EquipmentOral and Maxillofacial Radiology

CBCT Scan in Dentistry: Uses, Benefits, and What to Expect

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a specialized type of X-ray that creates detailed 3D images of the teeth, jawbone, nerves, and soft tissues. Unlike traditional dental X-rays that produce flat 2D images, CBCT provides cross-sectional views from every angle, allowing dental specialists to plan treatments with greater precision. CBCT has become essential for dental implant placement, complex root canal treatment, surgical planning, and diagnosing jaw pathology.

3 min readMedically reviewed contentLast updated March 26, 2026

Key Takeaways

CBCT creates 3D images of teeth, bone, and surrounding structures in a single scan taking 10 to 40 seconds.
Radiation exposure from a CBCT scan is 5 to 20 times less than a medical CT scan.
CBCT is used for implant planning, complex root canals, impacted teeth evaluation, and jaw pathology diagnosis.
The scan costs $150 to $500 and is covered by some dental and medical insurance plans.
CBCT has largely replaced medical CT for dental applications due to lower cost, lower radiation, and higher dental-specific resolution.
Most dental specialists (oral surgeons, endodontists, periodontists, orthodontists) use CBCT in their practices.

What Is a CBCT Scan?

CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. The scanner rotates around your head in a single pass (10 to 40 seconds), capturing hundreds of images from different angles. A computer reconstructs these into a detailed 3D model of your dental anatomy. The resulting images can be viewed as cross-sections (slices) in any direction: front-to-back, side-to-side, and top-to-bottom.

This 3D capability gives dental specialists information that is impossible to obtain from traditional 2D X-rays. For example, a standard dental X-ray cannot accurately show the width of jawbone available for an implant, the precise location of a nerve canal, or the full 3D anatomy of a curved root canal. CBCT provides all of this information in a single scan.

How CBCT Is Used in Dental Specialties

CBCT has applications across nearly every dental specialty. In oral surgery, it is used to evaluate impacted wisdom teeth relative to the inferior alveolar nerve, plan jaw surgery, and diagnose jaw cysts and tumors. In implant dentistry, CBCT measures bone volume and density, identifies the location of nerves and sinuses, and allows virtual implant placement before surgery.

Endodontists use CBCT to locate hidden root canals, diagnose root fractures, and evaluate complex anatomy before retreatment. Orthodontists use it to assess impacted teeth, evaluate airway dimensions, and plan orthognathic (jaw) surgery. Periodontists use CBCT to evaluate bone loss patterns and plan regenerative procedures.

What to Expect During a CBCT Scan

The CBCT scan is quick and non-invasive. You stand or sit while the machine rotates around your head. You may be asked to bite on a small device to position your jaw correctly. The actual scan takes 10 to 40 seconds, during which you must remain still. The entire appointment, including positioning, takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

There is no preparation required, though you will need to remove any metal jewelry, glasses, or hearing aids in the scanning area. The scan is painless and does not involve any injections or contrast material.

Radiation Safety and Dose

CBCT uses more radiation than a standard dental X-ray but significantly less than a medical CT scan. A typical CBCT scan delivers 0.03 to 0.2 mSv of radiation, compared to 0.005 mSv for a dental X-ray and 0.4 to 2.0 mSv for a medical CT of the head. For context, you receive about 3.0 mSv of natural background radiation per year.

Dental professionals follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and order CBCT only when the diagnostic information it provides cannot be obtained from lower-dose imaging. The scan field is limited to the area of interest to minimize exposure.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

A CBCT scan costs $150 to $500 depending on the size of the scan field and the provider. Small field scans (focused on a few teeth) cost less than full-jaw scans. Some dental insurance plans cover CBCT when it is deemed medically necessary for treatment planning. Medical insurance may cover CBCT for pathology diagnosis or surgical planning. Ask your provider to check both dental and medical insurance.

Find a Dental Specialist with CBCT

Most dental specialists now have CBCT scanners in their offices. Search by location on My Specialty Dentist to find specialists with advanced imaging capabilities.

Search Oral Radiologists in Your Area

Frequently Asked Questions

How much radiation is in a CBCT scan?

A CBCT scan delivers 0.03 to 0.2 mSv of radiation, depending on the scan field size. This is about 5 to 20 times less than a medical CT scan of the head and roughly equivalent to 1 to 6 days of natural background radiation.

How much does a CBCT scan cost?

CBCT scans cost $150 to $500. The price depends on the scan field size (small field for a few teeth vs. full jaw) and the provider. Some dental and medical insurance plans cover the cost when the scan is medically necessary.

Is CBCT better than a regular dental X-ray?

CBCT and regular dental X-rays serve different purposes. Regular X-rays are excellent for routine cavity detection and general screening. CBCT provides detailed 3D information needed for implant planning, complex root canals, surgical planning, and diagnosing jaw pathology. Your dentist will recommend CBCT when 2D images are insufficient.

How long does a CBCT scan take?

The actual scan takes 10 to 40 seconds. The entire appointment, including positioning and instructions, takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Results are available immediately.

Do I need to prepare for a CBCT scan?

No special preparation is needed. Remove metal jewelry, glasses, and hearing aids before the scan. The procedure is painless and does not require any injections or contrast material.

Is CBCT safe during pregnancy?

CBCT, like all X-rays, is generally avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary for emergency diagnosis or treatment. If you are or might be pregnant, inform your dental provider before any imaging.