Vatech CBCT is the most sophisticated scanner available for dedicated maxillofacial radiography and it provides a two-dimensional (2D) view of three-dimensional (3-D) anatomical structures and pathology.

The machine is relatively easy to use and is based on a cone-shaped x-ray beam, which is focussed on a 2D detector. The source-detector system performs one rotation around the patient producing a large series of 2D images. The most useful aspect of the CBCT scanner is its sophisticated computer software that allows for the large volume of collected data to be processed and reconstructed into 3D images, and this has radically changed dental and maxillofacial diagnostic imaging.

The radiation dose to a patient undergoing CBCT is approximately 90% less, unlike with medical CT. Additional advantages of CBCT are reduced cost to the patient; the “open” format of the machine which virtually eliminates claustrophobia; and imaging is conducted while the patient is seated rather than lying down.

The acquisition of the machine was made possible by a clinical grant from the Department of Higher Education and Training and will benefit medical and dental patients requiring general head and neck surgery; ear and throat surgery; dental implants; orthodontic treatment or maxillofacial surgery. The 3D images will improve treatment planning and patient follow-up.