A dental cone beam machine or dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is special X-ray equipment that provides one single scan with 3D images of soft tissues, dental structures, bones, and nerve paths in the craniofacial region. It improves the ability to view, diagnose and provide appropriate treatment options to the patients. The most common application of the dental cone beam machine is to place dental implants in a patient.

How does dental cone beam imaging different from the traditional dental x-ray?

The traditional dental x-ray finds great application in cavity detection. On the contrary, the CBCT scan offers a complete view of your gums, teeth, soft tissue, and nerve pathways. Both serve different purposes and are still used in modern dentistry practice.

None of either can replace the other or have other alternatives, which is why they are an inseparable part of a dentist’s practice.

How does a CBCT machine work?

A CBCT machine scan gets you a detailed layered view to enable you to see your patient’s anatomy from different angles. It allows the doctor to get details of the areas that need attention and could not have been possibly viewed by a traditional orthopantomogram.

In this process, a cone beam CT projects an x-ray beam in the shape of the cone. This conical beam is moved around the patient in a circular motion to produce numerous images referred to as views. It creates a navigable 3-D picture of the patient’s dental structure. The multiple exposures allowed the dentist to perform a better diagnosis with detailed analysis, which is impossible in the case of a traditional 2-D X-ray machine.

How to choose the right CBCT machine for your practice?

Before you plan to settle on a CBCT machine for your dental practice, ensure that the following checklist aligns well with your choice.

• Consider the space it will take up in your office.
• Choose the smallest field of view unless you’re looking up to an ample amount of data for your sole interpretation.
• The cost of the machine increases as the FOV increases. So, we recommend you choose a machine that fulfills your requirements and not the would-be and can be things on your list if you wish to stay on budget.
• The increased competition in the market has caused the prices of CBCT machines to hit rock bottom. So, explore all the options from refurbished to new technologies in the market to make a wise decision in the end.
• Choose a machine with CBCT software that has a small learning curve. It should be easy to learn and intuitive for dental professionals so that they can get started with it right away.

What are the best uses of a dental CBCT machine?

A dental CBCT machine finds use in many cases, with implant planning and endodontics at the top of the list.

In the process of implant planning, this machine offers a clear understanding of the bone structure of a patient. It shows a crystal-clear view of factors like bone density and thickness, unlike in OPG, which shows the placement of teeth structures. Dental professionals can prepare themselves better for the diagnosis and treatment of the patient with a CBCT machine by their side.

On the contrary, endodontics leverages a CBCT machine to reveal in-depth information, that can be retrieved from a typical periapical x-ray machine. It adds to the diagnostic confidence to make better treatment decisions.

Applications of a dental cone beam machine

A dental cone beam machine has various applications like

• Trauma evaluation
• Immediate advanced imaging and treatment
• Paranasal sinus evaluation, endodontic evaluation
• Impacted teeth related to orthodontics
• TMJ visualization
• Assistance And preparation for tooth extraction.
• Dental implants placement
• Tooth orientation determination
• Jaw tumors detection and treatment
• Temporomandibular joint disorder diagnosis
• Cosmetic dentistry and reconstructive procedures planning

With a long list of applications, one must not underestimate the power of CBCT technology on dental imaging. It’s a great way to make accurate and rapid diagnoses so that better treatment options can be offered to the patient.

Advantages of dental cone beam machine imaging

The benefits of owning a dental cone beam machine in dental practice are impeccable. We have listed some of them below to paint a clear picture in your mind.

• CBCT imaging is a fast method of diagnosis which is also non-invasive.
• It offers accurate information and is a painless procedure.
• It offers high image quality because of obsolete radiation scattering.
• It is considerably smaller in size than conventional CT scan machine.
• No radiation is left in your body after the scan is completed.
• The dentist can evaluate a single scan from different angles and views for a better diagnosis.
• The bone and soft tissue can be viewed simultaneously.
• It offers much more information as compared to a conventional x-ray allowing thorough and targeted treatment planning.

Conclusion

The CBCT technology is the future of dental imaging and diagnosis that applies to all dental disciplines. The future beholds the scope of a greater number of dental offices Integrating it into their practice.

Experts believe that with more innovation and advancement in this technology, the scan time will further reduce, making the entire process lightning fast. So why not adopt this quick and painless way to assess mouth health and prepare for reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry improvements.

We offer Mobile Dental Vans or Trailers with CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) System. if you wish for some assistance from the experts, feel free to connect with us +1 586 917 0245 or email us at sales@kbdentalconsulting.com. Our experienced professionals will guide you through every obstacle that is stopping you from finding the best Mobile CBCT van for yourself.