At our Dereham surgery, Toftwood Dental Practice can provide on-site CBCT 3D dental scans and OPG panoramic 2D X-rays. Using advanced imaging, our dentists can gather clear, thorough information to properly assess your oral health and safely plan treatment.
3D and 2D Dental Imaging
CBCT and OPG Panoramic X-Rays in Dereham
Advanced Dental Scans
Detailed Imaging for Better Dental Care
Clear Imaging for Confident Treatment Planning
The benefit of having access to advanced imaging equipment at our Dereham location is we can conduct detailed assessments without delay and without requiring external referrals. While essential day-to-day information can often be gleaned from standard clinical examinations and regular surface X-rays, some treatments are reliant on wider and deeper views of dental structures.
Whether you are considering dental implants, undertaking complex root canal therapy or wisdom teeth, CBCT and OPG scans enable our skilled dentists to plan the relevant treatment with utmost precision. After assessment, your dentist will decide if it’s most appropriate to do a 2D panoramic view or full 3D scan.
The choice of imaging is based on the information needed for the patient’s clinical assessment.
CBCT Scan and OPG Panoramic X-Ray: What’s the Difference?
Although the two imaging techniques both offer valuable diagnostic information, their clinic purposes are different:
CBCT Scan: Detailed 3D Dental Imaging – A CBCT scan stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and is an advanced 3D dental imaging technology that generates three-dimentional (3D) images. Contrary to standard flat X-rays, a dental CBCT scan creates a 3D digital model of your teeth, jawbone, tooth roots and the surroundings nerves and sinuses. The immense level of 3D detail is beneficial when planning intricate surgical or restorative procedures.
OPG Panoramic X-Ray: A Wider 2D View – An OPG also known as orthopantomogram / panoramic X-ray is a specialised two-dimensional panoramic dental X-ray. It captures a broad, ear-to-ear image of your upper and lower jaws, all existing teeth, jaw joints and surrounding bone structures in a single view. Basically, it gains a comprehensive overview of your mouth.
| Feature | CBCT Scan | OPG Panoramic X-Ray |
|---|---|---|
| Image Type | Detailed 3D dental image | Broad 2D image of teeth and jaws |
| Typical Purpose | Detailed assessment and treatment planning where clinically indicated | Broad overview where clinically indicated |
| May Help Assess | Tooth roots, jawbone height/width, nerves, or sinuses | Teeth, jaws, jaw joints, and surrounding bone structure |
| Dentist’s Decision | Recommended when 3D depth detail is clinically needed | Recommended when a broad overview is appropriate |
Why OPG and CBCT Imaging Can Be Important
Standard routine examinations don’t always pick up the vital diagnostic details that OPG and CBCT imaging do. With these advanced scans, a dentist can:
Recognise dental issues and conditions that the naked eye won’t detect.
Propose safe, precise treatment planning for the relevant area.
Accurately evaluate the exact location of tooth roots, nerves, sinus cavities and surrounding jawbone density.
Provide a precise clinical diagnosis ahead of dispensing care.
When Might We Recommend a CBCT Scan or OPG X-ray?
A dental CBCT scan provides a high-resolution 3D view for extra depth and structural detail and may be recommended for:
- Dental Implant Treatment Planning
- Anatomical Mapping
- Complex Or Impacted Wisdom Teeth Planning
- Complex Endodontics
- Complex Orthodontics
- Assessing Bone Height And Width
An OPG panoramic X-ray gives us a broad 2D view of your mouth and may be recommended to:
- Assess Wisdom & Impacted Teeth
- Plan Extractions
- Plan Orthodontics
- Plan Dental Implants
- Check Bone Levels, Particularly In Periodontal Cases
- Uncover Hidden Issues
The General Treatment Process
Care follows a multi-step process whenever advanced imaging is advised and involved:
- Initial Consultation: There will be a detailed discussion to understand symptoms, concerns or treatment goals.
- Clinical Examination: Your dentist will carry out a visual examination of your teeth, gums and bite.
- Preliminary Diagnostics: If necessary, digital intraoral scans, dental photographs or clinical impressions may be taken.
- Imaging Advice: An OPG panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan is recommended if further imaging detail is required for an accurate diagnosis.
- Options & Explanation: The imaging results will be communicated, as well as any treatment options, potential benefits, risks and expected results.
- Personalised Treatment Plan: A tailored treatment plan will be drawn up, outlining the proposed care, predicted timeline and next steps.
What Happens at an Appointment?
- Clinical Recommendation: Your dentist will decide if a 2D OPG or 3D CBCT scan is most suitable for your assessment.
- Positioning & Capture: Once comfortably positioned at the scanner, the imaging arm will rotate smoothly around your head. It’s a quick and non-invasive process.
- Image Review: High-resolution 2D or 3D digital images are captured immediately and reviewed on-screen by your clinician.
- Next Steps: A clear explanation of the scan results will be given, with an opportunity to ask questions prior to the issuing of a personalised treatment plan.
CBCT scan price and OPG X-ray cost
There’s always price transparency at Toftwood Dental Practice. Here are the base fees for our on-site imaging services (subject to clinical assessment):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| CBCT Scan | £100 |
| OPG Panoramic X-ray | £70 |
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:30am to 5pm
Saturday 9am to 2pm for hygiene and pre-booked dentist appointments
Same-day appointments available:
Call for availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CBCT dental scan?
A CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scan is a specialised 3D imaging technology that presents a detailed, three-dimensional view of your teeth, jawbone, nerves and soft tissues for advanced treatment planning.
What is an OPG panoramic dental X-ray?
An OPG (Orthopantomogram) is a 2D panoramic X-ray that captures a single expansive view of your upper and lower jaws, teeth and surrounding bone structures.
Is a dental CBCT scan better than an OPG X-ray?
One isn’t “better” than the other, as they serve very different clinical purposes. An OPG provides a broad 2D overview, while a CBCT offers in-depth 3D spatial mapping. Your dentist will advise which option will offer the required information for your care.
What happens during a CBCT or panoramic X-ray appointment?
We’ll either get you to stand or sit in a comfortable position so the scanner machine can rotate around your head to capture the digital images. It will be over in a matter of minutes and is completely painless.
Are CBCT scans and panoramic X-rays safe?
Yes, totally safe as modern CBCT and OPG scanners use controlled, targeted radiation doses specifically designed for dental imaging.
Can I book a CBCT scan without a referral?
If you get in touch with us on 01362 699342, we can obtain some details to help decide whether an initial consultation or clinical assessment is needed before an imaging appointment is booked.
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