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Russell Kelly, DDS
At the office of Russell Kelly, DDS, we use advanced imaging to make diagnoses more accurate and to plan care with greater confidence. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) captures three-dimensional images of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures, giving clinicians a level of detail that traditional two-dimensional X-rays cannot deliver. That clarity helps us design treatment plans that are tailored to each patient's anatomy and clinical needs.
Our practice integrates CBCT into many aspects of dental care to improve outcomes while maintaining a focus on patient comfort and safety. The scans are quick to perform and produce highly detailed images that support precise clinical decisions, whether for routine diagnostics or more complex restorative and surgical procedures.
CBCT creates volumetric images by rotating a cone-shaped X-ray beam around the patient's head, assembling hundreds of slices into a single three-dimensional dataset. This allows the clinician to view structures from any angle, inspect cross-sections, and measure distances with millimeter-level accuracy. These capabilities make CBCT especially valuable in cases where anatomy is complex or when conventional films provide limited information.
Compared with traditional radiographs, CBCT reduces the distortion and superimposition that can obscure important details. For example, it can reveal root morphology, the location of the mandibular nerve, sinus anatomy, and the relationship between teeth and adjacent bone. Seeing these relationships in three dimensions helps avoid surprises during treatment and supports safer, more predictable care.
While CBCT is not required for every dental visit, it is an essential diagnostic tool when nuanced information will influence treatment choices. The decision to scan is based on clinical indications; when a CBCT scan is appropriate, it adds a level of diagnostic certainty that benefits both the clinician and the patient.
CBCT informs a wide range of dental services, from implant dentistry and endodontics to orthodontics and airway assessment. For implant planning, three-dimensional data makes it possible to evaluate bone volume, bone density, and the precise position of critical anatomic features so implants can be placed in the safest and most functional locations.
In endodontics, CBCT can detect complex root canal anatomy, hidden canals, fractures, and periapical pathology that might be missed on two-dimensional images. Orthodontists use CBCT to assess eruption patterns, impacted teeth, and skeletal relationships—information that helps guide efficient, individualized tooth movement strategies.
CBCT can also assist in evaluating the airway and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when appropriate. By providing a comprehensive view of craniofacial anatomy, these scans support multidisciplinary decision-making and help clinicians select conservative, evidence-based treatment paths.
One of the most transformative applications of CBCT is in surgical planning and guided procedures. The three-dimensional dataset can be used to simulate implant placement, design surgical guides, and plan bone grafting when necessary. This virtual planning reduces intraoperative guesswork and allows for more accurate implant positioning relative to prosthetic goals.
Surgical guides derived from CBCT data translate the planned implant position to the patient with a high degree of fidelity. That precision improves prosthetic outcomes, optimizes force distribution, and can reduce surgical time and postoperative discomfort. For complex cases, CBCT-based planning is often the difference between an average result and a highly predictable restoration.
Beyond implants, CBCT aids in the assessment and management of impacted teeth, surgical removal strategies, and pathology evaluation. When surgery is required, having a complete 3D map of the treatment area enhances both safety and efficiency.
Modern CBCT units are designed to be patient-friendly: scans are completed in a matter of seconds with patients seated comfortably. Because the system captures the necessary data so quickly, motion artifacts are minimized and retakes are uncommon. The brief scan time and noninvasive nature of the procedure help reduce anxiety for patients who may be nervous about imaging.
Radiation exposure from CBCT varies by unit and the size of the field of view, but contemporary protocols emphasize low-dose settings tailored to the diagnostic task. Clinicians select the smallest field of view necessary to answer the clinical question, following the principle of keeping exposure as low as reasonably achievable. When used appropriately, CBCT provides a favorable balance of diagnostic benefit and safety.
We recognize that clear communication improves the imaging experience. Before any scan, the care team explains what the procedure will involve and why it is recommended, so patients understand how the information will directly support their treatment.
A CBCT scan's value depends on careful interpretation and integration into the overall treatment plan. Our team reviews scans with a focus on clinically relevant findings—anatomic relationships, pathologic changes, and measurements that guide next steps. When a complex or unusual finding appears, we collaborate with specialists and, when appropriate, seek additional radiologic consultation to ensure comprehensive evaluation.
CBCT integrates smoothly with other digital dentistry tools, such as intraoral scanning and CAD/CAM workflows. Combining three-dimensional imaging with digital impressions and virtual planning enables coordinated restorations that fit precisely and function predictably. This digital synergy streamlines treatment from diagnosis through delivery.
Our approach emphasizes evidence-based interpretation, clear documentation, and open communication with patients and any treating specialists. By combining high-quality imaging with clinical expertise, we translate complex data into actionable treatment strategies that prioritize long-term oral health.
