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What Is a Dental CT Scan?

Kenneth W. Michael Wills
Kenneth W. Michael Wills

A computed tomography (CT) scan, often used in medical practices to assist in the treatment of cancer and heart disease, is increasingly becoming an important technology used in dental practices to help dentists conduct complicated oral surgeries and procedures. The dental CT scan is a three-dimensional rendering that offers a detailed image of the area scanned inside the mouth. Dentists using CT scan are able to take images from a variety of angles, and due to the high-level of detail are able to detect such details as nerve endings and sinus cavities before performing surgery, thereby mitigating potential complications during and after the procedure. Specifically, the dental CT scan is used to render effective, but safe, care to the dental patient.

While a dental CT scan works similar to an x-ray, there are differences in the application that results in a more detailed image from a variety of angles. X-rays rely on one burst of radiation that passes through the target areas and renders the image on film. On the other hand, a CT scan uses multiple small bursts of radiation, dispersed from various angles toward the target area, rendering detail images from different angles on film. Thereafter, the dentist is able to examine the CT scan film and gain a better understanding of the oral structure of the patient than he or she would with an x-ray.

CT scans are sometimes used in complicated dental procedures.
CT scans are sometimes used in complicated dental procedures.

Much like with an x-ray, patients submitting to a dental CT scan will need to prepare themselves appropriately so there is no interference with the technology that might make the resulting images hard to interpret. Usually, the dentist will provide the patient with instructions before beginning the examination.Patients are typically asked to remove all metallic items before beginning, including any eyeglasses. If a patient is wearing dentures or bridges that can be taken out of the mouth, the dentist will ask those to be removed as well. Lead aprons are often provided to help protect the patient’s internal organs from the radiation exposure.

Lead aprons are often provided for patients during dental scans.
Lead aprons are often provided for patients during dental scans.

Dental CT scans and CT scans in general, however, are not without controversy. Concerns have been raised publicly regarding potential side effects from the exposure to multiple bursts of radiation. For this reason, most governments have regulations in place to control the supply of CT scanning machines. Additionally, most dentists will not use the machine except in cases where the detailed image is needed to assist in a complicated procedure. Therefore, the majority of dental patients are not subjected to a CT scanner.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@heavanet- Before you have a dental CT scan, you should ask your dentist about other options. First, if there are other types of x rays you can have, you should request them because they may likely find the cause of your pain.

If you have had x rays but your dentist did not find any definite causes of your mouth pain, you can try some simple remedies. Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help build up tooth enamel and reduce pain. Wearing a mouth guard will prevent jaw issues and teeth grinding, which is often a major cause of mouth discomfort. Taking over the counter pain medications can also be helpful, because you may be having muscle spasms in your head, neck, or jaw that are causing your pain.

Keep in mind that if you try other options for diagnosing and managing your mouth pain and it still doesn't go away, you should go ahead and have the CT scan. This will put your mind at ease by ruling out a more serious dental problem, and will help diagnose your issues.

Ocelot60

@heavanet- Has your dentist done basic x rays and bite wing x rays on your teeth yet? They are also good diagnostic tools, plus they don't expose patients to as much radiation as CT scans do.

Heavanet

My dentist wants me to have a dental CT scan because I am having some mouth pain but no diagnosable problems have been found. I have delayed having this test because I am concerned about radiation exposure. Since I have had many x rays for other problems in the past few years, I think this is a real concern for me. Are there other options for diagnosing my mouth pain without a CT scan?

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    • CT scans are sometimes used in complicated dental procedures.
      By: ep stock
      CT scans are sometimes used in complicated dental procedures.
    • Lead aprons are often provided for patients during dental scans.
      By: Pavel Losevsky
      Lead aprons are often provided for patients during dental scans.
    • For most patients, other types of radiographs are sufficient and CT scans aren't readily used.
      By: Robert Kneschke
      For most patients, other types of radiographs are sufficient and CT scans aren't readily used.
    • Dentists may use a CT scan to see details before performing surgery.
      By: Alex Tihonov
      Dentists may use a CT scan to see details before performing surgery.
    • A patient who wears dentures will need to take them out prior to a dental CT scan.
      By: Bartkowski
      A patient who wears dentures will need to take them out prior to a dental CT scan.