Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Aamer Nadeem Chaudhary, M.B.B.S., D.M.R.D., F.C.P.S. (Diagnostic Radiology), Consultant, Al-Nasar Lab & Diagnostic Centre. Updated August 2026.
Quick answer: A dental CBCT is a three dimensional X-ray scan of your teeth, jawbone, nerves and sinuses. Unlike an OPG, which flattens everything into a single image, a CBCT lets the dentist view any slice from any angle and measure bone precisely. The scan itself takes under a minute.
Book a dental CBCT: call 0300 0341944 or request an appointment.
What is a CBCT scan?
CBCT stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography. The scanner rotates once around your head while a cone shaped X-ray beam captures hundreds of images. Software then reconstructs those into a full three dimensional volume of the jaw and face.
The dentist can then move through that volume slice by slice, rotate it, and measure real distances in millimetres. Nothing overlaps and nothing is distorted, which is the fundamental limitation of any flat X-ray.
How is a CBCT different from an OPG?
An OPG, or panoramic X-ray, is an excellent and inexpensive overview. It shows all the teeth in one wide image and is the right first choice for most routine dental questions. Its limitation is that it compresses a curved, three dimensional jaw into a flat picture, so structures overlap and measurements are approximate.
| Feature | OPG panoramic X-ray | 3D dental CBCT |
|---|---|---|
| Image type | Single flat image | Full 3D volume, viewable from any angle |
| Measurement accuracy | Approximate, with magnification | Accurate to about a millimetre |
| Overlapping structures | Common, can hide detail | Eliminated |
| Nerve position | Visible but hard to locate precisely | Traceable in three dimensions |
| Bone width | Not shown at all | Measured directly |
| Radiation dose | Very low | Higher than an OPG, far lower than a medical CT |
| Best used for | General assessment, wisdom teeth overview, routine review | Implant planning, complex extractions, root canal problems, jaw pathology |
When is a dental CBCT needed?
Dental implant planning. This is the most common reason. An implant is a screw placed into the jawbone, and the dentist must know exactly how much bone is available in height and width, how dense it is, and precisely where the nerve canal and sinus lie. An OPG cannot show bone width at all, so placing an implant from a flat image alone involves guesswork.
Impacted wisdom teeth. When a lower wisdom tooth sits close to the inferior alveolar nerve, damaging that nerve during extraction can cause lasting numbness of the lip and chin. A CBCT shows the exact relationship between root and nerve before surgery.
Root canal difficulties. Persistent pain after treatment often traces to an extra canal, a fractured root or a hidden infection that a flat X-ray simply cannot reveal.
Jaw and sinus assessment. Cysts, tumours, jaw joint problems and the relationship between upper teeth and the sinus floor are all far clearer in three dimensions.
Orthodontics. Particularly for impacted canines, where the tooth position must be located before it can be guided into place.
How much radiation does a CBCT use?
More than an OPG, and considerably less than a medical CT scan of the head. The cone beam design concentrates on the jaw region only, which keeps the dose far lower than a full CT would deliver.
As with any X-ray, it is performed when the clinical benefit justifies it. In implant and complex extraction cases the benefit is substantial, because the alternative is operating with incomplete information near a major nerve. Tell the team if you are, or might be, pregnant.
What happens during the scan?
- You remove jewellery, glasses, hairpins and any removable dental appliance, since metal creates streaks on the image
- You sit or stand with your chin on a rest and your head gently supported
- The scanner rotates once around your head, usually taking 20 to 40 seconds
- You stay still and breathe normally. Nothing touches your mouth and there is no enclosed tunnel
- The whole appointment, including positioning, is generally finished within 15 minutes
There is no injection, no dye and no recovery time. You can eat, drive and return to work immediately.
What will your dentist receive?
A reported scan plus the full three dimensional dataset, which the dentist can open in their own planning software. For implant cases this is what allows the position and angle to be planned digitally before any surgery begins, and in many practices it is what a surgical guide is produced from.
Dental CBCT at Al-Nasar Lab
Al-Nasar Lab & Diagnostic Centre provides 3D dental CBCT at its main Johar Town campus, alongside OPG, X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound and nuclear medicine. Scans are reported by qualified consultant radiologists and supplied in a format your dentist or oral surgeon can work with directly.
Explore our imaging services, find your nearest branch, or call 0300 0341944 to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a CBCT the same as a normal dental X-ray?
No. A normal dental X-ray or OPG produces a flat image. A CBCT produces a three dimensional volume that can be viewed and measured from any angle.
Do I need a CBCT for a dental implant?
In most cases yes. It is the only way to measure bone width and locate the nerve canal precisely, both of which determine whether an implant can be placed safely and where.
How long does a dental CBCT take?
The scan itself takes 20 to 40 seconds. Including positioning, expect the appointment to last around 15 minutes.
Does a CBCT scan hurt?
No. Nothing enters your mouth and nothing touches you apart from the chin rest. You simply stay still while the scanner rotates.
Can I have a CBCT with braces or crowns?
Yes. Metal can create some streaking on the images, so tell the radiographer what dental work you have. Removable appliances should be taken out beforehand.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional dental or medical advice. Please discuss your scan with your dentist or doctor.
