3D Cone Beam and 3D Dental Scans San Diego, CA
3D Cone Beam and Dental Scan utilizes technology to provide a quick, painless, and comprehensive look at the teeth and the surrounding dental structures. Many complete health dentists assess the structures of the mouth using a technology that goes beyond the traditional X-ray called Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), also referred to as a "3D Cone Beam," "3D Dental Scan," or "Beam CT." Traditional X-rays only provide images of your dental structures from one plane, meaning that if your dentist needs to zero in on a particular area, you may have to have additional X-ray views taken.
This is where 3D cone beam technology comes in and offers a more efficient option. For more information about 3D dental scanners, our team at Mission Valley Dental Arts in San Diego is here to help. Call us at (619) 805-4248 to learn more.
What to Expect From the Procedure
During a 3D dental scan, the patient must rest their chin on a platform and tilt their head forward against a frame so that they can remain stationary. The patient may also wear a lead apron shield. Then, an X-ray arm will make a rotation around the patient's head, collecting 2D images via a cone beam. The computer will instantly reconstruct these images into a 3D visualization that the dentist can review. The entire process is non-invasive and will generally take less than half a minute.
“These images will be instantly reconstructed into a 3D visualization that the dentist can review.”
How Is 3D Dental Scanning Different From Traditional Imaging?
The 3D dental scanning technique differs from traditional imaging because it can collect hundreds of 2D images in a single scan and then aggregate these 2D images into a 3D reconstruction. This process is faster and more comprehensive than traditional imaging. The images are of much higher quality, and they can provide the complete health dentist with more information to aid in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of oral conditions. Many patients find that 3D dental scanning is also less uncomfortable than traditional imaging because of its speed and because it does not require traditional bitewing sensors.
“Many patients find that 3D dental scanning is also less uncomfortable than traditional imaging because of its speed and because it does not require traditional bitewing sensors.”
What Information Can Beam Imaging Provide?
A 3D cone beam CT scan can provide detailed information about the structures of the mouth. It provides a much more robust picture of soft tissues than a traditional dental radiograph. In this way, 3D technology can help the dentist obtain clinical information that they would not otherwise be able to use. The information that complete health dentists receive from 3D dental scanning can:
- Help them visualize abnormal or problem areas
- Evaluate structures of the jaws and face
- Diagnose trauma or dental cavities
- Plan for procedures such as dental implants, root canals, or cleft palate repairs
“In this way, 3D technology can help your dentist obtain clinical information that they would not otherwise be able to use.”
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What to Expect Post-Procedure
After a 3D dental scan, the complete health dentist will have a clear and concise three-dimensional image of the teeth, mouth, jaw, neck, ears, nose, and throat. The dentist will be able to immediately review this image and use features such as zooming and rotation to get the best possible view of any area in question. There is no recovery time after this procedure, and the patient will be able to immediately return to their daily activities.
“The dentist will be able to immediately review this image, and use features such as zooming and rotation to get the best possible view of any area in question.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What to expect from the 3D cone beam procedure?
Q. How is 3D dental scanning different from traditional imaging?
Q. What information can beam imaging provide?
Q. What should I expect post-procedure?
People Also Ask
Q. What does the dentist look for in a dental examination?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. What should patients do if they have sensitive teeth?
Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Cone Beam Scans
Q. How long do 3D dental scans take?
A. Not very long. A 3D dental scan comprises one rotation of a mechanical arm around your head. After you are positioned, the scan itself usually takes less than 30 seconds.
Q. How long have dentists been using 3D scanning technology?
A. According to the FDA, CBCT technology has been in use for twenty years. Dental scans are becoming more common every day because of their helpfulness in planning for procedures and diagnosing complex conditions.
Q. How much radiation does a 3D scan emit?
A. A 3D dental scanner is considered a computed tomography (CT) scan. Still, it emits less radiation than other conventional CT scans that are commonly used in medicine. However, a CBCT scan does emit more radiation than traditional dental x-rays.
Q. What do patients think of 3D cone beam scanning technology?
A. Patients are often impressed to see a three-dimensional image of their own maxillofacial region. When the dentist can show a patient how a procedure works on their actual mouth and jaw, it helps them have a deeper understanding of the work. Then, patients are more comfortable with the procedure and even have an easier time explaining to others how it works.
Q. What is a 3D cone beam scanner typically used for in dentistry?
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Dental Terminology
Learn More About 3D Scans Today
If you are looking for more information pertaining to complete health dentistry or the use of 3D cone beams or 3D dental scans, call us at 619-805-4248.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
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