During a dental CBCT scan, you stand or sit still for a short rotation while a machine circles your head and captures a 3D image of your teeth and jaws. It is painless and needs no recovery. Preparation, the area scanned and when results are reviewed depend on the equipment and your clinical question.
Key Takeaways
- A dental CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) scan is painless and non-invasive; the main task is staying still while the arm rotates.
- Before the scan, tell the team about pregnancy, recent head or neck imaging, and any trouble standing, holding still or with enclosed spaces.
- Remove glasses, earrings, facial piercings, hairpins and removable dental appliances if asked, since metal can blur the image.
- The rotation is brief, but the full appointment includes positioning and checking that the image is usable.
- Results are reviewed as part of a plan. Ask what the scan was meant to answer and what the next step is.
What to expect during a dental CBCT scan, step by step
A dental CBCT scan is a three-dimensional X-ray of a selected part of the teeth and jaws. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, dental CBCT systems rotate around the patient and capture data with a cone-shaped X-ray beam, which is then reconstructed into a 3D image. For the patient, the process is simple and non-invasive.
A CBCT scan is usually recommended after an exam, when a flat X-ray cannot answer a specific question such as implant planning, the position of a wisdom tooth, or complex root anatomy. If you are not yet sure why a scan was suggested, our guide to what a dental CBCT scan is explains the common reasons.
Here is the typical sequence. Exact steps vary by machine and office.
| Stage | What happens | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Before the visit | The dentist explains why the scan is needed and what area will be imaged | Share medical history, pregnancy status and prior scans |
| Arrival | The team reviews your health history and answers questions | Mention anxiety, mobility limits or trouble staying still |
| Getting ready | You remove metal items near the head and neck | Take off glasses, earrings, piercings, hairpins, removable appliances |
| Positioning | Chin rest, head supports or a bite block help keep you steady | Relax your shoulders, follow breathing or swallowing instructions |
| The scan | The arm rotates around your head while the image is captured | Stay still until the team says you are done |
| Image check | The team confirms the image is clear enough to use | Wait a moment in case a retake is needed |
| Review | The dentist reviews the 3D images, the same day or at a follow-up | Ask what was found and what comes next |
How to prepare for a CBCT scan
Preparation starts with understanding the purpose. The FDA recommends that patients discuss whether an imaging exam is necessary and whether equally useful alternatives with less or no ionizing radiation exist. Ask your dentist what decision the CBCT scan is meant to support.
Before the appointment, tell the dental team if:
- you are pregnant or might be;
- you have had a CT, CBCT or other head and neck imaging recently, especially at another clinic;
- you find it hard to stand, sit upright or hold your head still;
- you have a tremor, neck or back pain, or limited neck movement;
- you feel anxious in enclosed or close spaces;
- you have a strong gag reflex.
Bring a list of your medications and any previous scans or reports. If you had a CBCT scan elsewhere, ask for the image file to be sent ahead of time. The Canadian Dental Association advises dentists to try to obtain existing radiographs rather than routinely taking new ones, and a recent, suitable scan may avoid a repeat.
On the day, wear clothing without large metal zippers, snaps or buttons around the neck and shoulders. You will usually be asked to remove eyeglasses, earrings, necklaces, facial piercings, hair clips and other metal in the scanned area. Dentures, partials, retainers and night guards may need to come out; follow the instructions for your scan. Metal in the beam can create streaks, called artifacts, that make the image harder to read.
A standard dental CBCT scan does not require fasting, a contrast dye or any special drink, unlike some medical tests. You can eat, drink and take your usual medications unless the office gives different instructions for a combined appointment.
Positioning and how long the scan takes
Depending on the machine, you may stand or sit while the arm moves around you. A chin rest, forehead strap, ear rods or other supports help hold your head in the correct position. Some protocols use a small bite block so your teeth are slightly apart.
