Hi, I’m Dr. Jennifer Buchanan from You First Dental in Airdrie. Today, let’s talk about something that’s revolutionized the way we diagnose and treat dental conditions: Cone Beam Computed Tomography—or CBCT for short.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Great, another fancy machine.” But trust me, CBCT is more than just a high-tech gadget. It’s a game-changer for both dentists and patients, providing a 3D view of your teeth, bones, nerves, and soft tissues—all in one scan. Traditional X-rays are great, but they only give us a two-dimensional look. With CBCT, we get depth, detail, and diagnostic power that can make all the difference in your treatment.
Let’s break it down with some real-world examples of how CBCT benefits both you and me as your dentist.
1. Precision in Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the best solutions for replacing missing teeth. But placing an implant isn’t as simple as just drilling a hole and popping in a titanium post.
I need to see exactly how much bone you have, where your nerves and sinuses are, and the best angle for implant placement. CBCT gives me a clear, 3D roadmap so I can plan the procedure with pinpoint accuracy. This means less guesswork, fewer complications, and a higher success rate.
2. Spotting Bony Lesions Before They Become a Problem
You can’t always feel what’s lurking beneath the surface. Bony lesions—like cysts, tumors, or infections—often go unnoticed until they cause serious damage. Traditional X-rays might catch some of them, but CBCT allows us to see these issues early, before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems.
For example, I once had a patient come in for what seemed like a routine exam. Nothing felt off to them, but when we took a CBCT scan, we found a hidden cyst growing near the roots of their molars. Because we caught it early, we were able to remove it before it caused any permanent bone loss. That’s the kind of proactive care CBCT allows us to deliver.
3. TMJ and Jaw Joint Positioning
Jaw pain? Clicking or popping when you chew? CBCT can help us see exactly what’s going on with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Unlike regular X-rays, which only show a flat image of the jaw, CBCT reveals how the joint sits in its socket, if there’s arthritis, misalignment, or structural issues.
This means we can diagnose TMJ disorders more accurately and recommend treatments that actually address the root cause—not just mask the symptoms.
4. Orthodontic Support for a Better Bite
Braces and aligners aren’t just about straightening teeth—they’re about ensuring your bite is functional, balanced, and comfortable. CBCT allows us to see your full jaw structure, including impacted teeth, bone density, and how your upper and lower jaw align.
For teens and adults considering orthodontic treatment, CBCT helps us determine the best approach, whether it’s traditional braces, clear aligners, or even early intervention for developing jaw issues in kids.
5. Detecting Hidden Infections and Root Canal Issues
Tooth infections aren’t always obvious. A standard X-ray might show an abscess, but it won’t reveal the extent of the infection or how close it is to vital structures like nerves and sinuses. CBCT, on the other hand, shows us the full picture—which means we can treat infections more effectively and avoid unnecessary procedures.
I’ve had cases where a patient was about to lose a tooth because an X-ray didn’t give us enough detail. But with CBCT, we discovered a treatable infection, and we were able to save the tooth instead of pulling it. That’s a win in my book.
Why This Matters to You
At the end of the day, my job is to make sure you get the best dental care possible. CBCT allows me to see beyond the surface, diagnose problems faster and more accurately, and create treatment plans that are tailored specifically to you.
I’m all about keeping things simple, effective, and stress-free for my patients. And CBCT? It’s a tool that lets me do exactly that.
If you’ve been dealing with unexplained dental pain, missing teeth, or concerns about your bite, CBCT could be the key to finding the right solution. Let’s take a closer look—literally. Schedule an appointment, and let’s get you the answers (and the relief) you need.
See you soon!
YOU FIRST DENTAL
Dr. Jennifer Buchanan
