The sinuses are one of the most important parts of the body because they protect against infection and help you smell, speak and taste. The sinuses sit behind the cheekbones and nose in four different areas that include: Frontal sinuses, Ethmoid sinuses, Sphenoid sinuses and Maxillary sinuses. These four areas make it difficult for doctors to diagnose problems without the use of imaging equipment like CT scans or MRI machines.
How do sinus CT scans work? A CBCT sinus scan (Cone-Beam Computed Tomography) uses a 3D image of the inside of your head to detect and diagnose abnormalities and diseases of the paranasal sinuses and nasal passages. The CBCT scanner rotates around your head, taking detailed images that are used to generate the 3D image of your sinuses. These images are sent to the computer, which then creates one large 3D image of the inside of your skull.
What Is A Sinus CBCT Scan? What To Expect
A sinus CT scan uses a special type of X-ray to create cross-sectional images of the sinuses. These scans can be completed in about 10 minutes and can show hidden problems that would not otherwise be seen.
In the sinuses, there are many small airways called ostia that allow air to flow from the nose and mouth into the lungs. When these passages become blocked due to polyps, infections or other conditions, it can lead to nasal congestion, chronic sore throat and breathing difficulties.
A sinous CT scan will take a look inside your nose so it can determine if you have any obstructions or polyps that need medical treatment.
CBCT scanning is usually done with the patient seated upright and their head immobilized using a chin rest.
What Does A Sinus CBCT Scan Reveal And When It's Recommended To Have One
The sinus CT scan is one of the most effective diagnostic tools available in ENT medicine. Sinus CT scans can be used to help diagnose conditions such as nasal polyps, sleep apnea, fractures, vascular abnormalities, tumors, airway obstructions, sinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, deviated septums, among others.
They are also useful in detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions of the head and neck region. At Reveal Diagnostic imaging centers we offer this service with our state-of-the-art CBCT technology which takes images from all angles so that your ENT specialist has an accurate diagnosis while providing you with a comfortable experience that is less invasive than conventional MRI or X-Ray.
How Long Does A Sinus CBCT Scan Take?
A sinus CT scan takes only a few minutes and is painless. With the use of a machine called a CBCT scanner, x-rays pass through the sinuses, soft tissues, and bones to create detailed images of the sinuses. Doctors then create 3D models of patients' sinuses with images captured by the CBCT scanner.
The advantages of the 3D imagery allow us to measure bone thickness and volume accurately and visualize how well certain surgical approaches would work.The scans can be used for diagnosis as well as monitoring changes in the condition of the sinuses over time.
Images from the scan are available immediately after it is completed and can be viewed on computer screens or even on mobile devices, so patients don’t have to wait long before they can share their results with the referring doctor.
How Do You Prepare For A Sinus CT Scan?
CBCT sinus scans are the latest in radiation-free imaging technology. The scan is painless and takes just a few minutes. To prepare for your scan, you can take a decongestant to help clear your sinuses of mucous and make sure you don’t have any metallic objects in your mouth or nose. If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them before the test. Afterward, you can resume normal activities.
A CBCT scanner rotates around the patient while taking x-ray images that show doctors much more detail than traditional x-rays. Doctors then create 3D models of patients' sinuses with images captured by the CBCT scanner.
The advantages of the 3D imagery allow us to measure bone thickness and volume accurately and visualize how well certain surgical approaches would work.
If you have any questions about what our specialists see during your scan, they will be happy to talk with you during the post procedure consultation.
Contact us today if you would like more information on what a sinus CT scan can reveal!