When is a dental CBCT scan considered?

Hearing your dentist suggest a scan with an unfamiliar name can bring up questions fast: What is it? Do I need it? How much radiation is involved? A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan gives your dentist a three-dimensional view of your teeth, roots and jawbone. It’s used when standard dental X-rays can’t answer a specific question, and your dentist weighs that added detail against the added radiation first.¹ 

What you'll learn: 

• What a CBCT scan adds to standard dental X-rays 

• When 3D imaging may help with implants, impacted teeth or root canal care 

• What to expect while the scan is taken 

• How your dentist weighs the benefit against radiation exposure 

If you have questions about your imaging options, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider to talk them over. 

What is a dental CBCT scan? 

A CBCT scanner uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam to collect images as it moves around your head. Software combines the information into a three-dimensional view.¹ 

Your dentist can examine that view from different directions. For example, they can assess the position of a tooth root in relation to a nearby nerve canal, rather than relying on a flat image where structures may overlap. The scan helps show those relationships, but your dentist still needs to interpret them alongside your examination.²^,³ 

When might a dentist recommend dental CBCT imaging? 

CBCT is used for specific clinical needs rather than as a routine screening scan for everyone. The reason for requesting it depends on what your dentist is evaluating or planning.¹ 

Planning dental implant surgery 

Before implant surgery, your dentist needs to assess the available bone and nearby structures, including nerve canals and sinuses. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology recommend CBCT for presurgical implant planning. A panoramic image may be useful during the initial assessment, while the 3D scan supports the more detailed surgical plan.² 

Your dentist first considers your examination, health history and any existing images before arranging a scan.² 

Evaluating impacted teeth or complex root canal problems 

An impacted tooth may need a closer look when standard images leave questions about its position or its relationship to surrounding structures. Certain root canal cases may also benefit from CBCT, such as suspected complex canal anatomy or problems that remain unclear on conventional images.²^,³ 

If you're preparing for treatment, understanding what happens before and after a root canal can help you plan your questions. A scan recommendation by itself doesn't tell you which treatment you'll need. 

Assessing certain jawbone concerns 

CBCT may help evaluate a suspected jawbone lesion or support surgical planning. The choice depends on the area and the question being investigated. It isn't equally useful for every type of tissue; some concerns need another imaging method or additional testing.³ 

How is CBCT different from regular dental X-rays? 

A periapical X-ray gives a focused, two-dimensional view of a tooth and its roots. A panoramic image provides a wider overview of the teeth and jaws. CBCT adds depth, allowing your dentist to look at the area from different angles.¹^,³ 

That doesn’t make it the best choice for every appointment. CBCT generally involves more radiation than conventional dental X-rays, so it’s reserved for questions a lower-exposure image can’t answer.¹^,⁴

What happens during a dental CBCT scan? 

The setup varies by machine, but your dental team will guide you through positioning and explain when to stay still. A scan typically takes under a minute and isn’t painful, and you can usually return to normal activities right afterward.³ Generally, you can expect to: 

• Remove items that could affect the image: Follow instructions about glasses, jewelry, hearing aids and removable dental appliances. 

• Get into position: Depending on the scanner, you may sit or lie down while the team lines up the area being examined. 

• Stay still during the scan: The equipment moves around your head to capture the images. Movement can reduce image clarity.³

Tell the team if holding the position is uncomfortable or you're feeling anxious. Ask how long you'll need to stay still and how to signal if you need help. Before leaving, check when and how you'll hear about the results.  

How does your dentist limit radiation exposure? 

Your dentist weighs the expected benefit against the radiation risk and chooses settings suited to your size and the area being examined. The aim is to obtain an image that answers the clinical question with as little exposure as reasonably achievable.¹

The dose varies with the equipment, scan area and settings. There isn't one radiation number that applies to every dental CBCT scan. Children need particular attention because they are more sensitive to radiation.¹

Tell your dental team if you are pregnant or might be.³ You can also ask whether existing images could answer the question or whether another option would work.¹ 

To discuss a recommended scan and how it fits your care, schedule an appointment with your local dental provider. 

When is a dental CBCT scan considered? FAQs 

Can I transfer a CBCT scan from another dentist? 

Ask your previous office to send the scan to your current dental team. They can review whether it covers the right area and provides suitable information for your current needs. Sharing existing images may help avoid an unnecessary repeat.⁴ Ask which files the office needs before arranging the transfer. 

Does dental insurance cover a CBCT scan? 

Coverage depends on your plan and why the scan is requested. Ask the office for the procedure code and an estimate, then confirm benefits and any authorization requirements with your insurer. Also ask what you would owe if the scan isn't covered. 

Who reviews the scan and explains the results? 

Depending on your care team, the dentist who ordered the scan, an oral surgeon or a radiologist may read it. You may hear the findings during your visit, or they may go to the dentist who referred you.³ Ask who will explain the results and how those findings could affect your treatment options. 

Sources 

¹ U.S. Food and Drug Administration: “Dental Cone-beam Computed Tomography.” https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-x-ray-imaging/dental-cone-beam-computed-tomography 

² American Dental Association, The Journal of the American Dental Association: “American Dental Association and American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology patient selection for dental radiography and cone-beam computed tomography.” https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(25)00631-2/fulltext 

³ American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America, RadiologyInfo.org: “Dental Cone Beam CT.” https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/dentalconect 

⁴ American Dental Association: “X-Rays/Radiographs.” https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/x-rays-radiographs