In summary, cone-beam computed tomography is a powerful diagnostic resource that enhances the safety, precision, and predictability of modern dental care. At Russell Kelly, DDS, we incorporate CBCT thoughtfully and selectively to support individualized treatment planning and better patient outcomes. Contact us to learn more about how CBCT might benefit your care.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Russell Kelly.
Request AppointmentRussell Kelly, DDS
Cone-beam computed tomography, or CBCT, is a specialized type of dental X-ray technology that captures a three-dimensional image of a patient's teeth, jawbone, nerve pathways, and soft tissues in a single scan. Unlike flat, two-dimensional X-rays, CBCT rotates around the head to gather multiple images that are then reconstructed into a detailed 3D model. This gives your dentist a much more complete view of the oral and facial anatomy for diagnosis and treatment planning. It is widely used in modern dentistry for procedures that require precise measurements, such as implant placement and root canal therapy.
Traditional dental X-rays produce a single flat, two-dimensional image, which can make it difficult to see the true depth, width, and relationship between structures like teeth, nerves, and bone. CBCT instead captures hundreds of images from different angles and combines them into a 3D volume that can be viewed and measured from any direction. This added dimension helps reveal details that might otherwise be hidden behind overlapping structures on a standard film. As a result, CBCT often provides more precise information for complex diagnostic and surgical planning needs.
A CBCT scan is often recommended when a dentist needs a more detailed view than a traditional X-ray can provide, such as before placing a dental implant, evaluating impacted teeth, or planning root canal treatment on a tooth with complex anatomy. It can also help assess jawbone volume and density, diagnose the source of unexplained pain, or evaluate the extent of an infection or cyst. Your dentist can determine whether a CBCT scan is appropriate based on your specific symptoms and treatment goals. It is generally reserved for cases where the added detail will meaningfully change or improve the treatment plan.
CBCT imaging allows the dental team to precisely measure the height, width, and density of the jawbone at a proposed implant site before any surgery begins. This three-dimensional view helps identify the exact location of nerves, sinuses, and other anatomical structures that must be avoided during placement. With this information, the implant size, angle, and position can be planned in advance, which supports a more predictable and efficient procedure. Many practices also use CBCT data to help guide surgical templates for even greater accuracy.
During a CBCT scan, you will typically stand, sit, or lie down while a rotating arm moves around your head, capturing images over a short period, often less than a minute. You may be asked to wear a lead apron and bite down gently on a positioning guide to help keep your head still throughout the scan. The process is painless and does not involve any injections or contact with the machine itself. Most patients find the experience quick and similar to having a panoramic dental X-ray taken.
CBCT is considered a safe imaging tool, and modern machines are designed to use the lowest radiation dose necessary to produce a clear, diagnostic image, a principle known as ALARA, or as low as reasonably achievable. While CBCT does involve more radiation than a single traditional dental X-ray, the dose is typically still low compared to a medical CT scan and is limited to the specific area being examined. Lead aprons and thyroid collars may also be used for additional protection. Your dental team will only recommend a CBCT scan when the diagnostic benefit is expected to outweigh the minimal radiation exposure involved.
Once a CBCT scan is complete, the resulting 3D images are reviewed using specialized software that allows the dentist to scroll through cross-sections and rotate the model for a comprehensive view. Your treating dentist typically interprets the images in the context of your specific procedure, such as implant planning or endodontic treatment, and may consult with a radiologist or specialist for a formal report on complex cases. This collaborative review helps ensure that findings are accurately identified and factored into your treatment plan. Any significant or unexpected findings are discussed with the patient as part of the overall care plan.
Yes, CBCT can capture detailed images of the airway and the temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, in addition to the teeth and jawbone. This makes it a useful tool for evaluating airway volume in relation to sleep-disordered breathing concerns, as well as assessing the bony structures of the jaw joint for signs of degeneration or irregularities. The three-dimensional view allows these structures to be measured and examined from multiple angles rather than relying on a single flat image. Your dentist can determine whether this type of evaluation is relevant to your particular symptoms or concerns.
CBCT data can be combined with other digital tools, such as intraoral scanners and computer-aided design software, to create highly coordinated treatment plans. For example, a CBCT scan can be merged with a digital impression to design a surgical guide for implant placement or to plan the fabrication of a custom restoration. This integration allows the entire treatment process, from diagnosis through the final restoration, to be planned digitally with a high degree of precision. It also supports smoother communication between the dental team and any dental laboratories or specialists involved in your care.
Russell Kelly, DDS uses CBCT technology to gain a clearer, more complete picture of each patient's oral anatomy before recommending or beginning treatment. This detailed imaging supports more informed decision-making, helps anticipate potential challenges before they arise, and can contribute to more precise, efficient procedures. By incorporating advanced imaging into the diagnostic process, the practice aims to support safer treatment planning and a smoother overall experience. Patients are welcome to ask questions about how this technology may apply to their specific care.