At the office of Po Dentistry, we rely on advanced imaging to make diagnosis clearer and treatment more predictable. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) captures three-dimensional views of the teeth, jaws, and adjacent structures in sharp detail, giving clinicians a fuller picture than traditional two-dimensional films. That extra clarity helps us identify issues earlier, plan procedures more accurately, and tailor care to each patient’s unique anatomy.
Our CBCT unit was selected to balance high image quality with responsible radiation stewardship. The device acquires targeted volumes, which lets us focus exposure on the area of interest rather than scanning the entire head when it’s unnecessary. Combined with experienced interpretation, CBCT imaging supports safer, more efficient diagnostics across a wide range of dental specialties.
CBCT provides a volumetric view of oral and maxillofacial structures that can reveal relationships invisible on standard X-rays. Tiny fractures in tooth roots, hidden canals, subtle bone defects, and the spatial position of unerupted teeth are often more apparent in three dimensions. This level of detail reduces uncertainty during assessment and helps clinicians choose the most appropriate next steps.
The images are particularly useful when conventional imaging leaves questions unanswered. For example, overlap of anatomical features on a 2D film can obscure pathology; CBCT resolves those overlaps by displaying cross-sectional slices and reconstructed views. Being able to “scroll” through the anatomy aids in differentiating between true disease and artifacts or anatomical variations.
Because CBCT data is quantitative as well as visual, measurements taken from the scan are more reliable. Bone height, width, and density estimates can be derived directly from the volume, which supports objective decision-making when planning restorative or surgical interventions.
One of the most impactful uses of CBCT is in dental implant planning. The 3D data allows clinicians to visualize the proposed implant site in relation to vital structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve, maxillary sinus, and adjacent tooth roots. This spatial awareness is essential for choosing implant size, angulation, and placement depth with confidence.
Guided surgery workflows commonly use CBCT scans to fabricate surgical guides and to simulate outcomes before any incision is made. These guides translate the virtual plan to the clinical setting, reducing chair time and improving reproducibility. For complex extractions, bone grafting, or orthognathic considerations, preoperative CBCT imaging can also help anticipate challenges and refine technique.
In multi-disciplinary cases—where restorative, periodontal, and surgical teams must coordinate—CBCT volumes serve as a shared reference. The consistent, precise imaging improves communication across providers and supports cohesive, predictable treatment sequencing.
CBCT excels at revealing anatomical complexities that affect diagnosis and therapy. Examples include root canal configurations with extra or curved canals, resorptive defects, cysts or localized lesions within the jaw, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bony changes. By offering multiple planes of view and three-dimensional reconstructions, CBCT helps clinicians differentiate between conditions that may appear similar on planar films.
For endodontic cases in particular, CBCT often discloses the presence of missed canals, vertical root fractures, or persistent periapical pathology that could alter treatment strategy. In oral surgery, it clarifies the boundaries of lesions and aids in mapping surgical margins while protecting adjacent vital structures.
Because the volume can be reviewed in different orientations and windowing settings, CBCT supports thorough, methodical evaluation. The ability to archive and revisit volumetric data also benefits longitudinal care and second-opinion consultations if additional perspectives are needed.
Modern CBCT protocols emphasize minimizing exposure while maximizing diagnostic yield. Devices used in dental practices commonly offer adjustable fields of view (FOV) and exposure parameters tailored to the diagnostic task. Selecting a small FOV for localized problems reduces radiation compared with full-arch scans, and iterative imaging protocols further limit dose when appropriate.
Aside from safety, CBCT can improve patient understanding and engagement. Three-dimensional images are intuitive for many patients: a rendered view or sectional slice can make it easier to explain why a procedure is recommended and what it entails. Clear visual communication enhances informed consent and helps patients participate actively in treatment decisions.
The scanning process itself is typically quick and well tolerated. Most CBCT exams are completed in under a minute of actual exposure time, and the upright or seated positioning common to dental units is comfortable for the majority of patients. When combined with good explanation and professional oversight, CBCT exams fit smoothly into comprehensive dental workflows.
