Dental CT Scan in Newark, NJ

What Is Dental CT or X-ray Scan?

A Dental CT or CBCT scan uses advanced scanning technology to create a 3D image of your mouth, jaws, and surrounding areas. This X-ray-based scan captures images from different angles to provide a complete 360° view. 

The cone-beam scanner can detect issues in areas such as your teeth and gums, mouth, neck, sinuses, oral nerves, ears, nose, and throat.

Is Dental X-ray Scan Safe?

Dental CT or CBCT scans are generally safe when performed correctly and carry a low dose of radiation.

What Tools Are Used for Dental X-Rays at Gentle Dental?

At Gentle Dental, we use the SCANORA® 3D digital Cone Beam dental X-ray to get a clear view of jaw and facial anatomy. This advanced imaging helps us solve diagnostic issues more effectively.

With Cone Beam 3D imaging, we can easily adjust the image layer, angle, and type of view after we take the scan. This flexibility allows us to focus on exactly what we need to see. 

Compared to traditional imaging methods, this technology produces high-resolution panoramic dental images. As a result, we can closely examine all the important details in the area we are diagnosing. This helps us offer our patients better care and more accurate dental treatment plans.

What a Dental CT Scan Shows

A dental CT scan, specifically a cone beam CT (CBCT), captures a three-dimensional image of your teeth, jawbone, nerve pathways, and surrounding soft tissues in a single rotation. The scanner moves around your head in about 20 to 40 seconds, collecting hundreds of individual images that software assembles into a detailed 3D model.

Unlike a medical CT scanner, a CBCT uses a cone-shaped beam that focuses on the area of interest. The radiation dose is substantially lower than a medical CT, typically comparable to 4 to 8 traditional dental X-rays.

Why In-House CT Matters for Implant Patients

Most dental offices refer patients to outside imaging centers for CT scans. At Gentle Dental of NJ, our in-house CBCT scanner means you get advanced 3D imaging without a separate appointment. Dr. Bernstein uses CT data to plan implant positions before surgery, measuring bone height, width, and density at each implant site while mapping nerve locations to avoid complications.

This same-day imaging capability reduces the number of appointments needed and eliminates the waiting time between imaging and consultation. Your treatment plan begins the day your scan is taken.

When Is a CT Scan Recommended

Dental Implant Planning, CBCT imaging is the standard of care for implant placement. The scan reveals available bone, nerve position, and sinus proximity for precise surgical planning.

Complex Root Canal Cases, Dr. Rozenblum uses CBCT to evaluate teeth with extra canals, unusual curvature, or root fractures not visible on standard X-rays.

Orthodontic Assessment, Dr. Lipkin may request a scan to evaluate impacted teeth or jaw growth patterns in three dimensions.

Periodontal Bone Loss, Dr. Pakan uses 3D imaging to assess the true extent of bone loss around teeth affected by gum disease.

Wisdom Tooth Evaluation, For impacted wisdom teeth, 3D imaging shows exact position relative to adjacent teeth and nerve structures.

What to Expect During Your CBCT Scan

The scan is quick and comfortable. You stand or sit with your chin on a support while the scanner rotates around your head. The entire capture takes 20 to 40 seconds. There is no discomfort, no enclosed space, and no special preparation required.

You will need to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, and metal objects near your head. If you might be pregnant, let us know before the scan. Images are available immediately and your dentist will review them with you at the same appointment.

Call (973) 817-8888 to schedule your appointment at our Newark office, located at 290 Ferry St B2 in the Ironbound neighborhood.