CBCT Provides 3D Volumetric Images With High Accuracy

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images are high-resolution images of maxillofacial structures used in dentistry to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning. As a term, CBCT is interchangeable with the term "cone-beam volume tomography." The public is generally familiar with CT in medicine (medical CT), which is a diagnostic radiographic tool that is sometimes called a CAT scan. In general, CT works by producing an x-ray beam that goes through the area of interest and "hits" a sensor on the other side of the patient. The sensor converts the x-rays to light, which the computer then reads and converts into a digital image viewed on a monitor.  How CBCT and Medical CT Differ: CBCT uses a cone-shaped x-ray beam, while traditional medical CT uses a fan-shaped x-ray beam. The cone-shaped beam of CBCT allows us to image the patient as an entire volume rather than imaging them slice by slice, which is what the fan-shaped beam of medical CT does. My analogy is that of a loaf of bread. more...