CBCT 3D Imaging · On-Site Cone-Beam

CBCT 3D imaging — 3D views, in our practice

Cone-beam CT imaging at our Goderich practice for implant planning, complex extractions, sinus and nasal anatomy, and pathology assessment. We also offer scans at a discount to local dentists who don't have on-site CBCT and need 3D imaging for their own cases.

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CBCT scanner at Suncoast Dental (placeholder)
Dental Technology
What CBCT is

3D X-ray imaging for the cases that need it

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a 3D imaging technology that produces high-resolution 3D views of teeth, jaw bone, sinuses, nerves, and surrounding anatomy. It's the standard of care for implant planning and other situations where 2D X-rays don't show enough — bone volume in three dimensions, root angulation, nerve proximity, sinus and nasal floor anatomy for remote-anchorage cases. CBCT scans use a lower dose of radiation than a medical CT scan while providing the dental detail we need.

When we use CBCT at Suncoast: planning for any implant placement where bone volume needs to be confirmed; planning for advanced remote-anchorage cases like zygomatic, pterygoid, trans-sinus, and trans-nasal implants; surgical planning for impacted wisdom teeth where roots sit near the inferior alveolar nerve; assessing the extent of pathology when something needs further investigation; and verifying healed bone after bone grafting before implant placement.

We also offer CBCT scans at a discount to local dentists who don't have on-site CBCT. If a colleague is working on a case that needs 3D imaging — for an implant, a complex extraction, or a pathology question — we can do the scan and provide them the data. It's part of being a regional resource, not just a destination practice. See our referrals page for how to arrange a diagnostic-only scan for a patient you'd like to keep treating in your own office.

CBCT 3D image of jaw bone (placeholder)
Why on-site CBCT matters

What it changes for care

Implant planning grounded in real 3D bone volume, not 2D estimates
Same-day imaging at consultation — no waiting to schedule scans at an outside facility
Surgical guides designed and 3D-printed directly from CBCT scans
Available to referring dentists at a discounted scan fee
Safe wisdom teeth removal where roots sit close to important nerves
Lower radiation dose than medical CT while providing detail we need for dental work
Dentist reviewing a CBCT scan with a patient (placeholder)
What to expect

Your CBCT scan, step by step

CBCT scans are quick and comfortable — typically completed within minutes during your consultation.

1

Pre-scan setup

You'll remove any metal items (earrings, hairpins, removable dentures). The technologist positions you in the scanner — standing or seated depending on the unit.

2

The scan itself

The scanner rotates around your head once, taking about 15–30 seconds. You remain still during the rotation. There's no enclosed tunnel — the scanner is open.

3

Image reconstruction

The system processes the scan into a 3D model within a few minutes. Your dentist reviews it on-screen, can rotate it, take measurements, and identify anatomy precisely.

4

Treatment planning

For implant cases, the scan drives the placement plan. Bone volume, nerve location, sinus and nasal anatomy all confirmed. Surgical guides designed from the data.

5

Review with you

We review the scan with you visually so you understand what we see and why we're proposing what we are. The 3D view makes treatment planning conversations clearer than any 2D X-ray could.

CBCT 3D imaging — frequently asked

Common questions about cone-beam imaging.

Regular dental X-rays are 2D — they show teeth and bone overlapping in a single image, which is fine for cavities and routine checks but not enough for implant planning, complex extractions, or pathology assessment. CBCT is 3D — we see bone volume, nerve location, sinus and nasal anatomy precisely, which lets us plan complex surgery safely.
Lower than a medical CT scan, and within the dose range typical of standard dental CBCT imaging. We use the lowest dose appropriate for the case — different protocols for different purposes (smaller field for a single-tooth implant, larger field for full-arch planning).
The scan itself takes 15–30 seconds of rotation. Total appointment time including positioning, scan, and review is typically 15–20 minutes. We often do the scan at the same visit as the consultation.
CBCT is typically not covered as a routine service but is often covered when medical necessity is documented — for implants, complex extractions, or pathology. We'll predetermine benefits and discuss costs before the scan.
Yes. We offer CBCT scans at a discount to local dentists who need 3D imaging for their own cases. Contact us with your patient's case details and we'll arrange the scan and provide you the data. See our referrals page for more.
Need 3D imaging?

Free consultation

Book a free consultation. For implant or complex surgical planning, the CBCT scan can typically be done the same visit. We'll review it together and walk through what it tells us about your case.

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