General Dentistry in Thunder Bay, ON

CBCT Scanning in Thunder Bay, ON

A CBCT scan gives Dr. Ameen a three dimensional view of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding bone. It’s used when planning treatment needs more detail than a regular x-ray can show.

What Is a CBCT Scan?

CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. It’s a type of dental x-ray machine that takes many images in one rotation around your head and combines them into a three dimensional picture of your teeth, jaws, and the bone around them. A regular dental x-ray gives Dr. Ameen a flat, two-dimensional image. A CBCT scan adds depth, so it can show how a tooth root sits in the bone, or how close a nerve runs to an area being treated.

What a CBCT Scan Can Help With

Dr. Ameen uses CBCT scans for a range of treatment planning needs.

Planning Dental Implants

A scan shows the height, width, and density of the bone in an area where an implant is being considered.

Locating a Tooth That Hasn’t Come In

CBCT can show the exact position of an unerupted tooth, such as a wisdom tooth, and how close it sits to nerves or nearby teeth.

Planning Root Canals and Extractions

A scan can show root shape or canal curves that a flat x-ray might not capture clearly.

What Happens During Your Scan

Here’s what a typical CBCT appointment looks like.

Getting Positioned

You’ll stand or sit inside the scanner while our team positions your head so the images capture the right area.

The Scan Itself

The machine rotates once around your head over about 20 seconds. You’ll need to stay still, and you may be asked to bite down gently on a guide.

Building the 3D Image

The images from your scan are combined by computer into the three dimensional picture Dr. Ameen reviews.

Reviewing the Results

Dr. Ameen goes over the scan with you and explains what it shows for your specific treatment.

After Your Scan

You can go back to your normal activities right away
Ask Dr. Ameen to walk you through the images if you'd like to see what the scan shows
Let our team know if you're pregnant, or think you might be, before your scan is scheduled
Your scan images are kept on file with your dental records for future reference

Is This Right for You?

A CBCT scan may be part of your treatment plan if any of the following apply.

Considering a Dental Implant

Detailed bone measurements help with planning where and how an implant is placed.

A Tooth That Hasn’t Come In

A scan can pinpoint the position of an unerupted tooth before treatment is planned.

General Dentist Providing Care

All care is provided by Dr. Ahmed Ameen Al-Obaidi (Dr. Ameen), a General Dentist, with over 20 years of experience in general dentistry.

Understanding Cost and Insurance

Billing for a CBCT scan depends on the area being scanned and the reason for the scan, so Dr. Ameen’s team will give you an exact quote before your appointment. Whatever fee is quoted covers the full cost of the scan, and it applies the same way to every patient regardless of insurance coverage. Our front desk reviews your specific insurance benefits before your appointment so you know what to expect.

A Quote Before You Start

You’ll know the cost of your scan before your appointment is booked.

Insurance Coordination

We check your specific benefits ahead of time so you know what your plan covers.

Coverage Can Vary

Whether a CBCT scan is covered often depends on the reason for the scan, so we confirm this with your plan directly.

CBCT Scanning FAQs

A type of dental x-ray that builds a 3D picture of your teeth, jaws, and bone. It captures many images in one rotation around your head and combines them by computer.

What is a CBCT scan?

A type of dental x-ray that builds a 3D picture of your teeth, jaws, and bone. It captures many images in one rotation around your head and combines them by computer.

Is a CBCT scan the same as a regular dental x-ray?

No, it adds depth that a regular x-ray doesn’t show. A standard x-ray is flat and two-dimensional, while CBCT shows how roots, nerves, and bone relate to each other in three dimensions.

Does a CBCT scan hurt?

No, there’s no discomfort involved. The machine rotates around your head while you stay still, similar to standing for a regular x-ray.

How much radiation does a CBCT scan involve?

More than a standard dental x-ray, but the exact amount depends on the area scanned. Dr. Ameen only orders a scan when the added detail is useful for your specific treatment.

How long does a CBCT scan take?

The scan itself takes about 20 seconds. Your full appointment, including positioning and reviewing the images with Dr. Ameen, takes longer.

Ready for a healthier smile?

New patients welcome. Direct billing to most insurance plans.

Redwood Dental has been serving families across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario for over two decades.