No it does not hurt. In fact, you will not feel a thing. It is not dangerous either since it uses only 2% of the X-rays usually emitted by medical scans.
Dental x-rays and 2D panographs cannot clearly see the inside of the bone, and cannot see the tongue-side of the bone at all. Only a cone beam CT (CBCT image) can create a 3D view and cross sections of the area of interest. The information provided in a CBCT scan is extremely important when placing dental implants, performing a complex root canal or extraction, planning orthodontics, evaluating the sinuses and airway, testing your TMJ (jaw joint), or looking for the source of pain or infection. Doctors want to have as much information as possible about your condition and anatomy before operating or planning; that’s why doctors refer patients for CT imaging.
Our dental cone beam CT emits less radiation and provides a more complete picture. Hospital CTs take a series of parallel x-ray images of the head, from top to bottom. There’s a gap between each image, and a computer uses educated guesses to fill in the gaps. This type of CT imaging is adequate (albeit with excessive radiation) for large pathology, like a skull fracture or sinus infection. A CBCT circles the head, so each image or slice overlaps. There is no gap. In addition, the radiation is much weaker. Only in areas of overlap (the area of interest) is there enough radiation and data to construct a 3D model. This is why CBCT images provide are better.
In general, the exam requires less than one minute. You will have to remain still during that time in order to produce clear images.
No, the scan will be verified before you leave. This will only require a few minutes of your time and will ensure that all steps have been completed succesfully. This way, you will not have to come back needlessly.
No, a contrast agent is not necessary.
No. Pregnant women should not have any type of x-ray examination, especially during the first three months. In case of medical urgency, additional precautions will need to be taken.
The cost depends on the services requested by your dentist. When we will fix an appointment for you, we will tell you the applicable cost.
An extremely small amount of radiation is emitted—but any radiation should concern you. We at RAYDENT use cone beam CTs that emit “dental level” radiation (below 100 kVp), and we employ only licensed Certified Radiological Technologists to ensure each CBCT scan’s radiation is adjusted down to as low as possible while still providing a diagnostic image. Your doctor believes that this risk from radiation exposure is much less than the risk of inaccurate diagnosis or treatment from proceeding with the knowledge provided by a CBCT scan.
You may ask any question to our staff. We will do our best to answer them as clearly as possible.