Seeing the full picture: How CBCT improves your diagnosis

When you visit the dentist with a toothache, you expect answers. You want to know exactly what’s wrong and how to fix it so you can get back to your life without pain. For decades, traditional dental X-rays have been the standard tool for diagnosing these issues. While they are incredibly useful, they have limitations. They take a three-dimensional object—your tooth—and flatten it into a two-dimensional image.

Sometimes, 2D isn't enough.

At Granbury Endodontics, we believe that precise treatment starts with a precise diagnosis. That is why Dr. Francisco Nieves and our staff have invested in state-of-the-art technology known as Cone Beam Computed Tomography, or CBCT. This advanced imaging technology allows us to see what traditional X-rays might miss, ensuring that patients in Granbury, Stephenville, Glen Rose and surrounding areas receive the most accurate care possible.

By moving beyond flat images, we can uncover the root cause of your pain with incredible clarity. Here is how this technology works and why it changes the game for your dental health.

What is CBCT and how does it work?

Cone Beam Computed Tomography helps endodontists visualize teeth, bone and soft tissue in three dimensions. Unlike a traditional medical CT scan you might see in a hospital, which uses a high-output fan-shaped beam and requires you to slide into a large tunnel, dental CBCT machines are open, compact and designed specifically for the head and neck. At Granbury Endodontics, we've invested in the Carestream 8200 CBCT to get the best possible picture of your oral health.

During a scan, the machine’s arm rotates 360 degrees around your head. As it rotates, it emits a cone-shaped X-ray beam that captures hundreds of distinct images. Advanced computer software then stitches these images together to create a high-resolution, 3D digital model of your mouth and jaw.

The difference between a standard X-ray and a CBCT scan is like the difference between looking at a photograph of a house and walking through the house yourself. A photograph shows you the front door and windows, but it can’t tell you what is happening inside the walls. A CBCT scan lets Dr. Nieves look "inside the walls" of your tooth, viewing it from every angle and slicing the image to inspect the interior structure layer by layer.

Advantages of using CBCT in diagnosis

Diagnosing endodontic issues can sometimes be like solving a mystery. Referred pain, complex root anatomy and tiny fractures can make it difficult to pinpoint the exact problem using only traditional methods. Integrating CBCT into our practice offers three distinct advantages.

Enhanced visualization

The most immediate benefit is clarity. Traditional X-rays can sometimes hide issues because structures in the mouth overlap. For example, the roots of your upper teeth might be obscured by your cheekbone in a 2D image. With CBCT, we can separate these structures. We can see the exact shape of your root canals, the density of the surrounding bone and the precise location of an infection. This allows us to catch subtle issues that might otherwise go unnoticed until they cause more severe pain.

Accurate assessments

Endodontics requires precision. When planning a procedure, knowing the length, curvature and number of canals in a tooth is vital. A CBCT scan provides us with 1:1 measurements, meaning there is no distortion or magnification error common in standard X-rays. This accuracy helps us assess whether a tooth is a good candidate for root canal therapy or if a different intervention is needed.

Improved diagnostic confidence

Misdiagnosis is a frustrating experience for any patient. It can lead to unnecessary procedures or unresolved pain. Because CBCT provides such a comprehensive view, it significantly increases diagnostic confidence. We can definitively say whether a dark spot on an X-ray is a benign structure or an abscess requiring treatment. This certainty allows us to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs right from the start.

CBCT applications in endodontics

While 3D imaging is useful in many areas of dentistry, it is particularly valuable in endodontics. Dr. Nieves uses this technology daily to navigate complex cases.

Root canal therapy

Teeth are not always straightforward. Some have extra canals that are invisible to the naked eye and traditional X-rays. If a canal is missed during treatment, the infection will likely remain and the procedure could fail. CBCT helps us map out the entire root canal system before we even begin the procedure. This is often paired with our GentleWave® technology to ensure superior cleaning and disinfection of even the most complex root systems.

Trauma cases

Dental trauma can be tricky. A blow to the mouth might cause a crack in a tooth that doesn't show up on a standard X-ray because of the angle of the fracture. CBCT scans can reveal vertical root fractures, alveolar bone fractures and displacement of teeth. Identifying the extent of the trauma early is crucial for saving the tooth.

Surgical planning

In cases where a non-surgical root canal isn't enough, we may need to perform endodontic surgery, such as an apicoectomy. This involves removing the tip of the tooth's root. CBCT is essential for surgical planning because it shows us the exact relationship between the root tip and vital structures like the mandibular nerve or the sinus cavity. Knowing these locations beforehand allows Dr. Nieves to perform the surgery with high precision and minimize risks.

Patient benefits and safety

We understand that some patients may have concerns about radiation and safety. At Granbury Endodontics, your safety and comfort are our top priorities.

Reduced radiation

One of the great things about modern CBCT technology is that it offers detailed insights with a significantly lower radiation dose compared to conventional medical CT scans. The "cone beam" technology focuses specifically on the area of interest, which limits your exposure. We follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) to ensure you only receive scans when they are necessary for your diagnosis.

Comfortable experience

Getting a CBCT scan is quick and non-invasive. You simply sit or stand still while the machine rotates around you. The process takes less than a minute, is completely painless and doesn't require you to bite down on uncomfortable sensors.

Better outcomes

Ultimately, the biggest benefit to you is a successful outcome. When we can see better, we can treat better. An accurate diagnosis leads to more predictable treatments, faster recovery times and a higher likelihood of saving your natural tooth. It saves you time, money and the frustration of recurring dental issues.

At Granbury Endodontics, we use technology that puts you first

At Granbury Endodontics, we don't just use technology for the sake of being high-tech. We use it because it helps us take better care of you. Whether you are coming from Brownwood, Tolar or right here in Granbury, you deserve the highest standard of care.

By utilizing CBCT imaging, Dr. Nieves can remove the guesswork from your diagnosis. This technology helps us find the source of your pain quickly and treat it effectively, so you can get back to smiling without discomfort.

If you're experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, don't settle for guesswork. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the difference that advanced technology and compassionate care can make for your smile.