Traditional dental X-rays have been used for decades by dental professionals to create treatment plans, but advancements in technology have made CBCT scanners a cost effective investment for many doctors. CBCT scans offer several advantages over conventional X-rays, especially for complex cases or detailed diagnostics. Here’s a comparison between the two technologies:

3D Imaging vs 2D Imaging

• CBCT scans provide three-dimensional images of teeth, bones, soft tissues, and nerve pathways that can be viewed from different angles.
• X-rays appear in two dimensions and only provide a limited view of dental anatomy.

Greater Diagnostic Detail

• CBCT scans can detect subtle abnormalities and provide detailed views of impacted teeth, root positions, jawbone structures, sinuses, and TMJ disorders.
• With X-rays it’s harder to see abnormalities that can be missed due to the limitations and quality of the radiograph.

Improved Treatment Planning

• CBCT offers enhanced detail aids for precise planning for procedures such as custom braces, dental implants, root canals, and wisdom teeth extractions
• X-rays cannot provide this level of detail

Evaluation of Bone Quality and Density

• CBCT can assess bone density, which is crucial for placing implants and evaluating jawbone health.
• X-rays are limited in their ability to show bone density

Assessment of Airway and Sinuses

• CBCT scans can measure airways and evaluate obstructions, which is helpful when diagnosing and managing sleep apnea and other breathing-related issues. Sinus health can also be assessed.
• X-rays cannot measure airways and evaluate obstructions, and only provide a limited view of the sinus cavity.

Accurate Nerve Mapping

• CBCT can precisely map nerves to minimize the risk of causing nerve damage during surgical procedures like extractions or implant placement.
• X-rays cannot map nerves

Reduced Distortion

• CBCT scans eliminate the geometric distortion seen in 2D X-rays, offering accurate spatial relationships and measurements.

Efficient Imaging of Large Areas

• A single CBCT scan can capture the entire maxillofacial region
• Multiple 2D X-rays may be needed to gather similar information.

Advantages of Traditional X-rays

While CBCT scans have many advantages, traditional X-rays still have their place in dental and orthodontic care:

• Lower Radiation Exposure. Conventional X-rays typically expose patients to less radiation compared to CBCT scans.
• Cost-Effectiveness. X-rays are generally more affordable and widely accessible for basic diagnostics, which can result in lower fees charged to the patient for taking records.
• Simplicity and Speed: For routine check-ups and straightforward cases, X-rays are faster.