The team then aligns the scan to the area your dentist needs to see. Health Canada's Safety Code 30 says the smallest field of view that meets the clinical objective must be used, to minimize the dose to the patient. A scan of one implant site covers a smaller area than a scan of both jaws, and the choice follows the question being asked.
Once you are positioned, you will be asked to stay completely still, keep your tongue relaxed and avoid swallowing if the team asks. Movement during the rotation can blur the image and may lead to a retake. The team steps out of the room or behind a barrier during the exposure, but they can see and hear you.
The rotation itself is short. The full appointment is longer, because it includes going over your history, removing metal items, positioning and checking the image. Because equipment and protocols differ, ask the office how long to plan for; generic times from other websites may not match your scan.
Does a CBCT scan hurt? What you may feel or hear
No. A dental CBCT scan is painless. Most people feel only the light pressure of the chin rest or head supports. The machine may hum, whir or click as it moves, and you may notice the arm passing in your peripheral vision. You will not feel the X-rays themselves; they produce no heat or tingling.
People with a strong gag reflex often find CBCT easier than several small sensors placed inside the mouth, because the image is taken from outside. If a bite block is used, it sits between the front teeth rather than far back on the tongue. Tell the team if past X-rays triggered gagging so they can plan for it.
If you are anxious, a few steps can help:
- ask to see the machine and have the process explained before you are positioned;
- ask how long you will need to stay still, so you know what to expect;
- close your eyes during the rotation if the moving arm is distracting;
- breathe slowly through your nose;
- agree on a signal to use before the exposure starts if you need a pause.
Unlike many medical CT or MRI machines, a dental CBCT unit does not slide you into a tunnel, which many people with claustrophobia find reassuring. A support person can usually come to the office, though they will not stay in the room during the exposure.
Special situations to mention before your scan
Children and teens
According to the FDA, radiation concerns are greater for younger patients because they are more sensitive to radiation and have a longer lifetime for effects to develop. Health Canada's Safety Code 30 requires techniques adjusted for a child's size and age. Parents can ask why a 3D scan is preferred over a 2D X-ray for their child's specific question, and whether child-sized settings are used. Staying still can be hard for younger children, so explain the process at home in simple terms.
Pregnancy
Tell the team before any X-ray if you are pregnant or might be. Elective CBCT scans, such as planning for a future implant, can usually wait until after pregnancy. The Canadian Dental Association notes that elective radiographic procedures may be deferred. If the scan is needed for an urgent problem, your dentist will explain why.
Seniors and people with mobility or medical concerns
If you use a wheelchair, walker or cane, have balance problems, or have a tremor or Parkinson's disease, mention it when booking. Some machines allow seated scanning, and the team may adjust supports. If you have a pacemaker or other implanted device, you can mention it, though dental CBCT uses X-rays rather than the magnets used in MRI.
Shielding
Guidance on shielding differs between Canada and the United States. Safety Code 30 says patients should be given a lead apron for CBCT when it will not interfere with the image. The American Dental Association's 2024 recommendations advise discontinuing lead aprons and thyroid collars because they can block the beam and cause retakes. Your dental team follows the rules that apply in Nova Scotia and can explain what they use.
What happens after the images are captured
After the rotation, software rebuilds the data into a 3D volume. The team checks that the image is clear and covers the right area. A retake is considered only if movement or a technical problem means the image cannot answer the clinical question.
There is no recovery time. You can drive, eat and return to work or school straight away. If the scan was part of a longer visit, such as a consultation or treatment, any aftercare relates to that treatment, not the scan.
The dentist then reviews the images, which may happen during the same visit or at a follow-up. Some cases are reviewed with planning software or shared with a specialist. The review should connect the findings to your options: what was evaluated, what was found, how certain the reading is and what it means for the plan. For implant cases, see how CBCT supports dental implant planning.
A CBCT scan sometimes shows something outside the original question, such as a sinus change or a bone finding. The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology recommends that every CBCT volume be reviewed for signs of abnormality. Ask how any unexpected findings will be explained and whether another provider needs to be involved.