CBCT is not a standalone solution; its full value emerges when combined with clinical examination, intraoral imaging, and digital workflows. Volumetric data can be merged with intraoral scans for prosthetic planning, imported into implant planning software, or used to produce surgical guides and digital treatment simulations. This interoperability makes CBCT a versatile tool across restorative, surgical, and orthodontic applications.
Appropriate interpretation requires experience and a methodical approach. Our clinicians review CBCT volumes with attention to both the targeted clinical question and the surrounding anatomy, documenting findings that influence care. In cases where specialized radiologic interpretation is beneficial, the images can be shared with imaging specialists for collaborative input.
By incorporating CBCT thoughtfully, teams can streamline workflows, reduce surprises during procedures, and improve outcomes. When imaging is used with purpose—selected only when it adds meaningful diagnostic or planning value—it becomes a force multiplier for modern dentistry.
In summary, CBCT offers a significant enhancement to traditional imaging by delivering clear, three-dimensional insight into dental anatomy and pathology. Used responsibly and interpreted by experienced clinicians, it supports safer, more precise diagnosis and treatment across many areas of care. Contact us to learn more about how CBCT is used in our practice and whether it’s appropriate for your dental needs.
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a three-dimensional imaging modality that captures volumetric data of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures. Unlike traditional two-dimensional radiographs, CBCT records a cone-shaped X-ray beam while the detector rotates around the patient to produce images that can be reconstructed into cross-sectional slices and 3D renderings. This volumetric approach provides spatial information about anatomy that planar films cannot convey.
CBCT data allow for precise measurements of bone dimensions, angulation, and relationships between structures, which improves diagnostic confidence and treatment planning. The reconstructed views reduce errors caused by anatomical overlap commonly seen on periapical or panoramic images. While CBCT complements rather than replaces conventional radiography, it is particularly valuable when three-dimensional detail is clinically relevant.
CBCT is recommended when standard radiographs leave unanswered questions or when three-dimensional detail will influence treatment decisions. Common indications include implant site assessment, evaluation of impacted or ectopic teeth, endodontic diagnosis of suspected root fractures or complex canal anatomy, and assessment of jaw lesions or trauma. It is also used in TMJ evaluation and multidisciplinary cases where precise spatial data are needed.
Clinicians select CBCT when the added diagnostic value justifies the scan and when it will alter the proposed care. For routine checkups or straightforward restorative work, two-dimensional imaging usually remains sufficient. The decision to image with CBCT is guided by clinical findings, the specific diagnostic question, and radiation stewardship principles.
By visualizing the proposed implant site in three dimensions, CBCT reveals bone height, width, and the proximity of vital structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve and maxillary sinus. This spatial information supports selection of implant length, diameter, and angulation, and it helps determine whether grafting or staged procedures are necessary. Accurate measurements from the volume reduce guesswork and lower the risk of intraoperative surprises.
CBCT volumes are routinely used to design guided-surgery workflows, where virtual implant positions are translated into surgical guides for precise placement. Simulating implant placement prior to surgery improves reproducibility, shortens operative time, and can enhance patient communication by showing expected outcomes. For complex extractions or bone grafting, preoperative CBCT aids in anticipating anatomic challenges and refining surgical technique.
Modern dental CBCT systems and protocols emphasize radiation safety through tailored exposure settings and selectable fields of view (FOV). By limiting the scanned volume to the region of interest and adjusting exposure parameters to the diagnostic task, clinicians can minimize patient dose while preserving image quality. Many units also incorporate fast acquisition times and dose-reduction technologies that further limit exposure.
Before ordering a CBCT scan, providers weigh the expected diagnostic benefit against radiation exposure and select the smallest appropriate FOV. Pregnant patients and those with special considerations should discuss risks and alternatives with the clinician. When used judiciously, CBCT provides significant diagnostic advantages with an acceptable safety profile for most dental indications.
