CBCT 3D dental imaging is a type of X-ray that creates a three-dimensional view of your teeth, jaws, nerves, and sinuses. CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. Dentists use it when a regular two-dimensional X-ray does not show enough, such as when planning dental implants, assessing impacted wisdom teeth, or checking complex root canal cases. It is not used for routine checkups because it involves more radiation than standard dental X-rays. This guide explains how a cone beam CT dental scan works and what to expect.
What Is a Cone Beam CT Dental Scan?
A cone beam CT dental scan uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam that rotates around your head. A computer combines the images into a 3D model your dentist can view from any angle and in thin slices. This shows depth, bone shape, and the position of nerves and roots in a way a flat image cannot.
How Does CBCT Differ From a Regular Dental X-Ray?
| Feature | Standard dental X-ray | CBCT 3D imaging |
| Image type | Flat, two-dimensional | Three-dimensional |
| What it shows well | Cavities, bone levels, routine checks | Bone volume, nerve position, tooth position, sinuses |
| Radiation | Lower | Higher than standard dental X-rays |
| Typical use | Regular exams | Specific planning or diagnostic questions |
When Might Your Dentist Recommend CBCT?
CBCT is used when the extra detail is likely to change the diagnosis or treatment plan. Common reasons include:
• Planning dental implants in Mississauga , to measure bone and find nerves and sinuses
• Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth before extraction in Mississauga, to see how close roots are to nerves
• Complex root canal in Mississauga cases, such as unusual root shapes or hidden canals
• Jaw, sinus, or joint concerns that a flat image cannot show clearly
• Some orthodontic planning
Is CBCT Imaging Safe?
CBCT uses ionizing radiation, so it should only be used when the benefit outweighs the risk. Health Canada’s Safety Code 30 (2022) gives radiation protection guidance for dental X-ray equipment, including cone beam CT. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also advises that CBCT be used only when needed, with the lowest dose that gives a useful image.
Dose varies by machine, settings, and the size of the area scanned. A smaller scan area usually means a lower dose. Published research notes that CBCT doses are higher than standard dental X-rays and are generally lower than conventional medical CT.
In Ontario, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario regulates dental CT scanners through member authorization and facility permits.
Tell your dentist if you are pregnant or might be, and feel free to ask why a scan is needed and whether a standard X-ray would be enough.
What Happens During a CBCT Scan?
1. Preparation. You remove jewellery, glasses, hearing aids, and removable dental appliances.
2. Positioning. You sit or stand while the team positions your head, often with a chin rest.
3. The scan. The machine rotates around your head. You stay still and breathe normally. The scan is short.
4. Review. Your dentist reviews the 3D images and explains what they show.
The scan does not hurt, and nothing goes inside your mouth beyond a bite guide on some machines.
Will Insurance Cover a CBCT Scan?
It depends on your plan and the reason for the scan. Check with your insurance provider before the scan. If you are enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan, see our guide to Canadian Dental Care Plan eligibility and ask our team about coverage.
How Does CBCT Compare With Other Dental Imaging?
| Imaging type | What it shows | Common use |
| Bitewing X-ray | Back teeth crowns and bone levels | Checking for cavities between teeth |
| Periapical X-ray | One or two whole teeth and roots | Infections and root problems |
| Panoramic X-ray | Both jaws in one flat image | Wisdom teeth and general overview |
| CBCT | Three-dimensional view of teeth and bone | Implant planning and complex cases |
| Medical CT | Detailed 3D imaging of the head and body | Hospital diagnosis |
Each type has a different purpose and radiation dose. Your dentist chooses the one that answers the clinical question with the least exposure.
How Does CBCT Help Specific Treatments?
Dental implants
CBCT shows bone height and width and the location of nerves and sinuses, which helps plan implant size, position, and angle.
Wisdom teeth
For impacted wisdom teeth, CBCT can show how close roots are to the nerve in the lower jaw, which affects surgical planning.
Root canal treatment
CBCT can help find extra canals, unusual root shapes, cracks, or infection not clear on a flat X-ray.
Orthodontics
CBCT may be used in selected cases to assess impacted teeth or jaw relationships.
Jaw joint and airway
CBCT can show bony structures of the jaw joint. It is not used to diagnose sleep apnea.
Questions to Ask About a CBCT Scan
• Why is a 3D scan needed instead of a standard X-ray?
• How large is the area being scanned?
• Who will read the scan?
• Will the scan change my treatment plan?
• What will it cost, and will insurance cover it?
Is CBCT Used for Children?
CBCT is used more cautiously in children, who are more sensitive to radiation. When it is used, it is usually for a specific question, such as an impacted tooth, with the smallest area and lowest dose that answers it. Ask your dentist why a scan is recommended for your child.
What Happens to Your Scan Images?
Your scan becomes part of your dental record. If you are referred to a specialist, the images can be shared with your permission so you do not need another scan. You can ask for a copy for your own records or another provider.
Preparing for Your Scan
• Remove earrings, glasses, hairpins, and removable dental appliances.
• Wear clothing without metal near the neck.
• Tell the team if you are or might be pregnant.
• Ask the team to explain each step if you feel nervous.
