CBCT Scan in Old Street, City Road & Enfield

Detailed 3D Imaging to Support Accurate Diagnosis and Planning

A CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scan is a type of dental X-ray that produces detailed 3D images of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures. It provides more information than a standard 2D X-ray, which can help your dentist plan certain treatments more precisely.

At Dental Arts Studio in City Road and Enfield, London, our dentists only recommend a CBCT scan where it will genuinely add useful information for your diagnosis or treatment planning, and explain why it’s needed so you can make an informed decision.

Been Advised You May Need a CBCT Scan?

0207 250 3536 (City Road) | 0208 362 3110 (Enfield)

What Is a CBCT Scan?

CBCT is a specialist X-ray technique that captures a series of images and combines them to create a detailed 3D picture of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, and sinuses. This gives your dentist a clearer view of structures that can be difficult to assess fully on a standard 2D dental X-ray.

A CBCT scan may be recommended to help with:

Planning dental implant placement, including assessing bone volume and position
Assessing impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, and their position relative to nerves
Investigating complex root canal cases
Assessing jaw joint (TMJ) concerns
Evaluating the extent of infections, cysts, or other abnormalities
Orthodontic assessment in certain complex cases

A CBCT scan is only used where your dentist considers it will provide information that a standard X-ray cannot, in line with the general principle in dentistry of using the lowest radiation dose needed to answer the clinical question.

Who May Need a CBCT Scan?

Your dentist may recommend a CBCT scan if you are:

Being assessed for dental implants
Having a wisdom tooth or other impacted tooth assessed before removal
Undergoing root canal treatment on a tooth with a complex root structure
Experiencing jaw joint pain or dysfunction that needs further investigation
Being assessed for certain orthodontic or oral surgery treatment

Not everyone needs a CBCT scan, even for these treatments. Your dentist will only recommend one where it’s expected to meaningfully improve the accuracy of your diagnosis or treatment plan.

How a CBCT Scan Is Used in Your Care

Treatment planning

For treatments such as dental implants, a CBCT scan helps your dentist assess bone volume and identify the position of nerves and sinuses, supporting more precise planning.

Diagnosis

A CBCT scan can help identify the cause and extent of certain issues, such as infections, cysts, or complex root canal anatomy, that may not be fully visible on a standard X-ray.

Assessing impacted teeth

For impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, a CBCT scan can show their position relative to nearby nerves and structures, helping to plan safe removal.

Referral and specialist care

Where appropriate, your CBCT images can also be shared with a specialist involved in your care, such as an oral surgeon or orthodontist.

Before Your CBCT Scan

Clinical assessment

Your dentist will first carry out a clinical examination, and often a standard X-ray, to determine whether a CBCT scan is likely to add useful information for your care.

Explaining the need for the scan

If a CBCT scan is recommended, your dentist will explain why it’s needed for your specific situation, as every exposure to radiation must be clinically justified.

What to expect

You will be told what to expect during the scan, roughly how long it will take, and when you’re likely to receive your results.

The CBCT Scan Process

Step 1: Preparation

You will be asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewellery or glasses, that could interfere with the image.

Step 2: Positioning

You will typically stand or sit within the scanner, with your head positioned carefully to capture the required area.

Step 3: Scanning

The scanner rotates around your head, capturing a series of images. This usually takes well under a minute, and you’ll need to stay still throughout.

Step 4: Image review

The images are processed into a detailed 3D model, which your dentist reviews as part of your diagnosis or treatment planning.

Step 5: Discussing your results

Your dentist will go through the findings with you and explain what they mean for your treatment plan.

Benefits of a CBCT Scan

Where clinically appropriate, a CBCT scan may help:

Provide a more detailed view of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures than a standard X-ray
Support more precise planning for treatments such as dental implants
Help identify the position of nerves and other structures before surgical procedures
Support a clearer diagnosis in complex cases

As with any diagnostic tool, a CBCT scan is one part of your overall assessment, and your dentist will use it alongside a clinical examination to plan your care.

Cost of a CBCT Scan

The cost of a CBCT scan depends on the area being scanned and whether it forms part of a wider treatment plan.

Treatment fees

We provide clear costs before any scan is carried out, so you can make an informed decision without pressure.

Payment and finance

Finance options may be available to help spread the cost of treatment where relevant — please ask our team for details.

Want to Know More About CBCT Scanning?

0207 250 3536 | 0208 362 3110

After Your CBCT Scan

There is no special recovery needed after a CBCT scan, but a few things are worth knowing.

No downtime is needed — You can return to your normal activities straight away.
Results are usually discussed at your appointment or a follow-up — Your dentist will explain the findings and what they mean for your treatment.
Images may be shared with other clinicians involved in your care — Such as a specialist you’re being referred to, with your consent.
Let us know about any relevant history — Such as previous recent X-rays or scans, so we can avoid unnecessary repeat imaging.
Contact us with any questions — If anything about your results or next steps is unclear, get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has my dentist recommended a CBCT scan?

A CBCT scan is usually recommended when a standard X-ray doesn’t provide enough detail for your specific treatment, such as planning a dental implant or assessing an impacted tooth. Your dentist will explain the specific reason in your case.

Is a CBCT scan the same as a normal dental X-ray?

No. A CBCT scan produces a detailed 3D image, while a standard dental X-ray produces a simpler 2D image. CBCT is used selectively, where the additional detail is expected to be genuinely useful for your care.

How long does a CBCT scan take?

The scan itself is quick, usually taking well under a minute, though your overall appointment will also include preparation and, often, a discussion of the images with your dentist.

Does a CBCT scan hurt?

No. A CBCT scan is a painless imaging procedure; you simply need to stay still while the scanner captures the images.

How much does a CBCT scan cost?

Costs vary depending on the area being scanned and whether it’s part of a wider treatment plan. We provide clear costs before your scan so you know what to expect.

Will I need more than one CBCT scan?

This depends on your treatment. Your dentist will only recommend a further scan where it’s expected to provide additional useful information, and will consider any recent imaging you’ve already had.

Can I see my scan results?

Yes, your dentist will go through the findings with you and explain what they mean for your diagnosis or treatment plan.

Have Questions About a CBCT Scan? Get in Touch

If you’ve been advised to have a CBCT scan, or would like to understand more about how it could support your treatment, our team is happy to talk you through it.

Whether you’re a private dentist patient from City Road and Old Street looking for a lunchtime dental checkup or corporate dental care, or based in Enfield and after a weekend, Saturday, or late-night appointment, we’ll do our best to fit around your schedule, including same-day dentist availability.

Speak to Our Team