3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an imaging technology that allows dentists to evaluate the underlying bone structure, as well as the nerve pathways and surrounding soft tissues. During a CBCT scan, the imaging machine rotates entirely around the patient’s head. In less than a minute, about 150-200 images are captured from a variety of angles and compiled into a single 3D image. 

CBCT scans are quick and, in most cases, a full mouth scan only takes about 20-40 seconds. When having a CBCT scan taken, you can expect to be seated while an x-ray arm slowly rotates around your head. To ensure your head remains still during the scan, your dentist may have you rest your head against part of the machine and/or use stabilizers in or around your ears to gently hold your head in place. The scan should cause you no discomfort. 

In case you are wondering, CBCT scans do use radiation, however they use significantly less radiation than traditional CT scanners and are considered to be safe. At any given time, we are all exposed to what is known as background radiation. A medical CT scanner produces enough radiation to be equivalent to 63-154 days of background radiation, while a CBCT scan only produces about 6-30 days of background radiation.