What the Patient Experiences
The scan is performed in the office. The patient stands or sits while the imaging unit rotates around the head. The scan itself takes only seconds. There is no discomfort, no injection, and no enclosure.
The resulting three-dimensional model can be displayed on screen and rotated to any angle. When a patient can see their own anatomy in three dimensions, treatment conversations become considerably clearer. The dentist can show exactly where the issue is and why a specific approach is recommended.
Clinical Applications
3D imaging is used where the three-dimensional relationship between structures matters for treatment accuracy.
- Dental implant planning: bone volume, nerve position, precise placement angle
- Airway evaluation for sleep-disordered breathing cases
- Surgical planning for complex extractions
- TMJ assessment when joint anatomy needs a detailed view
For a more detailed look at how CBCT is used at Musso Family Dentistry, see the CBCT 3D Imaging page.