Cone Beam Scanner – Jacksonville, FL

Advanced Diagnostics Lead to Better Treatment

male dental patient standing in cone beam scanner in Jacksonville

At Jacksonville Dental Specialists, we firmly believe in putting our patients’ well-being first. That is why we invest in state-of-the-art dental technology. One such piece of technology is our cone beam scanner, which is otherwise known as a CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scanner. Just what is this machine, and how does it help us give our patients the top-quality dental care they deserve? Keep reading to find out.

What Is a Cone Beam Scanner?

cone beam scanner isolated on gray and white background

While the term “cone beam scanner” might sound like it comes straight from a science fiction movie, it is actually a common device in the world of dentistry. It is basically an advanced X-ray machine. In fact, it uses the same type of radiation as a typical X-ray. However, it uses a cone-shaped beam of radiation — hence the machine’s name.

As the machine’s arm rotates around the subject (the patient), it captures countless images and assembles them into a highly detailed, three-dimensional representation of what it scanned. Depending on what the scan’s goal is, it might capture images of a single tooth root or of the entire mouth and jaw.

We do not use the cone beam scanner on every patient, but we may recommend that you get a scan done if:

You are experiencing severe dental pain
You are planning to receive dental implants
You would like to undergo extensive cosmetic dental work

Benefits of a Cone Beam Scanner

male dentist and female patient looking at iPad

A cone beam scanner offers numerous benefits:

The focused beam limits unnecessary radiation exposure.
Because the machine is so efficient, scans usually take just a few seconds. Even the most comprehensive scan usually takes less than a minute.
The scanning process is painless and totally noninvasive.
The images produced by the cone beam scanner are extremely detailed. This high level of detail allows us to diagnose issues that we might not have detected via other means of examination. The machine thus puts us in the best position possible to anticipate treatment challenges and promote optimal outcomes for patients.
The scanner has a smart interface that allows us to zoom in on images and make annotations. We may show annotated images to patients to help them better understand their oral health.
The scanner can save you money. Because we have this advanced machine in-house, we won’t have to refer you to a special imaging clinic if we need a highly detailed look at any portion of your mouth.

How Is the CBCT Scanner Different from Other Diagnostic Tools?

dental professional and patient discussing results of C B C T scan

Since the cone beam scanner uses the same type of radiation as a typical X-ray, you might wonder what the big deal is. The CBCT machine has some big advantages over a normal X-ray. For example, it produces a much higher level of detail. It not only allows us to see the teeth and their roots, but it also lets us examine nerves and connective tissues. It is also vital in assessing the bone quality in the jaw so we can determine whether a patient is a candidate for dental implants.

Would you like to learn more about our cone beam scanner and the other advanced technology in our office? Get in touch with Jacksonville Dental Specialists today.