CBCT and panoramic X-ray

No. Both panoramic X-rays and CBCT scans are completely painless. They involve no injections, drilling or physical intervention. The patient only needs to stand or sit still for a few seconds while the device takes the image.

Taking the image usually takes a few seconds. The whole process, including positioning, preparation and checking, takes a few minutes. A CBCT scan is also quick, but precise positioning is especially important for good image quality.

A panoramic X-ray is a two-dimensional overview image that shows the teeth and jaws at once. CBCT provides a three-dimensional image, so it also shows bone thickness, the course of the nerves, the position of the maxillary sinus, the shape of the roots and other details important for oral surgery or implantology in three dimensions.

A panoramic X-ray is often enough for an assessment, while CBCT is needed when treatment requires precise 3D information.

A CBCT scan is often justified before planning a dental implant, because the position, size and direction of the implant must be planned based on the available bone and the anatomical structures. CBCT helps assess whether there is enough bone, whether bone grafting or a sinus lift is needed, and how the implant can be placed safely.

CBCT is not needed before every wisdom tooth removal. In many cases the procedure can be planned based on a panoramic X-ray. CBCT may be justified if the roots of a lower wisdom tooth are close to the nerve canal, the tooth lies deep or in an abnormal position, or the surgical risk cannot be assessed precisely from the 2D image.

Dental X-rays and CBCT involve ionising radiation, which is why we only take images when they are justified. Modern digital imaging systems aim to provide the necessary diagnostic information with the lowest reasonably achievable radiation dose.

The benefit of the examination outweighs the risk of radiation exposure when the image is needed for the diagnosis or for planning treatment safely.

If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, always tell us before the examination. A dental X-ray or CBCT scan can only be taken during pregnancy if there is a genuine clinical reason and the examination cannot safely be postponed.

In such cases the dentist weighs the need for the examination, whether it can be postponed and the diagnostic alternatives on an individual basis.

For children and young patients it is especially important that CBCT is only used when a three-dimensional image is genuinely needed for the diagnosis or treatment planning. If enough information can be obtained with a lower-dose examination, we prefer that.

CBCT may be considered for children, for example, in cases of impacted teeth, abnormal tooth positions, trauma or complex orthodontic and oral surgery cases.

Yes. If you have a recent, good-quality panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan, it is worth bringing it with you or sending it in advance. If the image is diagnostically suitable and up to date, a new image may not be needed in some cases.

However, if the image is not detailed enough, does not show the right area, is too old, or your dental condition has changed since, a new image may be needed.

In private dental care, we usually recommend the necessary imaging based on the dental consultation and the treatment plan. If another dentist or specialist has requested a CBCT or panoramic image from you, it is worth bringing the request or the purpose of the examination specified by your dentist, so that the right image is taken.

Digital images are part of your treatment records and can be forwarded or handed over to you if needed. If you would like to show the image to another dentist, let our team know and we will help forward it in the appropriate format.