At the office of Dr. Prabha Krishnan, we use state-of-the-art dental 3-D imaging with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to help us plan and perform periodontal and implant procedures with maximum precision and safety.

What Is Cone-Beam CT?

Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) is a specialized X-ray imaging system that produces detailed three-dimensional images of your jaw, teeth, and surrounding facial structures — far more detailed than standard dental X-rays.
Instead of a “flat” 2-D view, CBCT captures hundreds of images as the scanner rotates around your head. A computer then reconstructs these into a full 3-D representation of your oral anatomy — giving us an accurate, comprehensive view of bone, teeth, soft tissue, and nerve pathways.

Why We Rely on CBCT at Your Gum Specialist

Using CBCT allows our team to deliver safer, more predictable periodontal and implant care.

• We can assess bone anatomy, bone density, and identify critical structures (like nerve canals and sinus cavities) before any surgical procedure.
• We can precisely plan implant placement, avoiding complications and improving long-term success.
• For complex procedures, impacted teeth, or reconstructive work, CBCT gives us the detailed information we need to create a custom, safe treatment plan.

As a result, CBCT has become the standard of care for advanced periodontal surgery and implant planning — and we are pleased to offer it in our practice.

When Might You Need a CBCT Scan?

A CBCT scan may be recommended for a range of dental and periodontal situations, for example:

• Planning dental implant placement — to evaluate bone volume and anatomical structures.
• Diagnosing issues with the jaw joint (TMJ) or temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD).
• Evaluating the jawbone, sinuses, nasal cavities, and nerve canals — especially before sinus lifts, bone grafts, or reconstructive procedures.
• Planning extractions or surgical removal of impacted teeth.
• Locating sources of pain, pathology, or abnormal tissue — including evaluating tumors or pathologic conditions in the jaw.

What to Expect: The Scan Process

When you come in for a CBCT scan at Dr. Krishnan’s office:

1. We’ll ask you to remove any metal objects — for example, jewelry, eyeglasses, or metal hair accessories — to ensure clear imaging.
2. Depending on the scanner, you may be seated, standing, or positioned comfortably. The scanner rotates around your head and captures multiple angled X-rays.
3. The scan itself is very quick — usually lasting no more than a minute — and is painless and non-invasive. Once complete, you can return to your normal activities immediately.
4. Our team will then review the 3-D images with you, explaining the findings and using them to guide the next steps of your treatment plan.

The Benefits — Why CBCT Matters

• Comprehensive, 3-D Visualization: CBCT provides a full, multi-angle view of bone, teeth, soft tissue, nerves, and sinuses — revealing details that traditional X-rays often miss.
• Precision & Safety: By clearly mapping critical anatomy, CBCT helps avoid surgical complications and improves outcomes — especially for implants and reconstructive procedures.
• Efficient & Convenient: The scan is fast, done in-office, and eliminates the need for multiple separate X-rays or external imaging referrals.
• Better Treatment Planning: With CBCT data, we can create detailed, individualized plans for implants, bone grafts, extractions, and more — tailored to your unique anatomy.