CBCT - Half Jaw
Understanding CBCT - Half Jaw
What is CBCT - Half Jaw?
Cone Beam Computed Tomography or CBCT scan is an imaging technique that allows us to see the hard tissues in a three-dimensional view. Dental CT - CBCT - is much less radiation than medical CTs. In terms of TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) Disorders, CBCT (Half Jaw) allows us to see the bony components of the joints and upper cervical vertebrae, anything that can influence the position of the jawbone.
That includes- the nasopharyngeal airway, the air passage behind the nose and behind the mouth, and we can actually calculate out the area or volume of air flow in that passageway. This CBCT imaging allows doctors to diagnose and see osteoarthritic changes within the joint - whether that's loss of cartilage, roughened bone, or changes in the shape of the condylar head itself.