1933 Franciscan Way, West Chicago, IL 60185
At the office of West Chicago Smiles, we combine clinical expertise with advanced imaging to make confident, well-informed treatment decisions. Modern dentistry depends on clear, accurate diagnostic information; cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides three-dimensional detail that traditional X-rays cannot. That extra perspective helps providers identify anatomy, evaluate pathology, and plan procedures with a level of precision that improves outcomes and patient comfort.
This page explains what CBCT is, how it’s used in everyday dental care, and what patients can expect when they receive a scan. Our goal is to demystify the technology so you can feel informed and reassured about the role it plays in your care.
CBCT captures a volumetric image of the head and neck region, producing a detailed three-dimensional map of teeth, jawbones, airways, sinuses, and nerve pathways. Unlike flat two-dimensional X-rays, a CBCT volume can be examined slice by slice or rotated to view structures from multiple angles. This capacity is especially valuable when anatomy is complex or when adjacent structures might affect treatment decisions.
For patients, the difference is practical: clinicians can see bone height and width, the exact position of impacted teeth, the proximity of nerves, and the relationship of tooth roots to the sinus floor. These insights reduce uncertainty and allow for more predictable care, particularly when planning surgical or restorative procedures that require precise placement relative to critical anatomy.
Because CBCT data are true-to-scale, measurements taken from the scan are highly reliable. That makes it possible to assess available bone for implant placement, evaluate the dimension of lesions, and track anatomic changes over time with repeatable accuracy.
When a treatment plan is based on a comprehensive 3D assessment, clinicians can make more nuanced decisions about technique, timing, and materials. For example, implant planning benefits from CBCT by identifying optimal implant length and diameter, determining the need for bone grafting, and selecting an insertion trajectory that avoids nerves and sinus cavities. Similar advantages apply to complex extractions, endodontic treatment of atypical root systems, and evaluation of facial trauma.
CBCT also supports interdisciplinary care. The same dataset can be shared with specialists or other members of a treatment team, allowing everyone to work from the same objective information. That collaboration reduces miscommunication and streamlines treatment sequencing, which often shortens overall treatment time and enhances predictability.
For patients who prefer a conservative approach, CBCT helps clinicians weigh alternative options by showing the full anatomic picture. Seeing the rationale behind a recommendation—illustrated by 3D images—can make treatment choices clearer and help patients feel more engaged in their care.
Concerns about radiation are understandable, but CBCT technology has evolved to provide high-quality diagnostic images at modest exposure levels. Contemporary units offer adjustable fields of view and exposure settings so scans can be limited to the area of interest, which minimizes unnecessary radiation while still delivering diagnostically useful images.
Clinicians follow the principle of ALARA—“as low as reasonably achievable”—when ordering and configuring scans. A CBCT exam is typically recommended only when the additional three-dimensional information will affect diagnosis or treatment planning in a meaningful way. When used appropriately, the clinical benefits of a targeted scan outweigh the risks associated with the small incremental exposure.
Before any scan, patients should be informed about why the CBCT is recommended and what alternatives exist. Staff will explain the process, answer questions about safety, and take steps to ensure comfort throughout the brief imaging session.
Obtaining a CBCT scan is a quick process: the patient is positioned and the unit rotates around the head while capturing data, typically in a single, short pass. The resulting volume is reconstructed into multiplanar views and a 3D rendering that the clinician can review immediately. Advanced software tools allow clinicians to measure, annotate, and segment the dataset for specific clinical tasks.
In implant dentistry, those tools are used to create surgical guides or to simulate implant placement before a single incision is made. In endodontics, clinicians use CBCT to locate hidden canals or to evaluate the extent of resorption or complex fractures. For airway assessment, the volumetric data help practitioners evaluate narrow segments and anatomical contributors to obstruction.
The clinical value of CBCT lies not just in the images themselves but in how they are interpreted and incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan. Skilled clinicians combine CBCT findings with a clinical exam, patient history, and other diagnostic tests to arrive at a personalized approach that balances effectiveness and safety.
CBCT is particularly useful whenever three-dimensional detail will change the course of care. Common indications include dental implant planning, assessment of impacted or aberrantly positioned teeth, evaluation of persistent symptoms following previous treatment, and investigation of suspected pathology in the jaws. It is also valuable for trauma cases and for planning complex restorative or orthodontic procedures that require precise spatial information.
Not every dental concern requires CBCT. Simple cavities, routine check-ups, and many standard restorative procedures are adequately managed with traditional radiography. The decision to use CBCT is based on clinical judgment: when the added detail will materially affect diagnosis, risk assessment, or treatment strategy, a CBCT scan is a powerful diagnostic tool.
Patients who have questions about whether a CBCT scan is appropriate for their situation are encouraged to discuss their specific concerns with the dental team. The clinician will explain the expected benefits and help determine the most appropriate imaging pathway for the individual case.
In summary, cone-beam computed tomography gives dental teams a three-dimensional, high-resolution view of oral anatomy that enhances diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical communication. At West Chicago Smiles, we use CBCT thoughtfully to support safer, more predictable care while keeping patient comfort and safety in mind. If you would like more information about CBCT and how it may be used during your care, please contact us for further details.
