Cone Beam 3D imaging for dental implants, explained
dentaltechnology
How Cone Beam 3D imaging helps us plan implant placement by checking your bone, nerves and sinuses before treatment begins.
Before an implant is placed, we want a clear picture of what is happening beneath the surface. That is where Cone Beam 3D imaging comes in. It is one of the tools we use at Morgan Heights Dental Centre, and you can see more on our dental technology page.
What is Cone Beam imaging?
It is a type of dental scan that creates a three-dimensional view of your teeth, jawbone, nerves and sinuses. A regular two-dimensional X-ray cannot show depth in the same way.
What it helps us see
- Bone height and width: whether there is enough bone to hold an implant
- Nerve locations: so placement can be planned with care
- Sinus position: especially important for upper back teeth
- Bone quality: which can influence healing time
Why it matters for planning
Implants rely on bone growing onto the surface, a process called osseointegration. Knowing your anatomy ahead of time helps us choose the position, angle and size of the implant, and whether bone grafting might be worth discussing.
What the scan is like
The scan is quick. You stand or sit while the machine rotates around your head. It is not painful, and we explain each step beforehand. As with any imaging, we use it when it is useful for your care.
What happens next
We review the images with you, talk through your options, and explain your estimate and timing. Many patients find that seeing their own scan makes the plan feel clearer.
Curious about your options? Read our dental implants guide or call 604-535-8835.