Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
CBCT imaging – precision and safety for your dental health. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a specialized imaging technology that provides three-dimensional views of the head, neck, and facial structures. This advanced diagnostic method has become essential in modern dentistry and oral surgery, offering highly detailed insights into anatomy that cannot be achieved with conventional two-dimensional X-rays.
What is CBCT Imaging?
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is an advanced imaging technique that produces three-dimensional (3D) X-ray images. It works by rotating a cone-shaped X-ray beam around the patient’s head, capturing multiple individual images that are then combined by a computer into a detailed 3D model. This visualization offers an exceptionally precise representation of bone structures, teeth, and nerve pathways—providing far more detail than conventional two-dimensional X-rays.
Importance of CBCT in Dentistry
CBCT plays a crucial role in modern dentistry by enabling highly accurate diagnostics and treatment planning, ultimately improving patient outcomes and procedural safety.
Differences Between CBCT and Conventional X-rays
Image quality and detail: Compared to standard X-rays, CBCT delivers much more detailed, three-dimensional images. Unlike traditional CT scans, CBCT is optimized specifically for dental and maxillofacial use, offering higher resolution for the head and neck area.
Low radiation exposure: CBCT provides significantly lower radiation doses than conventional CT, making it a safer alternative—especially for repeated imaging in the craniofacial region.
Application range: While conventional CT scans are designed for imaging the entire body, CBCT focuses on the head, neck, and facial regions. This specialization allows for capturing fine anatomical details essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment in dental and oral surgery.
Speed and patient comfort: CBCT imaging is faster and less stressful for patients than a conventional CT scan. The procedure takes only a short time, and patients can remain seated or standing during the scan, ensuring greater comfort.
Applications of CBCT in Dentistry
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has become an indispensable tool in modern dentistry and other medical fields. Its versatility—ranging from implantology and orthodontics to oncology—has revolutionized dental diagnostics and significantly improved treatment outcomes.
01.
Dental Implantology
Implantology is one of the most important applications of CBCT. Before placing a dental implant, it is essential to analyze the jawbone structure in detail. CBCT allows dentists to precisely measure the thickness, height, and density of the bone, helping determine the ideal implant position. It also identifies critical anatomical structures such as nerve canals and the maxillary sinus, minimizing the risk of complications during surgery.
02.
Orthodontics
In orthodontics, CBCT is used to assess misalignments of teeth and jaws in three dimensions. It provides detailed visualization of tooth roots and the exact position of impacted teeth, allowing for precise planning of orthodontic treatments.
03.
Diagnosis of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
CBCT plays a key role in evaluating the temporomandibular joint. It enables accurate imaging of the joint in various positions and helps detect structural abnormalities such as arthritis, bone remodeling, or disc displacement. This is especially beneficial for patients suffering from chronic jaw pain or functional disorders.
04.
Endodontics
In endodontics—the field concerned with root canal treatments—CBCT provides highly detailed views of the root canal anatomy. For complex or revision treatments, it is crucial to know the exact number, shape, and path of all canals. CBCT helps detect hidden or additional canals, perforations, and resorptions that may not be visible on traditional 2D X-rays, ensuring complete and successful treatment.
05.
Periodontology
In periodontology, CBCT allows precise assessment of bone loss caused by periodontitis. It visualizes the alveolar bone (the part of the jawbone that supports the teeth) in great detail, aiding in the planning of regenerative procedures such as bone augmentation or periodontal surgery. This contributes to restoring stable tooth support and preventing further periodontal damage.
Book a consultation →Advantages of CBCT
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) offers numerous advantages that make it an essential tool in modern dentistry and oral surgery. Below are the key benefits of CBCT imaging:
01.
Precise Three-Dimensional Imaging
A major advantage of CBCT is its ability to produce highly detailed 3D images of the jaw, teeth, and surrounding structures. This precision allows dentists to plan complex procedures—such as implant placement, root canal therapy, or oral surgery—with exceptional accuracy and confidence.
02.
Reduced Radiation Exposure
Compared to conventional CT scans, CBCT delivers significantly lower radiation doses while maintaining excellent image quality. This makes it a safer alternative, particularly for patients requiring repeated imaging in the dental or maxillofacial region.
03.
Speed and Efficiency
CBCT provides rapid and accurate diagnostic data. The scanning process takes only a few seconds, and the results can be analyzed within minutes. This enables faster treatment planning—an important advantage in emergency cases or time-sensitive surgical procedures.
04.
Versatile Applications
CBCT is used across various dental specialties, including implantology, orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and periodontology. Its versatility makes it an indispensable diagnostic and planning tool for dental professionals.
05.
Accurate Treatment Planning
The high-resolution 3D images allow for extremely precise treatment planning. This is especially crucial for implant procedures, as accurate measurements of bone height and width determine the long-term success and stability of the implant.
06.
Enhanced Patient Safety
CBCT improves patient safety through both its reduced radiation exposure and its diagnostic precision. The 3D visualization also enhances patient communication, helping them better understand their anatomy and the proposed treatment plan.
Schedule your personal consultation online →Safety and Radiation Exposure
Overall, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a safe and effective imaging method that provides detailed three-dimensional visualization of the jaw and teeth. While the radiation exposure is slightly higher than with standard 2D X-rays, it remains low and acceptable compared to other imaging techniques. The diagnostic and treatment benefits of CBCT far outweigh the minimal radiation risks. Below you’ll find the most important information about safety and radiation exposure.
