Keider DDS uses advanced dental imaging to better understand what is happening beneath the surface of your smile. One technology Dr. Matthew Keider frequently uses is cone beam computed tomography, commonly called a cone beam CT scan or CBCT scan.
Unlike traditional dental X-rays, which provide two-dimensional images, a CBCT scan creates a detailed 3D view of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures. This additional information can help Dr. Keider evaluate your oral health and plan procedures such as dental implant placement, wisdom tooth removal, and other oral surgeries.
If you’ve never had a CBCT scan before, you may have questions about what it shows and whether insurance covers it. Dr. Keider and his team are ready to answer those questions, so you can confidently move forward with treatment.
What Is a Cone Beam CT Scan?
A dental cone beam CT scan, short for cone beam computed tomography, is a 3D scan that captures a series of images of a patient and provides a detailed reconstruction of the mouth and its supporting structures. It is a non-invasive dental scan. Dental equipment is smaller than conventional medical CT equipment and uses a very low radiation dose.
The dental CBCT scan helps Dr. Keider use the 3D images to measure the available space for treatment and map nearby anatomy before performing certain procedures. He uses this information to identify bone and tooth structures, as well as nearby nerves, blood vessels, and sinus cavities.
CBCT can be especially valuable when 3D imaging is needed for complex treatment planning. The images help Dr. Keider evaluate which treatment options may be appropriate based on your bone structure and oral health needs. Treatments that may require CBCT imaging for diagnosis or treatment planning include:
- Dental implant placement
- Complex tooth extractions
- Bone grafting
- Root canal treatment
- Oral surgery
The cone beam CT scan itself is simple. You’ll sit in a chair while the machine moves around your head in just a few moments. Dr. Keider ends up with a 3D image of your mouth that he can use to plan your treatment.
Why Do You Need a Dental CBCT Scan?
Wondering why you need a cone beam CT scan? Dr. Keider doesn’t take one for just any reason.
A dental CBCT provides three-dimensional information in a way conventional two-dimensional X-rays can’t. This can help with diagnosis, treatment planning, and evaluation.
In some cases, Dr. Keider may recommend a scan at your first visit to his practice. When he sees you for your initial consultation for general dental care, he may recommend a CBCT scan when standard X-rays don’t provide enough context about a dental concern.
When you come in for a dental implant consultation, a dental CBCT plays a significant role in treatment planning. Dr. Keider needs that 3D representation of the mouth showing how much bone is available. This imaging helps Dr. Keider determine whether conventional dental implants may work for you or whether you need to undergo bone grafting to be a candidate. Additionally, he may recommend mini dental implants in areas with less bone.
If Dr. Keider recommends a dental cone beam CT, it’s because the additional 3D information supports effective treatment planning.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Imaging?
Dental insurance may cover dental imaging in some cases. Coverage for a CBCT scan depends on your specific dental plan. It also relies on benefit limits and whether your insurer considers it medically necessary.
Coverage is more likely when a CBCT is tied to a documented clinical reason. For instance, insurance may cover scans for patients who have impacted teeth or severely damaged teeth. Insurance is less likely to cover the scan if it is used as a routine screening tool or part of a new-patient exam.
When you reach out to our office, we can clarify whether your plan may provide coverage and what your estimated out-of-pocket cost may be.
Learn More About the Cone Beam CT Scan
A cone beam CT scan creates detailed 3D images of your teeth, jawbone, and nearby structures. This gives Dr. Keider information he can use to plan treatment around your bone structure and nearby anatomy. When he takes a CBCT scan of your mouth, he can explain your restorative treatment options based on what the scan reveals.
Whether you’re considering dental implants or another procedure, thoughtful planning starts with seeing the full picture. Schedule a consultation with Keider DDS in Winston-Salem to learn whether CBCT imaging can help guide your treatment.
