CBCT Scans Explained: How 3D Dental Imaging Can Support Treatment Planning
Published 17 September 2026
CBCT referrals in Rugby
DermDental accepts referrals from dental practices for dental X-rays and CBCT scans in Rugby and nearby areas.
Our Rugby town-centre practice uses Acteon 3D scanning technology to support clear, careful treatment planning when a three-dimensional view is clinically helpful. We work with referring dentists and specialists to provide imaging that answers a specific clinical question.
“Your clinical needs come first, always.”
If you are a dental professional considering a referral, or a patient who has been advised to have a CBCT scan, our team is here to explain what is involved in plain, understandable language.
You can learn more about our dental services or contact DermDental to discuss a referral.
What is a CBCT scan?
CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. It is a type of dental X-ray that creates a detailed three-dimensional image of the teeth, jaw and surrounding structures.
During the scan, the machine rotates around the patient’s head. It takes a series of images from different angles. These are combined by computer to create a 3D view that can be examined from different directions.
This can help a dentist or specialist look more closely at:
Teeth and their roots.
The jawbone.
The position of nerves.
The space around the sinuses.
Teeth that have not come through.
Areas that may be difficult to assess on a flat X-ray.
The scan is quick, non-invasive and does not usually cause discomfort. You will need to remain still for a short period while the image is taken.
CBCT is not a replacement for every dental X-ray. It is an additional imaging option used when the extra detail may help with diagnosis or treatment planning.
How CBCT differs from a conventional 2D X-ray
Most familiar dental X-rays are two-dimensional. They produce a flat image of the teeth and jaw.
These images can be very useful for routine dental care. For example, they may help identify decay, assess bone levels or review a specific tooth. A panoramic X-ray, sometimes called an OPG, provides a wider view of the upper and lower jaws.
However, a 2D image can contain overlapping structures. This can make it harder to judge the exact position, shape or depth of a tooth or bone area.
CBCT provides a three-dimensional view instead. It allows the clinician to review the area in layers and from different angles. This may offer a clearer understanding of the relationship between teeth, bone, nerves and sinuses.
In simple terms:
Conventional 2D X-ray | CBCT 3D scan |
Produces a flat image | Produces a 3D image |
Often suitable for routine assessment | Used when more detailed information is needed |
Can show overlapping structures | Helps reduce the problem of overlap |
Usually involves a lower radiation dose | Usually involves more radiation than a standard dental X-ray |
Useful for everyday dental diagnosis | Useful for selected complex treatment planning |
The most appropriate scan depends on the patient, the area being assessed and the clinical question. A more advanced scan is not automatically a better scan for every situation.
When might CBCT help with treatment planning?
A dentist or specialist may request CBCT when the additional information could influence the planned treatment. Some common examples are described below.
Dental implant planning
Implant treatment requires careful assessment of the available jawbone and the nearby structures.
A CBCT scan can help the treating clinician assess the height and width of the bone. It may also show the position of important nerves and the relationship of the proposed implant area to the sinus.
This information can support decisions about:
Whether there is enough bone for the planned implant.
The likely position and angle of an implant.
The size of implant that may be appropriate.
Whether additional treatment may need to be considered.
How to plan the procedure around nearby structures.
The scan is part of the planning process. It does not, on its own, determine whether implant treatment is suitable.
Complex root canal assessment
Some teeth have unusual root shapes or more than one root canal. In other cases, a 2D X-ray may not fully explain ongoing symptoms or an unclear area around the root.
A CBCT scan can provide a closer view of the tooth and surrounding bone. It may help a dentist or endodontic specialist assess:
Complex root anatomy.
Possible additional canals.
Changes around the end of a root.
Suspected root fractures in selected cases.
Areas that are difficult to understand on conventional images.
Whether further treatment or referral should be considered.
CBCT is not routinely needed for every root canal treatment. The decision is based on the individual case and whether the scan is likely to add useful information.
