What is Cone Beam scan?

Cone Beam CT is a scan which allows 3D visualisation of the teeth, jaws and face. It is one of the more recent developments in dental imaging. It provides clinicians with much more information about these structures to help with optimal diagnosis and treatment or surgical planning.

Envision has three of the leading Cone Beam CT scanners, the iCAT and Sirona Gallileos, at our Wembley and Booragoon rooms as well as the Instrumentarium Maxio OP300 at our Wembley rooms. These machines are capable of ultra low-dose imaging. This, together with individual protocols personally prescribed by our on-site Maxillofacial Radiologists, we produce high quality images at truly low dose levels. The Instrumentarium Maxio OP300 is the highest resolution cone beam scanner in WA.

Being the only practice with full time AHPRA registered Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists in residence, every one of these scans are reviewed by our on-site internationally recognised Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists, Professor Bernard Koong or Dr Tom Huang. Please feel free to refer to their summary biographies.

Reports and images are available to you doctor online and/or on hard copy. Importantly, both our Maxillofacial Radiologists are always available to your doctor to discuss your individual case, which can substantially contribute to diagnosis and/or management.

While cone beam CT is an invaluable technique, there may be other modalities such as multi-slice CT, MRI or ultrasound, which may be more suitable. Envision is a fully comprehensive radiology practice and is therefore able to perform the most appropriate scan for every situation.

What happens during a Cone Beam CT scan?

A. Before your scan

What to bring

• Your request form
• Any relevant previous imaging
• Your Medicare card

Preparation – On the day of the scan

The scans are quick, simple and require no preparation. You may be asked to remove jewellery or any other objects that may obstruct the scan.

B. During your Cone Beam Scan

Scan

During the scan, you will be seated and the radiographer will guide your head position. The cone beam scanner will rotate around your head and you will need to remain still for the duration of the scan.

Risks and side effects

The Cone Beam Scan is a very low risk procedure. All our cone beam CT machines are capable of ultra low dose imaging. This, together with individual protocols personally prescribed by our on-site Maxillofacial Radiologists, ensures that we produce high quality images of your face, jaws and teeth at truly low radiation dose levels.  You may wish to discuss the potential low risk versus the benefits of the scan with your referring doctor.

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please discuss this with your doctor and also alert our staff before your scan.

Who will perform my scan?

A radiographer will conduct your scan.

What happens after a Cone Beam scan?

How do I get my results?

The scans are reviewed by our Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists, Professor Bernard Koong and Dr Tom Huang. Please feel free to refer to their summary biographies.

The data we gather from your scan is used to create images which will assist in your diagnosis and/or treatment. The images will be available online and on CD and most are also printed for your doctor, depending on his/her individual needs.

For non-urgent cases we ask that you allow 2-4 working days for the results. However, urgent cases can be expedited and our Radiologists are also able to discuss the results with your doctor over the phone soon after the scan. Please let us know if this is the case.

Post procedural information

After your scan you will be able to return to your normal daily activities.