cannot stand or sit still, have tremor, severe pain or difficulty keeping your teeth in the requested position.
During the scan
You will usually sit or stand with your head supported. The radiographer may ask you to bite gently on a positioning guide, keep your lips closed and place your tongue in a particular position. The scanner then rotates around your head.
The scan is painless. The exposure itself is usually brief, but careful positioning is important because movement can blur the images. You will be able to hear and follow the radiographer’s instructions throughout the examination.
After the scan and results
There is no radiation left in your body after the examination and you can return to normal activities immediately. A specialist radiologist reviews the acquired volume and sends a report to the referring dentist or practitioner. Your dentist or specialist then combines the imaging findings with your examination and treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a CBCT scan hurt?
No. The scan is non-invasive and painless. Holding still or using the bite guide may feel unfamiliar but should not be painful.
Will I need contrast?
Dental CBCT is normally performed without an injection or contrast agent.
How long does it take?
The exposure is usually brief. Allow additional time for checking the referral, removing metal objects and careful positioning.
Related Patient Guides
See the full MBR Health Patient Guides library for simple information about imaging, preparation, safety and results.
- PG5002 Cone Beam CT vs OPG and Standard Dental X-Rays
- PG5003 Cone Beam CT Radiation Dose and Safety
- PG5004 Cone Beam CT for Dental Implant Planning
- PG5005 Cone Beam CT for Wisdom Teeth and Oral Surgery
- PG5006 Cone Beam CT for Root Canal and Endodontic Assessment
- PG5007 Cone Beam CT for Orthodontics and Impacted Teeth
- PG5008 Cone Beam CT for the Jaw Joint and Facial Skeleton
- PG5009 Sinuses, Airways and Incidental Findings on Dental CBCT
- PG5010 What Cone Beam CT Can and Cannot Show
Related MBR Health services: X-ray & Dental Imaging • Dental X-Ray • Spectral CT
More FAQs: For other common imaging and appointment questions, visit the MBR Health FAQs page.
| Important: Tell the clinic before the scan if you are pregnant or may be pregnant, and do not move until the radiographer confirms the acquisition is complete. |
PATIENT GUIDE • PG5001 | Patient information: Cone beam CT Gold Coast
Looking for the best cone beam CT on the Gold Coast or travelling from Brisbane?
Patients searching for the best cone beam CT, advanced dental imaging or expert radiology on the Gold Coast should compare more than the scanner name. Positioning, field of view, image quality and specialist interpretation all affect the usefulness of the examination. MBR Health is based on the Gold Coast and provides specialist radiologist-reported dental CBCT, with access to 3T MRI, Spectral CT, ultrasound and digital X-ray when a different modality is required.
Explore: X-ray & Dental Imaging • 3T MRI • Spectral CT
