CT Scan

A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan is a safe and noninvasive procedure used to gain insights into your oral health. At Tropical Dental Care in Tomball, Texas, experienced general and family dentists Kenneth Tran, DDS, and Nikki Korloo, DDS, with the team, offer onsite CT scans to people of all ages. Call the office to request a CT scan consultation today or book online.

What is a dental CT scan?

A dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan is a special type of X-ray. It uses a combination of radiation and advanced imaging technology to capture three-dimensional (3D) photos of the bones, soft tissues, and nerve pathways in your craniofacial region.

Undergoing a dental CT scan is quick and pain-free. The procedure doesn’t require any incisions or downtime, so that you can return to your normal routine right away. 

What are the benefits of dental CBCT scans?

Dental CBCT scans provide various benefits, including:

• Better image quality
• More information than traditional oral X-rays
• Painless, noninvasive, and accurate

What’s more, dental CT scans provide images from a wide variety of views and angles. Your dentist can manipulate these images, improving the accuracy of treatment.

Why might I need a dental CBCT scan?

The Tropical Dental Care team uses dental CBCT scans for various reasons, including:

• Diagnosing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Guiding the placement of dental implants
• Surgical planning for impacted wisdom teeth
• Diagnosing deep decay
• Diagnosing damage to the tooth pulp

The team also uses dental CT scans to evaluate the jaw, sinuses, and nasal cavities for abnormalities, like tumors.

How do I prepare for a dental CT scan?

A dental CT scan doesn’t require any special preparation. 

Before the exam, your provider has you remove anything that might interfere with the X-ray, such as jewelry, eyeglasses, or hearing aids. If there’s a possibility you’re pregnant, make sure to let your provider know. CT scans are safe, but they expose you to a certain amount of radiation, so the team might recommend a different type of imaging procedure.

What does a dental CT scan involve?

During a dental CT scan, you stand up or sit in a chair. Your Tropical Dental Care provider asks you to bite down on a thin piece of plastic with your front teeth. Once you’re in position, your provider leaves the room.

You remain very still while the CT scanner rotates around your head, taking a series of photographs. When the scanner completes the rotation (30-45 seconds later), your provider returns to the exam room. 

They display your digital CBCT scan on a computer screen and explain the results.  

Call Tropical Dental Care to learn more about the benefits of dental CT scans today, or book online.