A 3d cone beam scan is fairly thorough for dental implant planning. would this also show any tooth decay i have when the scan is done?

May be but not good: The best radiograph for implant therapy is the cone beam ct. The best radiograph for cavity detection is the bitewing or periapical radiograph. With the introduction of cone beam ct, panoramic film is falling out of favor. The best radiograph for orthodontic therapy is the cephalometric and giving ground but holding strong to the ct since most of the ortho analysis is done on cephalometic film.

No: Cone beam scans are not indicated for caries (decay) diagnosis. Dental radiographs are absolutely safest and best method for diagnosing decay.

No and Yes: Bitewing radiographs are the standard for detecting tooth decay, especially between the teeth. The quality of cbt images are so good it may show some areas of decay, but this really is not what the scan is intended for and smaller areas in between the teeth may be missed. Often a cbt is not needed for a single implant and might be unnecessary radiation exposure unless anatomy is in question.

Not the best: Small decay lesions are not usually detectable with cbct. The best way to detect smaller "cavities" remains intra-oral radiographs with proper exposure and technique.

Least precise 4 that: Different dentists use different types of radiographic techniques for their specific purposes. For example an oral surgeon or orthodontist routinely takes panoramic x-rays. General dentists often use periapical and bitewing radiographs and surgeons planning multiple implants use cbct type scans. All have advantages and disadvantages. Bitewing x-rays are best to visualize cavities.

It can but not best: The 3d cone beam scan is wonderful for dental implant planning. However, i would prefer more traditional views for determining the presence and extent of decay. Great question!

Perhaps: All depends on the angle and level of decay. This scan is primarily used for bone evaluation and the anatory of the structures aroud it. Conventional dental imaging is indicated for decay detection.

Depends: It the decay is significant or large, the ct scan will show it. However, often there are fillings and crowns on the teeth of interest or on adjacent teeth that cause scattering of the images. This makes it difficult to detect decay. The ct scan is not use to detect decay. It is for larger structures like the jaw bone. The small little xrays that your dentist take will detect cavities.

Not really: This scan, the say in which it is done and the intensity of the beam, is diagnostic only for bone and not teeth.

Yes the scan would: Show decay, however, this is not the best approach to evaluating the extent of the decay and treatment planning for a dentist. They still need the little dental x-rays "bite wings" to best discern the presence and extent or caries. Additionally, a diagnodent can be used to detect decalcification even before clinically evident on x-ray.

Yes, others too!: A dental cat scan or cbct scan has incredible diagnostic abilities and the new models have very low exposure times with multiple views. The gold standard for cavity diagnosis is still periapical and bitewing radiographes, hopefully taken in a digital format. Each technique has its appropriate place in assisting your dentist properly diagnose and in providing the best care for you!

Often, Yes !: Dental cone beam technology has increased our ability to diagnose and treatment plan our patients. Due to the high quality of the image, it is very often possible to diagnose cavities as well as other dental conditions. The more severe the cavity, the easier it is to see on a cone beam 3-d image. If the cavity is very small, it may be more difficult. Keep smiling !