Your Guide to Endodontic CT Scans

A CT scan for teeth has changed endodontic treatments for many dental issues, saving more teeth and helping drastically improve your dental health.

The technology supporting better diagnoses using CT scanning is incredible. The scan produces a 3D X-ray image that shows many more features of your tooth’s structure and the surrounding area.

[Related: 5 Signs You May Need Endodontic Surgery]

What Is an Endodontic CT Scan?

“CT scan” stands for “computed tomography scan,” and it’s a medical imaging technique that produces a 3D X-ray image. These detailed internal images can provide oral health professionals with images of the bone structure, teeth structure, soft tissues, nerve pathways and areas surrounding the teeth.

This helps your dentist diagnose proper treatments and ensure healing, especially for root canal treatments.

Who Qualifies for Endodontic CT Scans?

If you fall under any of the following categories, you could qualify for a dental CT scan:

• Have had complications with a root canal treatment
• Need an evaluation to proceed with a root canal treatment
• Plan to get dental implants after undergoing bone grafting
• Need bone grafting for dental implants
• Have curved roots and complicated canals affecting your teeth

If you’re wondering whether you qualify for an endodontic CT scan, contact us today for an evaluation.

[Related: How To Deal With Major and Minor Tooth Pain]

What Is the Process of an Endodontic CT Scan?

An endodontic CT scan is a quick and painless procedure, with lower radiation doses than a conventional hospital CT scan. Your dentist’s office can do the scan during your regularly scheduled dental exam, and it takes less than one minute. 

You should remove any facial piercings and jewelry before the scan. In addition, you should remove hearing aids, eyeglasses, hair accessories and removable dental devices (such as retainers) beforehand. 

While standing facing the front of a scanner, you hold onto two grips. Then, guides move your head into place. The guides prompt your head to move from side to side. This allows the scanner to take a series of CT images for the X-ray software.

[Related: Endodontic Surgery: Root Amputation vs. Apicoectomy]

Contact Cascadia Dental Specialists for More Information

Interested in learning more about a CT scan for teeth? Dr. Faghih, our endodontics specialist at Cascadia Dental, uses the latest technology to help save teeth that have had root canal problems. He can often save them from being pulled.

However, if you’re still wondering about the specifics of a CT scan or root canal procedure and asking yourself, “How long does a root canal take?” check out our comprehensive guide. Remember: Staying informed is key to making the best decisions for your dental health!

Call us today at 425-644-7444, schedule an appointment or contact us online if you’re having any issues with previous root canals or think you need one. 

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