# CBCT (Cone beam computed tomography) at Post House Dental, Weybridge URL: https://posthousedental.co.uk/treatment/cbct/ Category: Advanced and restorative A CBCT scan is a low-dose 3D dental x-ray that shows your teeth, bone and nerves in detail. We use it to plan implants and investigate complex problems. £210. ## What a CBCT scan is A CBCT scan (cone beam computed tomography) is a 3D dental x-ray. At our Weybridge practice we use it when an ordinary x-ray cannot show enough. It gives a three-dimensional picture of your teeth, jawbone and the structures around them. This lets your dentist see the exact shape of the bone and the source of a problem before planning treatment. The scan is taken here at the practice, so there is no need to go elsewhere. The scanner uses a cone-shaped x-ray beam that rotates around your head. A computer turns the information into 3D images. CBCT is a smaller, faster version of a hospital CT scanner. It uses a much lower dose of radiation. ## Why you might need a dental CBCT scan The most common reason is planning for [dental implants](https://posthousedental.co.uk/treatment/implants). The scan shows how much bone is available and how close the implant site is to nerves, blood vessels and the sinus. CBCT can also help us investigate a tooth that has suffered trauma, assess teeth that have grown in an unusual position and look at complex root canal problems. ## Single arch or double arch We offer two CBCT services. A [single arch scan](https://posthousedental.co.uk/treatment/cbct-single-arch-3d-x-ray) covers either the upper or the lower jaw. A [double arch scan](https://posthousedental.co.uk/treatment/cbct-double-arch-3d-x-ray) covers both. Your dentist will recommend the one that answers the clinical question with the least radiation. For a broader 2D view of the whole mouth, an [OPG x-ray](https://posthousedental.co.uk/treatment/opg-full-mouth-2d-x-ray) may be enough. ## What happens during the scan Before the scan you will be asked to remove glasses, hair ties, jewellery, hearing aids and any dentures, as metal and plastic can affect the images. If the scan is for implant planning you may be asked to bring a localisation stent, which contains markers to guide the scan. You sit in the scanner and stay still while it moves around your head in a circle. You should not swallow, talk or move your jaw during the scan. You may need more than one scan depending on what your dentist is looking for. The whole appointment takes no more than half an hour. ## Is CBCT safe? CBCT does involve radiation. The dose is low and is roughly equal to 6 to 30 days of normal background radiation, much less than a medical CT scan. As with any x-ray, we only recommend a scan when the information will change your treatment. Tell us beforehand if you might be pregnant. Let us know too if you feel claustrophobic. ## CBCT cost A CBCT scan at Post House Dental costs £210 for either a single or double arch. Any scan is subject to a consultation and assessment so your dentist can confirm it is needed. See our [fees page](https://posthousedental.co.uk/fees) for all prices. ## Fees - CBCT 3D scan, single arch: £210 - CBCT 3D scan, double arch: £210 - CBCT report: £145 ## Questions ### What is a CBCT scan? CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. It is a 3D dental x-ray that shows your teeth, jawbone and nearby structures such as nerves and the sinus. It is a smaller, faster version of a hospital CT scanner with a much lower radiation dose. Dentists use it when a normal 2D x-ray cannot give enough detail. ### How much does a CBCT scan cost? A CBCT scan at Post House Dental costs £210 for either a single arch (upper or lower jaw) or a double arch (both jaws). Your dentist will confirm which scan you need after a consultation and assessment. You can see all our prices on the [fees page](https://posthousedental.co.uk/fees). ### Is a CBCT scan safe? A CBCT scan uses a low dose of radiation, roughly equal to 6 to 30 days of normal background radiation. That is much less than a medical CT scan. We only recommend a scan when the information will make a difference to your treatment. Tell us if you might be pregnant or if you feel claustrophobic. ### Do I need a CBCT scan for dental implants? In most cases, yes. A CBCT scan shows how much bone is available at the implant site and how close it is to nerves and blood vessels. This lets us plan the implant position accurately. It also tells us whether you need bone grafting first. We take the scan as part of your implant consultation. ### How long does a CBCT scan take? The scan itself is quick. You sit still while the machine rotates around your head. Depending on what your dentist needs to see, you may need more than one scan. Including preparation, the whole appointment takes no more than half an hour.