As dental technology continues to evolve, modern dentists have access to advanced imaging systems that significantly improve diagnosis, treatment accuracy, and patient comfort. One of the most valuable innovations is cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), often called cone beam 3D X-rays, which provides detailed, three-dimensional views of the teeth, bone structure, and soft tissue.
Compared to traditional digital X-rays, cone beam imaging delivers high-resolution results with lower radiation exposure, making it a safer, more precise diagnostic tool for both routine and complex dental cases.
At our Gahanna dental office, Dr. Fred Alger uses this advanced dental cone beam technology to guide treatment planning, enhance dental implant placement, and ensure the best possible care for every patient.
What Is Cone Beam 3D Technology?
Cone beam computed tomography, also called a CBCT scan, is an advanced form of dental imaging that captures a complete three-dimensional picture of the mouth in a single rotation around the patient’s head.
Unlike traditional two-dimensional radiographs, cone beam CT scanners produce detailed images of teeth, jawbones, sinuses, and other soft tissue structures from every angle. The result is a clear 3-D model that allows Dr. Alger to visualize your entire mouth in precise detail.
These cone beam images reveal anatomical structures invisible to conventional film, such as nerve pathways, bone density, and the position of tooth roots, crucial information when planning procedures like dental implant surgery, orthodontic treatment, or root canal therapy.
This technology eliminates the need for messy impressions, since the 3-D scan can be used to design surgical guides and custom restorations directly from digital data.
The CT Exam Procedure in Gahanna
When you visit our dental practice, you’ll notice that the CBCT machine resembles a standard X-ray unit, but it’s far more advanced. The process is quick, safe, and completely painless.
Here’s what to expect during your cone beam CT exam:
- You’ll be seated comfortably, resting your chin on a small support while the device rotates 360 degrees around your head.
- In less than 20 seconds, the cone-shaped beam captures hundreds of high-definition images.
- These images are instantly reconstructed into a single, complete 3-D model of your teeth, jaw, and soft tissue.
No special preparation is required; patients simply remove any metal objects, such as jewelry or removable dental work, before the scan. The radiation dose is lower than that of a traditional fan-beam CT, and the results are available immediately for review.
Advantages of Cone Beam CT Scans
The precision of cone beam computed tomography makes it one of the most important diagnostic tools in modern dentistry. Key benefits include:
- High-resolution imaging for superior accuracy in diagnostics and treatment planning.
- Lower radiation exposure compared to conventional CT systems.
- A single scan captures the entire mouth, eliminating the need for multiple X-rays.
- Enhanced ability to assess bone structure, soft tissue, and airway spaces.
- Improved visualization of root canals, impacted teeth, and diseases of the jaw.
- Valuable for planning orthodontic treatment, oral surgery, and dental implant placement.
- Better communication with patients — Dr. Alger can display your 3-D model on screen to explain your treatment plan in detail.
Cone Beam CT for Dental Implants
Accurate dental implant placement depends on understanding the bone density, height, and position of surrounding anatomical structures. With cone beam CT, Dr. Alger can:
- Evaluate the quality of bone tissue before surgery.
- Identify nerve pathways and sinus cavities to avoid complications.
- Plan the exact angle and depth of each titanium implant.
- Design surgical guides for precise placement.
This level of accuracy helps ensure stable, long-lasting results and reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications.
Cone Beam CT in Endodontics and Periodontics
Beyond implant dentistry, cone beam computed tomography assists in many other areas of care. It can help identify hidden root canals, evaluate periodontal bone loss, and locate infections or cysts that may not appear on standard 2-D X-rays.
Because the 3-D model shows structures from different angles, Dr. Alger can make a more accurate diagnosis of complex cases, including gum disease, bone defects, or lesions near the nasal cavity.
In periodontics, CBCT scans allow precise measurement of bone levels, helping plan regenerative treatments such as bone grafting or guided tissue regeneration.
Patient Safety and Comfort
Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how fast and comfortable cone beam CT imaging is. The scan is completely noninvasive and involves minimal radiation exposure — often less than a full set of traditional panoramic radiography films.
Our office follows all American Dental Association guidelines for imaging safety and uses state-of-the-art CBCT systems that deliver lower radiation doses while producing superior image quality.
Because the exam is done in-office, patients can resume normal activities immediately afterward — no downtime or discomfort.
Why Cone Beam Imaging Improves Diagnosis
Cone beam imaging gives dentists a new level of insight into craniofacial health, allowing for earlier detection and more precise treatment of dental and skeletal conditions.
For example, Dr. Alger can use cone beam CT to:
- Detect hidden infections, cysts, or tumors in the jawbone.
- Identify problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Evaluate tooth root morphology before performing endodontic therapy.
- Assess the spatial resolution of impacted teeth and neighboring structures.
- Analyze the patient’s airway when planning sleep apnea appliances or orthodontic treatment.
The ability to see soft tissue and bone detail in the same image makes CBCT scans an invaluable tool for both diagnosis and precise treatment planning.
The Role of Cone Beam Technology in Modern Dentistry
Today’s dental professionals rely on CBCT not only for diagnostics but also for digital workflows that guide advanced procedures. The integration of cone beam CT imaging with CAD/CAM systems allows for precise fabrication of restorations, surgical templates, and aligners.
Because the technology captures valuable information about the area of interest in a single scan, it saves time while improving accuracy and patient outcomes.
Dr. Alger uses CBCT technology to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care for everything from dental implants to orthodontic evaluations.