When a 3D scan is used
A regular X-ray is flat. A 3D scan shows depth, which matters when treatment is close to bone, nerves or sinuses.
- Dental implants. Measuring the bone, finding the nerve and making a 3D-printed surgical guide.
- Complex root canals. Finding extra or curved canals and infection a flat X-ray can miss.
- Wisdom teeth. Seeing how close the roots sit to the jaw nerve.
- Jaw joint (TMJ) problems. Checking the joint for wear or changes when your jaw clicks, locks or aches.
- Pain without a clear cause. When a 2D X-ray hasn’t explained the problem.
3D CBCT scan or regular X-ray?
Most dental care only needs 2D X-rays. The 3D scan is added when planning needs more detail.
Digital X-ray (2D)
- A flat image of teeth and bone
- Very low radiation
- Used at checkups and for most problems
- Read about digital X-rays
3D CBCT scan
- A 3D image you can turn and slice
- Low radiation, more than one X-ray
- Shows nerves, sinuses and bone thickness
- Used to plan implants and complex treatment
What happens during a 3D scan
- Getting ready. You take off glasses, earrings and anything metal around your head.
- Positioning. You stand or sit in the open scanner. Nothing goes around your body.
- The scan. The arm turns once around your head for 15 to 20 seconds while you keep still.
- Your 3D image. Dr. Sayeed looks at it with you on screen and explains what it shows.
How much radiation is in a dental CBCT scan?
Far less than a medical CT scan, because only the jaw area is scanned. It is more than a single X-ray, so it is used only when the detail is needed.
How much does a dental CBCT scan cost?
It depends on how much of your jaw is scanned. You know the cost before the scan, and it is often part of an implant plan.
- Insurance: some plans cover a 3D scan when it is needed for surgery, implants or a root canal. We check yours first.
- Spreading the cost: CareCredit and Cherry let you pay over time for implant treatment.
3D CBCT scan questions
Patients come to us from Kingston, Port Ewen, Lake Katrine, Hurley, Saugerties, Rhinebeck and across Ulster County.
Is a CBCT scan the same as a CT scan?
It is a type of CT designed for the teeth and jaws. It uses a cone-shaped beam and scans a smaller area, so the dose is much lower than a medical CT.
Do I need a CBCT scan for a dental implant?
Dr. Sayeed plans every implant with one. It shows whether there is enough bone and where the nerve is, and it is used to make a 3D-printed surgical guide that places the implant exactly where it was planned.
Is the scanner enclosed?
No. It is an open machine; you stand or sit while the arm turns around your head, so it suits people who dislike tight spaces.
Can I have a 3D scan if I see another dentist?
Yes. We scan patients sent by other dentists and specialists, and send the images to them. Ask your dentist for a referral note, or call us.