A typical CBCT appointment begins with a brief review of medical history and the clinical question to be answered by the scan. The patient is asked to remove metal objects from the head and neck, and then positioned in the upright or seated unit with a bite registration or head support as needed to stabilize the jaw. Staff will explain the process and confirm comfort before starting the acquisition.
Actual exposure time is usually brief—often under a minute—although total appointment time may include positioning and image processing. The scan is noninvasive and generally well tolerated, with no need for intravenous contrast or sedation for routine dental exams. After acquisition, images are reconstructed and reviewed by the clinician to determine next steps.
Interpreting CBCT volumes requires familiarity with cross-sectional anatomy, reconstruction parameters, and common artifacts, and clinicians use a systematic approach tailored to the clinical question. Dentists trained in implantology, endodontics, oral surgery, or orthodontics commonly review CBCT data in the context of their specialty, documenting findings that influence treatment. When complex or incidental findings fall outside the provider’s expertise, images can be referred to an oral and maxillofacial radiologist for formal interpretation.
Effective review involves examining axial, coronal, and sagittal slices, adjusting windowing, and confirming measurements directly from the volume. Many practices employ standardized checklists to ensure important anatomic features and potential pathologies are assessed consistently. Archiving CBCT data also supports longitudinal follow-up and second-opinion consultations when needed.
Yes. CBCT often reveals details that are difficult or impossible to see on traditional planar films, such as vertical root fractures, additional or curved root canals, localized resorptive defects, and the full extent of periapical lesions. The three-dimensional perspective eliminates superimposition and clarifies spatial relationships, which is particularly valuable in endodontic and surgical diagnoses. Detecting these conditions early can change treatment approach and prognosis.
CBCT is also useful for evaluating jaw pathology, assessing trauma, and determining the exact position of impacted or ectopic teeth relative to adjacent structures. However, some conditions—particularly early occlusal caries or soft-tissue lesions—may still require complementary imaging or clinical examination. Clinicians select imaging modalities based on the strengths and limits of each technique.
CBCT has limitations including lower soft-tissue contrast compared with medical CT, potential for beam-hardening and metal artifacts from restorations, and sensitivity to patient motion, which can degrade image quality. Small field-of-view scans provide high spatial resolution for localized tasks but may miss pathology outside the scanned volume. Those limitations require clinicians to interpret CBCT findings in the context of clinical examination and other diagnostic tests.
Artifacts may obscure details around metallic restorations or implants, and very fine details can be affected by voxel size and unit resolution. In some cases, supplemental imaging or referral for medical CT or MRI may be appropriate to clarify soft-tissue concerns. Recognizing when CBCT is or is not the right tool is an important part of responsible imaging practice.
CBCT integrates smoothly with other digital dental tools such as intraoral scanners, implant planning software, and CAD/CAM systems to create cohesive treatment workflows. Volumetric data can be merged with surface scans to design prosthetics, plan implant positions, and fabricate surgical guides, enabling predictable, prosthetically driven outcomes. This interoperability supports collaboration among restorative, surgical, and orthodontic team members.
Digital planning also enhances patient communication by allowing clinicians to show simulated outcomes and explain treatment steps using 3D visualizations. When CBCT is incorporated into guided-surgery or digital restorative workflows, it can reduce chair time and improve reproducibility of complex procedures. Secure archiving and export options also facilitate referrals and multidisciplinary case coordination.
At Po Dentistry in Lancaster, PA, CBCT is used selectively to enhance diagnostic accuracy and procedural planning across restorative, surgical, and endodontic care. The practice emphasizes choosing the smallest appropriate field of view and tailoring acquisition parameters to the clinical question to balance image quality with radiation stewardship. Clinicians review each volume with attention to both the target concern and surrounding anatomy, documenting findings that affect care.
When cases warrant, CBCT data are incorporated into digital treatment planning and shared with specialists to coordinate multidisciplinary care. Patients receive clear explanations using sectional views and reconstructions so they can participate in informed decision-making. This thoughtful integration of CBCT supports safer, more predictable outcomes while aligning with the practice’s patient-centered approach.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental needs and expectations of care.