Impacted teeth
An impacted tooth is one that has not come through into its expected position. Wisdom teeth and upper canine teeth are common examples.
A 2D X-ray may show that a tooth is impacted, but it may not show its exact three-dimensional position. CBCT can help the clinician understand how the tooth relates to neighbouring roots, the jawbone, the sinus or a nerve canal.
This can support planning for monitoring, orthodontic treatment or oral surgery where appropriate.
Oral surgery
For selected oral surgery cases, a detailed view of the jaw and nearby anatomy can help with planning.
A clinician may request CBCT when assessing a difficult extraction, a suspected lesion, an area of unusual bone change or a complex surgical procedure. The scan may help the treating professional understand the anatomy before deciding on the safest and most suitable approach.
The need for CBCT will depend on the findings from the examination, the patient’s history and any existing X-rays.
Choosing the right scan
It is important that CBCT is used selectively.
CBCT uses X-rays and generally involves more radiation than a routine 2D dental X-ray. However, the scan can provide valuable information when a three-dimensional view is needed. The scan should be requested only when the expected information is likely to support diagnosis, treatment planning or patient care.
The clinician will consider:
The reason for the referral.
What is already known from examination and previous imaging.
Whether a 2D X-ray is sufficient.
The area that needs to be scanned.
The smallest scan area that can answer the clinical question.
The patient’s age, history and individual circumstances.
If you are pregnant, may be pregnant or have concerns about X-rays, please tell the referring dentist and the imaging team before the scan. Your clinician can explain the reason for the imaging and discuss the available options.
For further general information about dental CBCT, the US Food and Drug Administration provides an overview of dental cone beam CT. Your own dentist remains the best person to explain what is appropriate for your treatment.
What patients can expect
We aim to make the appointment straightforward and comfortable.
Before the scan, the team will confirm the referral details and explain what will happen. You may be asked to remove items such as glasses, earrings or removable dental appliances if they could affect the image.
During the scan:
You will be positioned carefully by the imaging team.
You may be asked to bite gently on a small support.
The machine will rotate around your head.
You will need to keep still for a short time.
The scan will be completed without injections or a tunnel.
The process is usually quick. You can ask questions at any stage.
After the scan, the images are reviewed and reported as appropriate. The referring clinician receives and uses the report or images in line with the referral and agreed clinical arrangements. They will then discuss the findings and treatment options with you.
“Complex information will be explained in easy-to-understand terms. No medical jargon here.”
A clear referral pathway for dental practices
Our referral service is designed to support dental practices and their patients.
A referring dentist or specialist can contact DermDental to discuss the required imaging and referral arrangements. The referral should include the relevant clinical information and the question that the scan is intended to answer. Previous images or treatment details may also be useful where available.
Once the referral is accepted, we can help coordinate the patient’s appointment at our Rugby town-centre location. The patient will be welcomed by our team and guided through the imaging process.
The resulting report or images are then made available to the referring clinician as appropriate. The referring dentist remains responsible for discussing the clinical findings and deciding on the next steps with the patient.
This approach helps keep the imaging focused and connected to the patient’s wider treatment journey.
Acteon 3D scanning technology
DermDental uses Acteon 3D scanning technology as part of our dental imaging service. Acteon’s imaging systems are designed to support detailed assessment and digital treatment planning across areas such as implant dentistry, endodontics and oral surgery.
The technology is one part of a wider clinical process. A useful scan depends on a clear referral question, appropriate positioning, careful image review and good communication between the imaging service and the treating clinician.
You can read more about Acteon’s X-MIND Optima 3D imaging technology on the manufacturer’s website.
Referrals and appointments in Rugby
DermDental is based at:
10 Market Place Rugby CV21 3DU
For referrals and enquiries:
Telephone: 01788 226418
Email:hello@dermdental.co.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Saturdays and late evenings: By appointment only
Whether you are referring a patient or preparing for your own scan, we are happy to help you understand the process.
“Here for you every step of your treatment journey.”
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