Dental CBCT Scanners in Scarborough
Clearer 3D imaging for better treatment planning
When a regular dental X-ray does not provide enough information, a CBCT scan can help your dentist see the area from different angles and plan certain treatments.
Dentistry at Sullivan offers in-house CBCT dental imaging in Scarborough when 3D imaging is clinically needed.
What Is a Dental CBCT Scan?
CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. It is a type of 3D dental imaging that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the area being examined.
A regular dental X-ray gives a 2D view. A CBCT scan creates a 3D view that can be viewed from different angles and in cross-sections.
Depending on the area being scanned, CBCT can help show:
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Teeth and tooth roots
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Jawbone
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Impacted teeth
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The location of important nerve canals
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Sinuses
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The space around teeth and roots
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The bony parts of the jaw joints
CBCT is not needed for every dental visit. Your dentist may recommend it when a 3D view can provide information that a regular X-ray cannot.
At Dentistry at Sullivan, CBCT scanners for dental imaging are available in-house when this type of scan is appropriate.
When Might You Need a CBCT Scan?
A dentist may recommend CBCT when more detail is needed to understand a tooth, jaw, or nearby structure.
The type of scan depends on what your dentist needs to check.
Depending on the case, CBCT may help the dental team assess:
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Unusual root or canal anatomy
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Possible root fractures
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Root resorption
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Treatment complications
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Changes around the tooth root
CBCT is used when the extra information may help answer a specific clinical question.
Learn more about root canal treatment.
TMJ and Jaw-Joint Assessment
The temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jaw to your skull.
When your dentist needs a closer look at the bone in this area, CBCT can provide detailed 3D images.
CBCT is not the right scan for every TMJ problem. Some conditions involve soft tissues and may require other types of imaging, such as an MRI.
Orthodontic Assessment
Some orthodontic cases need more information than a regular X-ray can provide.
A CBCT scan may be used when a 3D view of the teeth, jaws, or surrounding structures is needed for assessment or treatment planning.
CBCT is not needed for every orthodontic patient.
Other Selected Dental Cases
CBCT may also be useful in some cases involving:
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Impacted teeth
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Complex dental anatomy
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Dental trauma
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Jaw structures
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Other conditions where a 3D view may help
Your dentist will select the appropriate imaging based on the area being examined and the information needed.
What Can a Dental CBCT Scanner Show?
A dental CBCT scanner creates a 3D image of the area being examined.
Depending on the scan, it may help show:
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The position of teeth and roots
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Jawbone structure
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Impacted or developing teeth
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Important nerve canals
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Sinuses
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The relationship between teeth and bone
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The bony parts of the TMJ
The images can be viewed from different angles and in cross-sections.
This can give your dental team additional information when planning certain treatments.
CBCT does not replace a dental examination. It is an imaging tool that provides additional information when appropriate.
CBCT vs. a Regular Dental X-Ray
Both types of imaging can be useful. The right choice depends on what your dentist needs to see.
A CBCT scan is not simply a “better” X-ray. It provides different information and is used when that information is clinically useful.
What Happens During a CBCT Scan?
A dental CBCT scan is quick and non-invasive.
You Get Positioned
The Scanner Takes the Images
The Image Capture Takes About 10–20 Seconds
The Images Are
Reviewed
The dental team will position you so the scanner can capture the area being examined.
You will need to stay still during the scan.
The scanner moves around your head while taking a series of X-ray images.
The system then combines these images to create a 3D view.
The image-capture part of the scan takes about 10–20 seconds. The full appointment may take longer because the team needs to position you and review the images as part of your dental care.
The images can be reviewed as part of your dental assessment and treatment planning.
A CBCT scan does not involve needles or sedation. There is also normally no recovery time.
Is a Dental CBCT Scan Safe?
CBCT uses X-rays, so it should only be used when the additional information is needed.
Health Canada recommends that dental X-rays be based on a clinical examination and used when diagnostic information is needed. Its guidance also recommends using CBCT when the clinical question cannot be answered well enough with lower-dose dental X-ray options.
Your dentist will consider the reason for the scan and choose the imaging that is appropriate for your case.
If you have questions, you can ask:
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Why do I need a CBCT scan?
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What are you looking for?
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Why is a regular X-ray not enough?
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How will the scan help with my treatment?
Dr. Sepideh Maleki can explain why CBCT has been recommended for you.
In-House CBCT Dental Imaging in Scarborough
Dentistry at Sullivan offers in-house CBCT 3D imaging in Scarborough when a detailed 3D view is needed for dental care.
The clinic is near Sheppard Avenue East and Highway 404. Free parking is available at the back of the building.
Having dental CBCT scanners in-house means 3D imaging can be available as part of your dental assessment when clinically appropriate.
If your dentist has recommended a CBCT scan, the team can explain what the scan is looking for and how the images may be used in your care.
Frequently asked questions
Need a Dental CBCT Scan in Scarborough?
Dentistry at Sullivan offers in-house CBCT dental imaging in Scarborough when a 3D view is needed for dental assessment or treatment planning.
If you have questions about a CBCT scan, the dental team can explain what the scan is intended to show and why it may be useful for your care.