The scan becomes part of your dental record. With your permission, it can be shared with specialists involved in your care. Keeping a copy, or knowing where it is stored, can help avoid a repeat scan if you see another provider later.
A CBCT scan does not replace your regular checkup X-rays. Cavities between teeth are still usually checked with bitewing X-rays, and the FDA says dental CBCT should be performed only when necessary to provide information other imaging cannot. For more on how exposure is kept low across all dental imaging, read our guide to dental X-ray radiation and safety.
Questions worth asking, including cost and coverage
Before or after the scan, these questions help you get the most out of it:
- What question is this scan meant to answer? You should hear a specific planning or diagnostic purpose.
- How large an area will be scanned, and why? A smaller field means less exposure.
- Were the images clear enough? A usable image matters more than simply having a file.
- How do the results change my options? Connect the findings to decisions, including monitoring.
- Will I still need regular X-rays? 2D images often remain useful alongside CBCT.
- Who else will see these images? Clarify referrals and record transfers.
Cost depends on the size of the area scanned, whether the scan is part of a larger treatment plan, and whether a specialist review is needed. Insurance plans vary in whether they cover CBCT, and some ask for a written reason. Ask for an estimate and check your plan before the appointment. For the federal program, see our Canadian Dental Care Plan page and call to confirm current participation and billing.
Having a CBCT scan in Truro
Landmark Dental Care is a family general practice at 125 Queen St in downtown Truro, in a Victorian Queen Anne–style home. The practice offers 3D CBCT imaging along with digital dental X-rays, so patients from Truro, Bible Hill and across Colchester County who need a scan for planning may be able to have it at the same office where their care is planned.
If you use a mobility aid or need extra time, mention it when you book so the team can plan your visit. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. If you are coming from elsewhere in Central Nova Scotia, bring any previous scans or ask your former office to send them before your appointment.
FAQ
Does a dental CBCT scan hurt?
No. You feel only the chin rest or head supports and hear the machine move. Tell the team if standing or holding still is difficult so they can adjust before the scan starts.
How long does a dental CBCT scan take?
The rotation itself is short, often less time than getting positioned. Plan for a longer appointment overall, and ask the office for a time estimate, because it depends on the machine and the area being scanned.
Can I eat or drink before a CBCT scan?
Yes, in most cases. A standard dental CBCT scan needs no fasting or contrast dye. Follow any different instructions if the scan is part of a combined appointment.
What should I wear to a CBCT scan?
Wear clothing without metal zippers or buttons near the neck and shoulders. You will usually remove glasses, earrings, piercings, hair clips and removable dental appliances before the scan.
Will I get my CBCT results the same day?
Sometimes. Simple reviews may happen during the visit, while complex cases may be reviewed later or with a specialist. Ask when and how you will hear about the findings.
Next step
If your dentist has recommended a 3D scan and you want to know how it fits your treatment plan, learn about 3D CBCT imaging at Landmark Dental Care. To ask about preparation or book, call 902-893-2919 or contact the office at 125 Queen St, Truro.
References
- U.S. FDA: Dental Cone-beam Computed Tomography
- Health Canada: Radiation Protection in Dentistry — Safety Code 30
- Canadian Dental Association: Control of X-Radiation in Dentistry
- American Dental Association: X-Rays/Radiographs
- American Dental Association: Updated recommendations to enhance radiography safety in dentistry (2024)
- Tyndall DA et al. Position statement of the AAOMR on selection criteria for the use of radiology in dental implantology with emphasis on CBCT. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2012 (PDF)
This article provides general educational information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for care from a dentist or other qualified health professional.
About this guide
This article was written and reviewed by the Landmark Dental Care Team at Landmark Dental Care, 125 Queen St, Truro, NS B2N 2B4. It is general patient education and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. If you have pain, swelling or a change in your mouth, call us at 902-893-2919 so a dentist can assess you.