Three-Dimensional Clarity for Precise Treatment
Traditional dental X-rays are like looking at your house from only the front door. You see some information, but you’re missing critical details about what’s happening inside, behind, and around the structure. CBCT imaging changes everything by providing a complete three-dimensional view of your tooth, surrounding bone, and adjacent anatomy.
Why CBCT Technology Matters in Endodontics
Root canal systems aren’t simple hollow tubes. They’re complex networks of canals, branches, and microscopic connections. A standard X-ray, taken from one angle, might show three canals in your molar. CBCT reveals the fourth canal hiding behind the others, the one that causes 40% of upper molar root canal failures when missed.
Our CBCT scanner captures hundreds of images in a single 8-second scan, then reconstructs them into a 3D model we can examine from any angle. We can slice through your tooth horizontally, vertically, or at any angle to see exactly what we’re dealing with before we begin treatment.
Specific Situations Where CBCT Makes the Difference
Finding Hidden Anatomy
Upper molars have an MB2 canal in 90% of cases, but it’s often missed without 3D imaging. Lower molars can have middle mesial canals that are invisible on regular X-rays. These missed canals harbor bacteria that cause treatment failure. CBCT reveals them before we start, not after problems develop.
Diagnosing Mysterious Pain
When standard X-rays look normal but you’re still in pain, CBCT often reveals the answer. Vertical root fractures, resorption lesions, or infections in unusual locations become visible. We can differentiate between endodontic problems and other issues like sinus infections that mimic tooth pain.
Planning Complex Retreatments
If your previous root canal has failed, CBCT shows us why. We can see separated instruments, missed canals, transportation, perforations, or inadequate fills. This information determines whether retreatment is possible and guides our approach.
Surgical Planning
For apicoectomies or other endodontic surgery, CBCT provides crucial information about root anatomy, bone thickness, and proximity to vital structures like nerves and sinuses. This precision planning means safer, more predictable surgical outcomes.
The CBCT Experience at Our Office
The scan itself takes about 8 seconds. You’ll stand or sit while the scanner rotates around your head, capturing images. There’s no discomfort, no preparation needed, and results are immediate.
We review the images with you on our chairside monitors, showing you exactly what we’re seeing. This isn’t a quick glance at a confusing gray image. We’ll rotate the 3D model, point out specific findings, and explain what they mean for your treatment.
Radiation Safety and Exposure
Modern CBCT technology uses significantly less radiation than medical CT scans. Our focused field-of-view scanner limits exposure to just the area of concern, typically 2-3 teeth. The radiation dose is comparable to a few days of natural background radiation or a short airplane flight.
We follow ALARA principles (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and only recommend CBCT when the diagnostic benefit justifies the exposure. Lead aprons provide additional protection, though the focused beam makes scatter radiation minimal.
Beyond Diagnosis: Treatment Guidance
CBCT doesn’t just help us diagnose problems; it guides treatment. We can measure exact canal lengths before we start, plan access angles that preserve tooth structure, and anticipate canal curvatures that might complicate treatment. This preparation translates to more efficient, more successful procedures.
For referring dentists, we provide CBCT images in standard DICOM format, compatible with any imaging software. This ensures continuity of care and helps with restoration planning after endodontic treatment.
When CBCT Is Essential
We recommend CBCT imaging for:
- Teeth with complex anatomy or previous treatment
- Diagnosis of pain with unclear origin
- Treatment planning for calcified canals
- Evaluation of root fractures
- Assessment of resorption (internal or external)
- Pre-surgical planning
- Trauma evaluation
- Any case where standard radiographs provide insufficient information
The Investment in Precision
CBCT imaging is included in our treatment fee when necessary for your procedure. For diagnostic scans requested by referring dentists or for second opinions, the fee is $295. Most medical insurance plans cover CBCT under diagnostic imaging benefits.
See the Complete Picture
Don’t let hidden problems compromise your treatment outcome. Our CBCT technology reveals what standard X-rays miss, ensuring precise diagnosis and predictable treatment. Call (949) 622-0055 to learn more about how CBCT imaging can benefit your specific situation.
