3D CBCT Dental Imaging in Sandgate
A CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scan gives us a three-dimensional view of your teeth, jaws and surrounding structures.
We have a CBCT scanner on site at our Sandgate clinic. We use it only when it is clinically indicated, so we can plan your care with more information than a standard X-ray provides.
Used for jaw pain assessment and other treatment planning.
Your dentist explains why a scan is recommended and reviews the images with you.
New patients welcome.
What is a CBCT scan?
CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. During a scan, the machine rotates around your head and builds a three-dimensional image of your teeth, jaws and the structures around them.
Standard dental X-rays, such as bitewings and panoramic X-rays, give a flat, two-dimensional picture. A CBCT scan adds depth, so we can see where nerves, sinuses, roots and bone sit in relation to each other.
What a CBCT scan can help us assess
Teeth and bone
The position of teeth and the amount and shape of the jawbone.
Nerves and sinuses
How close tooth roots or planned treatment are to nerves and the sinuses.
Root canal anatomy
The shape of root canals and signs of infection around the root of a tooth.
Jaw joints
The shape and position of the jaw joints (TMJ) when jaw pain or clicking is assessed.
The airway
The shape and size of the upper airway. This helps with planning but does not diagnose sleep apnoea.
Jaw development
How a child’s jaws and adult teeth are developing.
Used only when it is clinically indicated
A CBCT scan is not needed for every patient or every treatment. We recommend one only when the extra information will help guide your care.
CBCT uses ionising radiation. We keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable, and our scanner has dose-reduction features.
If we recommend a scan, we explain why and what to expect before it is taken.
When we may recommend a CBCT scan
We may recommend a scan when standard X-rays do not give us enough information, including for:
- Wisdom teeth and some other extractions
- Dental implants
- Root canal treatment
- TMJ and jaw pain assessment
- Sleep apnoea and snoring appliance assessment
- Early orthodontic assessment for children
- Other situations where more detail is clinically necessary
Our scanner
We use a VATECH Green X 21, a high-specification dental CBCT scanner with dose-reduction features and a maximum field of view of 21 × 19 cm.
The scanner is on site at our clinic, so you do not need to visit another centre.
What happens during a scan
We explain why
Your dentist explains why a scan is recommended and what it will show.
The scan
You are positioned in the scanner and asked to stay still while it rotates around your head.
We review the images
Your dentist reviews the images with you and explains how they affect your treatment plan.
Radiation
CBCT uses ionising radiation. The amount depends on the area scanned and the settings used.
We follow the principle of keeping exposure as low as reasonably achievable, and we only recommend a scan when the information will help guide your care. If you have questions or concerns, please ask us.
Your images
You can ask for a copy of your images. If you are seeing a GP, ENT specialist, sleep physician or another health professional, we can send reports and images to them.
3D dental imaging in Sandgate
Dental Seasons is located at 119A Brighton Road, Sandgate QLD 4017.
We provide on-site 3D imaging for patients from Sandgate and surrounding North Brisbane and bayside suburbs, including Brighton, Deagon, Shorncliffe, Bracken Ridge, Boondall, Taigum, Nudgee, Zillmere, Fitzgibbon, Banyo, Virginia, Redcliffe, Woody Point, Clontarf, Margate and Newport.
3D CBCT imaging questions
What is a CBCT scan?
CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. The scanner rotates around your head and produces a three-dimensional image of your teeth, jaws and nearby structures.
How is CBCT different from a normal dental X-ray?
Standard dental X-rays give a flat, two-dimensional image. A CBCT scan shows depth and the position of structures such as nerves, sinuses and bone in three dimensions.
Do I need a CBCT scan?
Not necessarily. We recommend a scan only when it is clinically indicated, meaning the extra information will help guide your care. We explain why before a scan is taken.
Is the scan done at your clinic?
Yes. The scanner is on site at our Sandgate clinic, so you do not need to visit another centre.
Does CBCT use radiation?
Yes. CBCT uses ionising radiation. We keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable and only recommend a scan when the information will help guide your care.
Which scanner do you use?
We use a VATECH Green X 21, a high-specification dental CBCT scanner with dose-reduction features and a maximum field of view of 21 × 19 cm.
Can I have a copy of my scan?
Yes. You can ask for a copy of your images.
Can you send my scan to my GP or specialist?
Yes. We can send reports and images to your GP, ENT specialist, sleep physician or other health professional.
Which treatments use CBCT?
We may use it for wisdom teeth and some other extractions, dental implants, root canal treatment, TMJ and jaw pain, sleep apnoea appliance assessment, early orthodontic assessment, and whenever it is clinically necessary.
See wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, root canal treatment, jaw pain assessment, sleep apnoea and snoring and early orthodontic treatment.
Can a CBCT scan diagnose sleep apnoea?
No. A scan can show the shape and size of the airway, which helps with planning an oral appliance, but sleep apnoea is diagnosed with a sleep study reviewed by a doctor.
Questions about 3D imaging?
If you have been told you may need a scan, or you would like to know whether 3D imaging is suitable for your treatment, book an appointment and we will explain your options.
Meet your dentists
Your dentist reviews your images with you and explains what they show and how they affect your treatment.
