Cone Beam Volumetric Tomography (CBVT) provides a lower dose, lower cost alternative to conventional CT and is being used with increasing frequency in dental practice. Imaging with the Cone Beam Volumetric Tomography Scanner (CBVT) is fast and comfortable for patients and provides the referring Doctor with a complete set of images of the teeth, jaws, joints, face and airway.
Dentists or Physicians may prescribe a CBVT examination of the maxillofacial region for any of the following reasons:
- Evaluation of the jaw bones to assess the feasibility of placing dental implants at specific sites in the jaws. This ensures that every possible precaution has been made to reduce the risk of involvement of the nerves in the lower jaw, and the sinuses and nose in the upper jaw.
- Evaluation of the status of previously placed implants.
- Evaluation of the hard tissue (bones) of the tempro-mandibular joint (TMJ).
- Evaluation of abnormalities (pathology) in or affecting the bones.
- Evaluate extent of alveolar ridge resorbtion.
- Assessment of relevant structures prior to orthodontic treatment such as the presence and position of impacted canine and third molar teeth.
- Assessing symmetry of the face (cephalometrics).
- Assessing the airway space (sleep apnea).
- To permit 3D reconstructions of the bones or the fabrication of a Biomodel of the face and jaws.
- Assessing the mandibular nerve prior to the removal of impacted teeth, especially the lower wisdom teeth.