CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) or CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) is a radiological technique that allows to obtain three-dimensional images of the maxillofacial skeleton. It is used in selected cases, when your dentist finds it appropriate.
This new diagnostic technique allows to visualize in 3 dimensions and without so much irradiation the interior of the dental structure. In the specific case of endodontics, the tooth to be treated can be evaluated previously, studying several issues:
- Number of roots and their curvatures.
- Number of root canals
- Complications to be evaluated
- Degree of bone reabsorption, which on many occasions is not appreciable with a conventional X-ray.
What advantages does it have over conventional CT?
HCT involves much less radiation for the patient because the machine is different from conventional CT. In addition, we can choose to reduce the field of view of the CBCT until only 1 to 3 teeth are visible, thus reducing radiation even further.
CBCT also provides undistorted images of tooth structures, so the dentist can make accurate measurements directly on the images. Finally, the acquisition of a CBCT is very fast compared to a conventional CT scan.