Safety of CBCT Examinations
Compared to conventional X-rays, CBCT provides a highly precise 3D visualization of anatomical structures, significantly improving diagnostics and treatment planning. This enhanced accuracy reduces the risk of procedural errors and contributes to better clinical outcomes.
Radiation Exposure in CBCT Imaging
Radiation exposure is a common concern in medical imaging. Although the radiation dose from CBCT is higher than that of traditional two-dimensional X-rays, it is substantially lower than that of a conventional CT scan—up to 90% less.
Minimizing Radiation Exposure
Modern CBCT systems are designed to keep radiation exposure as low as possible. Dentists adjust the radiation dose individually for each patient to ensure optimal image quality with minimal exposure. Additionally, only the specific region of the jaw or teeth being examined is scanned, further reducing the overall radiation dose.
Book your consultation online →The Process of a CBCT Examination
Preparation
Before the examination, we explain the purpose of the CBCT scan and answer any questions you may have. We also ensure that no metallic objects, such as jewelry or removable dental prostheses, remain in the mouth area, as these can interfere with image quality.
Positioning
You will then be positioned for the CBCT scan. Your head is gently stabilized with a special support device to prevent movement during the scan and to ensure optimal image quality.
Parameter Settings
Our medical team adjusts the specific parameters of the CBCT unit to accurately capture the desired regions of the jaw and teeth. The radiation dose is kept to the absolute minimum necessary to guarantee your safety.
Image Acquisition
The actual scan takes only a few seconds. During this time, the CBCT device rotates once around your head, taking multiple X-ray images from different angles. These images are then compiled into a 3D dataset, providing a detailed view of your jaw, teeth, and surrounding structures.
Data Evaluation
After the scan, the images are transferred to a computer for evaluation by your dentist. The 3D images allow for a precise diagnosis and treatment plan. They can be viewed from various angles and magnified to analyze specific areas in detail.
Discussion of Results
Once the evaluation is complete, we will review and discuss the results with you in detail.
Author
Dr. Matthias Göstel
Dentist, Medical Director
Dental Clinic Vienna Döbling
16.11.2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us and schedule a consultation. We are available Monday to Friday, 8:00 – 18:00 at 01 320 97 97. You can also use our online appointment booking — we look forward to your visit!
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a modern 3D X-ray technique that provides detailed, three-dimensional images of the jaw and surrounding structures. It is frequently used in dentistry to enable precise diagnosis and optimal treatment planning.
CBCT imaging uses a special cone-shaped X-ray beam that rotates around the patient’s head. It captures multiple images from various angles, which are then combined into a single 3D image. This allows a comprehensive visualization of teeth, bone, and nerve pathways.
CBCT offers numerous advantages, including higher precision and image detail, true 3D visualization, reduced radiation exposure compared to conventional CT scans, and improved planning for complex dental treatments.
CBCT provides detailed information about bone density, height, and width of the jaw, which enables accurate implant placement and minimizes the risk of complications during surgery.
In orthodontics, CBCT helps visualize tooth roots and jaw alignment in 3D, allowing for precise planning and adjustment of orthodontic treatments.
CBCT allows a detailed assessment of the position and condition of wisdom teeth. It helps identify potential complications early and supports safe and effective treatment planning.
CBCT provides high-resolution 3D images that enable early detection of jaw cysts or tumors. These detailed scans help identify abnormalities and support targeted treatment.
Patients benefit from improved diagnostic accuracy, reduced radiation exposure, faster imaging times, and better treatment outcomes through precise planning.
3D visualization allows dentists to examine the jaw and teeth from every angle, resulting in more accurate diagnoses and treatment planning — especially for implants, root canal treatments, and surgical procedures.
Compared to conventional CT scans, CBCT uses significantly less radiation. It provides excellent image quality while keeping the dose as low as possible.
Yes — CBCT is a safe imaging procedure. The radiation dose is much lower than with traditional CT scans and only slightly higher than that of standard 2D X-rays. Modern CBCT devices are optimized to minimize exposure while ensuring excellent image quality.
A CBCT 3D scan provides far greater detail and accuracy than a 2D panoramic image (OPG). It allows dentists to visualize all anatomical structures three-dimensionally, which is particularly valuable for implant planning, complex root canal treatments, or surgical procedures.
CBCT scans are recommended when detailed 3D imaging of the teeth and jaw is required — for example, before implant placement, when assessing TMJ disorders, locating hidden root canals, or diagnosing complex dental and jaw conditions.
The radiation dose of a CBCT scan is considerably lower than that of conventional CT imaging, making it a safe choice for repeated diagnostic use when necessary.
During a CBCT scan, the patient is comfortably seated or standing while the device rotates once around the head. The process takes only a few seconds and is completely painless.
The entire CBCT procedure takes about 30 seconds. Image processing and analysis are completed within a few minutes.
After the scan, the 3D images are analyzed by our dental specialists to plan the most accurate and effective treatment. The data can be viewed and rotated from all angles for precise assessment.
Our clinic uses state-of-the-art CBCT technology on site — without external referrals. All scans are performed by highly trained professionals, ensuring precision, comfort, and comprehensive patient care.
You can book your appointment conveniently online or by phone. Our friendly team will be happy to assist you and answer all your questions.
