What are the differences Between Cone Beam-CT And Panoramic radiography…?

Observations have shown many similarities in the process the patient has to undergo in order to receive a CBCT or a PAN-Scan, however, the uses and workings of these machines are completely opposite to each other.

Let us look at some of the differences between CBCT and PAN

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

CBCT is a radiographic imaging method that allows to accurately create 3D imaging of hard tissue structures and is capable of providing images of higher diagnostic quality, with short scanning times. 

The Cone Beam CT scanner uses a cone-shaped x-ray beam rather than a conventional linear fan beam, as in the case of common CT, to provide images of the skull’s bony structures.

The CBCT uses a DC power supply to electronically generate a programmable output voltage from 5% to 95%. The CBCT can maintain up to an 80A test current while maintaining 2% or better voltage regulation during the circuit breaker coil operation.

Medical & Dental Use of CBCT

CBCT scans are used by radiologists and dental professionals for various clinical applications including dental implant planning, virtually checking for any abnormal teeth growth, diagnosing jaw disfigurement, cleft palate assessment, checking for cavities, diagnosing root canal, or oral and dental trauma.

How does a CBCT scan work?

The CBCT device is held on a mechanical arm which is rotated around the patient’s head and produces hundreds of images during the procedure. Once the scan has been completed, the images are uploaded into a digital software that compiles them to make a digital representation of the patient’s mouth. From here, our renowned dentists are able to tailor the specifications of the implant to the information produced by the CBCT.

Pros

• It allows the creation of accurate, 3D imaging of hard tissue structures.
• Radiation exposure from CBCT is 10 times less than conventional CT scans.
• It has got great dimensional accuracy.
• Capable of providing a 3D representation of the maxillofacial structures with minimal distortion and reduced radiation hazards.

Cons

• Other drawbacks of CBCT technology over that of CT scans, such as increased susceptibility to movement artifacts and inaccurate bone density determination.
• It is a very expensive procedure to undergo and not everyone can afford it. 

Dental Panoramic radiography (DPR, or PAN Scan)

A Dental panoramic radiograph is a Panoramic dental x-ray of the upper and lower jaw. It shows a 2D image representing an arc from one ear to the other. Panoramic radiography is a form of focal plane tomography, thus, images of multiple planes are taken to make up the composite panoramic image, wherein the maxilla and mandible are in the focal flume and the structures that are superficial and deep into the flume are blurred.

Medical & Dental Use of DPR\

A panoramic ray can reveal dental and medical problems such as Periodontal disease, Sinusitis, Impacted teeth, Jaw disfigurement, Jaw Tumor, and Oral cancer

How is the DPR procedure performed?

During a panoramic x-ray examination, the x-ray tube rotates in a semicircle around the patient’s head, starting from one side of the jaw and ending on the other side doing a complete Arc.

Rather than relying on films that are placed inside the mouth of the patient, a panoramic x-ray machine projects a beam through the patient onto a film that is rotating on the opposite side of the x-ray tube.

Pros

• Wide coverage of facial bone and teeth.
• Less risk of exposure to radiation.
• This does not need films to be placed inside the mouth of the patient.
• Can be used in patients who cannot open the mouth or when the opening is being restricted.
• The time required for making the image is very Short.

Cons

• It only allows the creation of 2D images and does not support 3D imaging.
• It is a slightly expensive procedure.

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