What Do Dentists Look For on a CBCT Scan?
Depending on the reason for the scan, the dentist or a radiologist reviews bone height and width, the position of nerves and sinuses, root shapes and canals, signs of infection, impacted teeth, and the jaw joints. Scans can also show findings outside the area of interest, which may need follow-up. Ask who will review your scan and how findings will be shared with you.
How Long Does a CBCT Appointment Take?
The appointment is usually short. Most of the time is spent positioning you comfortably and confirming you are still; the scan itself is brief. Your dentist may review the images during the same visit or at a later appointment.
Can I Request a CBCT Scan?
CBCT scans should be taken when they are likely to change your diagnosis or treatment, not routinely. If you think a scan might help, ask your dentist. They will explain whether a 3D scan is needed or whether a standard X-ray answers the question with less radiation.
What If I Was Referred by Another Dentist?
If your own dentist referred you for a scan, the images are usually sent back to them for planning. Tomken Dental accepts dental CT scan referrals. Bring your referral form and any questions your dentist asked you to raise.
CBCT Myths
• “A 3D scan is always better.” It is only better when the extra detail is needed.
• “CBCT is the same as a hospital CT.” It is designed for dental and facial imaging and generally uses a lower dose than conventional medical CT.
• “One scan covers everything.” Scans are sized to the area needed.
Radiation in Context
All X-rays involve some radiation, and the amount varies by type and settings. Dental imaging guidelines, including Health Canada’s Safety Code 30, encourage dentists to use imaging only when it is needed and to keep doses as low as reasonably achievable. A smaller scan area, protective equipment where appropriate, and choosing the right type of image all help reduce exposure.
How Does CBCT Support Treatment Planning at Tomken?
At Tomken Dental, CBCT imaging may be used to plan implants, assess impacted teeth, and look more closely at complex root canal cases. Your dentist will explain why a scan is recommended and how it will guide your treatment.
What Should You Expect After a Scan?
There is no recovery time after a CBCT scan, and you can return to normal activities right away. Your dentist will review the images and discuss findings and next steps, either at the same visit or a follow-up. Ask for an explanation of anything you do not understand.
CBCT for Referring Dentists
If you are a dentist referring a patient for a scan, the referral form explains how to request the scan and receive images. Images are shared with you for your own treatment planning.
CBCT and Dental Implants: A Closer Look
For implant planning, CBCT helps the dentist measure the available bone, find the nerve in the lower jaw, see the sinus in the upper jaw, and judge whether bone grafting may be needed. Some practices use the scan to design a surgical guide that helps place the implant in the planned position. Learn more about dental implants in Mississauga at Tomken.
CBCT and Wisdom Teeth: A Closer Look
For lower wisdom teeth that sit close to the nerve, CBCT can show the exact relationship between the roots and the nerve canal. This helps the dentist plan the extraction and explain the risks more precisely. Not every wisdom tooth needs a 3D scan; many can be assessed with a panoramic X-ray.
CBCT 3D Dental Imaging at a Glance
| Question | Short answer |
| What is it? | A 3D X-ray of teeth, jaws, and nearby structures |
| When is it used? | Implants, impacted teeth, complex root canals |
| Does it hurt? | No |
| Radiation? | More than standard dental X-rays; generally less than medical CT |
| How long? | A short appointment |
Key Takeaways
• CBCT creates a 3D view of teeth, jaws, nerves, and sinuses.
• It is used when extra detail is likely to change the diagnosis or plan.
• It uses more radiation than standard dental X-rays and generally less than medical CT.
• Health Canada’s Safety Code 30 guides radiation protection in dentistry.
• Ask why a scan is needed and how large an area will be scanned.
• Tell your dentist if you are or might be pregnant.
CBCT Scans and Metal Restorations
Metal fillings, crowns, and implants can create streaks or shadows on CBCT images, called artifacts. Your dentist takes this into account when reading the scan. Tell the team about any metal in your mouth, though you usually do not need to remove fixed dental work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBCT 3D dental imaging used for?
It is used for implant planning, impacted teeth, complex root canal cases, and some jaw, sinus, or orthodontic questions where a flat X-ray does not show enough.
How much radiation does a CBCT scan use?
More than standard dental X-rays and generally less than conventional medical CT. The exact dose depends on the machine, settings, and the size of the area scanned.
Does a cone beam CT dental scan hurt?
No. You sit or stand still while the machine rotates around your head. Nothing is injected.
Can I have a CBCT scan if I am pregnant?
Tell your dentist if you are or might be pregnant. They will weigh whether the scan is needed now or can wait.
Can my own dentist refer me for a CBCT scan at Tomken?
Yes. Dentists can refer patients through our dental CT scan referral page.
Ask Tomken Dental About CBCT Imaging
If your dentist has recommended a CBCT scan, it is reasonable to ask why it helps in your case. Contact Tomken Dental in Mississauga and we will explain when 3D imaging is useful, or learn more on our CBCT 3D imaging page.
If you have questions about a CBCT scan, ask before your appointment. Understanding why a scan is recommended, what it will show, and how it fits into your treatment plan can make the visit easier and help you make informed decisions about your care. Your dentist can also show you the images and explain what they mean for your treatment.