CBCT Imaging for Dentists Buying Guide

Thinking about getting a better look inside your patients' mouths? Cone Beam CT (CBCT) is a type of X-ray that gives you really good 3D pictures. It's changed how dentists do things, and this guide will help you figure out how to buy the right CBCT system for your practice.

Why Get a 3D Dental X-ray Now?

You know how regular 2D X-rays are helpful, but they don't always show you everything? Well, dental CBCT is different. It gives you a full 3D view, which means you can see things you might miss with older X-rays. This can lead to better diagnoses and treatment plans.

And the good news is that dental x-ray systems like CBCT x-rays are becoming more affordable and better than ever. So, if you're thinking about getting one for your practice – whether you do implants, braces, surgery, root canals, or just general dentistry – a 3D dental imaging system can really help.

What Good is a CBCT for Your Dental Office?

Getting a dental CBCT machine has a lot of upsides:

• Better Diagnoses: A CBCT scan can show you things that regular X-rays just can't. This means you can figure out what's going on with your patients more accurately. For example:
  • Implants: You can see exactly how much bone there is, where the nerves are, and what the sinuses look like before putting in an implant. This makes the surgery safer and more likely to work.
  • Oral Surgery: If someone has a tooth stuck in their jaw, a cyst, a tumor, or a broken jaw, the 3D view helps you see exactly what's happening.
  • Root Canals: You can spot extra canals, cracks in the roots, and infections at the tip of the root more easily.
  • Braces: You get a much better idea of how the teeth and bones are shaped, which helps with planning treatment. You can even look at their airway.
    
    
• Better Treatment Plans: Because you can see everything in 3D with CBCT imaging, you can plan treatments more precisely.
  • Surgical Guides: You can use the CBCT data to create guides that help you place implants and do other surgeries exactly where you need to.
  • More Predictable Results: When you have a clear picture of what's going on, the treatment is more likely to go as planned, and there will be fewer surprises.
    
    
• Happier Patients:
  • Easy to Understand: Showing patients a 3D image of their mouth can help them understand what's wrong and why they need treatment. This can make them more likely to say yes to your recommendations.
  • Builds Trust: Having advanced technology like a dental CBCT can make patients feel like they're getting the best care possible.

✅ Pro Tip: Once you’ve added a CBCT system to your workflow, it’s important to make sure your team is using it to its full potential. Read our guide on how to get the most out of your dental CBCT machine to maximize scan quality, improve efficiency, and enhance patient communication.

What to Look for When Buying a CBCT System

Choosing the right dental x-ray system means thinking about a few key things:

• How Much Can You See? (Field of View or FOV): The FOV is basically how big of an area the machine scans.
  • Small FOV: Good for looking at just one or two teeth, like for implants or root canals. Often uses less radiation.
  • Medium FOV: Can show a whole arch of teeth, the jaw joint (TMJ), or be used for several implants.
  • Large FOV: Shows the whole head, which is useful for braces and big surgeries.
  • Think about what you do most in your practice to decide what FOV size makes the most sense.
    
    
• How Clear are the Pictures? (Resolution and Image Quality): You want to see as much detail as possible.
  • Small Voxel Size: Voxels are like pixels in 3D. Smaller voxels mean sharper images.
  • Good Contrast: You should be able to easily tell the difference between different types of tissue.
  • Ask to see some sample scans from different machines.
    
    
• How Much Radiation? (Radiation Dose): You want to keep the radiation as low as possible for your patients. Look for systems that:
  
  
  
  • Have Low-Dose Settings: Some machines have special settings that use less radiation for certain types of scans.
  • Use Pulsed Exposure: This way of taking the X-ray can lower the overall dose.
  • Let You Adjust the FOV: Scanning only what you need to see helps reduce radiation.
    
    
• What About the Computer Stuff? (Software and Integration): The software that comes with the machine is important too.
  • Easy to Use: The software should be straightforward for you and your team to learn.
  • Tools for Looking at Images: Make sure it has good tools for zooming, measuring, and looking at the 3D images from different angles.
  • Works with Other Software: Check if it can connect with your implant planning software, software for making surgical guides, and orthodontic software.
  • Uses DICOM: This is a standard format for medical images, so make sure the system uses it so you can easily share images.
    
    
• How Long Does it Take? (Scan Time): Faster scans are better for patients and can make your workflow smoother.
  
  
• How Much Space Does it Need? (Footprint and Space Requirements): Think about how much room you have in your office. Some CBCT units are smaller than others.

How to Actually Buy a CBCT Machine

Buying a dental CBCT system is a big decision. Here’s how to approach it:

• Figure Out What You Need and What You Can Spend:
  • What will you use it for mostly?
  • How many patients do you think you'll scan?
  • What's your budget? Remember to include the cost of the CBCT machine in 2025, plus setup, software, maintenance, and team training.
    
    
• Do Your Homework on Companies and Sellers:
  • Are they known for being good and reliable?
  • Compare what different companies offer and how much they charge.
  • See what other dentists say about their experiences.
    
    
• Ask for Demonstrations and Sample Scans:
  • Try out the machines yourself to see how they work and how good the pictures are.
  • Play around with the software.
    
• Think About How You'll Pay For It: Look into different ways to finance or lease the equipment.

💡 Want to understand when your investment will start paying off? Read our guide on how long it typically takes to achieve ROI with CBCT technology so you can make a confident and informed purchasing decision. 

• Check the Warranty and Service: Make sure you understand what the warranty covers and what kind of service agreements are available.

Getting Your Office Ready for CBCT

Once you pick a CBCT system, here’s what comes next:

• Getting it Installed: You might need to make some changes to your office's electrical system or structure. Make sure it's installed by professionals.
  
  
• Training Your Team: Everyone who will use the machine needs to be properly trained on how to operate it and understand the images.
  
  
• Fitting it Into Your Workflow: Figure out the best way to use CBCT imaging in your daily routine.
  
  
• Safety First: Make sure you follow all the rules and guidelines for radiation safety. Also, make sure your patients understand the process and give their permission before you take a CBCT scan.

Thinking Ahead: What About the Future?

Consider these things for the long run:

• Will the Software Get Updated? Ask if the company provides updates for the software.
  
  
• Can You Do More Things With It Later? Think about whether the system can handle new technologies or treatments in the future.
  
  
• Can You Upgrade it if Your Practice Grows?

Wrapping Up: Choosing the Right 3D X-ray for Your Dental Practice

Buying a cone beam 3D imaging system is a big deal, but it can really improve your practice. By thinking carefully about what you need, checking out the different features, and doing your research, you can pick the right dental CBCT machine to help you give your patients the best possible care. 3D dental imaging is a game-changer, and it can help your practice thrive.