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.

You can download a radiation dose reference card here.

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 cone beam CT 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 a more complete image with less radiation, compared to hospital CT machines.

You can download a radiation dose reference card here.

We encounter radiation naturally - cosmic radiation filters down through the atmosphere, terrestrial radiation comes up from the earth in rocks and building materials, and trace amounts of radiation are found in what we eat, drink, and breathe.

On average, Americans are exposed to about 3 mSv (or 300 mrem) of natural radiation in a year, though this varies from place to place. Radiation is a useful tool in research and clinical applications.  X-rays can help image structures inside the body, small amounts of radioactive material can be injected to help identify internal processes, and large amounts of radiation can treat serious conditions such as cancer.

However, significant radiation exposure can damage skin, the lens of the eye, or even increase the risk for cancer. Whenever radiation is considered, it is important to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks and use reasonable precautions to limit unnecessary exposure.

Our goal is to keep radiation exposure risks as low as reasonably achievable. This is accomplished by using the minimum amount of radiation needed for the desired result, and by the appropriate use of

• Time: The amount of radiation exposure is directly related to the time exposed to the radioactive source. Reduce exposure by limiting the time near radiation to only what is necessary.
• Distance: Doubling the distance from a source of radiation reduces exposure by 75%. Increase distance from the radiation source whenever possible.
• Shielding: Use appropriate shielding for the type of radiation. Lead protective garments or drapes can reduce exposure during x-ray imaging. Higher energy x-rays or gamma rays can be decreased by walls of thicker lead or concrete. Beta radiation can be blocked by a centimeter of Lucite. Alpha radiation is stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air.

The majority of our CT scans have a radiation effective dose equivalent to four or five hours of high-altitude air flight, or 11 to 15 days of normal background radiation in the United States.

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 can download a radiation dose reference card here.

Starting September 2022, Reveal Diagnostics accepts Medicare for all Cone Beam CT services in selected locations. Please contact us at  (415) 837-5990 for details.