CBCT in Kraków — 3D cone beam dental scan
Accurate 3D diagnostics of teeth, roots and the bone of the upper and lower jaw. A CBCT scan shows structures not visible on conventional X-rays and helps plan dental treatment precisely.
What is a CBCT scan?
CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) is an X-ray examination that produces three-dimensional images of the teeth, the bone of the upper and lower jaw and selected facial skeleton structures.
Unlike a conventional X-ray, which shows the examined area in two dimensions, a CBCT scan lets the dentist view anatomical structures in three planes and analyse their relative position.
This allows a more accurate assessment of, among other things, the structure of roots and canals, the amount of available bone, the position of impacted teeth and the distance to important anatomical structures.
The examination is used mainly in implantology, oral surgery and endodontics. In certain cases it is also used in orthodontics and in diagnosing other dental problems.
Not every patient needs a CBCT scan. The dentist orders it when a conventional X-ray does not provide enough information for a diagnosis or treatment plan.
What does a dental CBCT scan show?
A dental CBCT scan allows a detailed three-dimensional assessment of a selected area of the mouth.
Depending on the scope of the scan, the dentist can see:
- Tooth roots and root canals — their number, course, shape and possible anatomical abnormalities.
- Bone of the upper and lower jaw — its dimensions, structure and areas that need closer assessment.
- Impacted teeth — their position relative to neighbouring teeth and bone structures.
- Periapical changes — which may indicate inflammation around the roots.
- The inferior alveolar nerve canal — its course and distance from the planned treatment site.
- Maxillary sinuses — their anatomy and selected changes within the scanned area.
- The planned implant site — bone conditions important for choosing the implant position and size.
- Possible root damage — e.g. a suspected fracture, if the imaging can show it.
A CBCT scan can also provide information needed for root canal retreatment or planning surgical procedures.
Keep in mind that CBCT is intended mainly for imaging bone and dental structures. It does not replace all other examinations, especially when a detailed assessment of soft tissues is needed.
When is a CBCT scan taken?
A CBCT scan is recommended when the dentist needs an accurate spatial image of the teeth and surrounding structures.
Before implant placement
In implantology, a CBCT scan helps assess bone height and width, the course of important anatomical structures and the conditions for placing an implant.
Based on the image, the dentist can plan the implant position and check whether additional preparatory procedures, e.g. bone grafting, are needed.
In root canal treatment
CBCT in endodontics can be useful in more difficult cases, when a standard X-ray does not provide enough information.
It helps, among other things, to assess unusual canal anatomy, detect some periapical changes and diagnose the causes of failed earlier treatment.
However, a CBCT scan is not routinely needed before every root canal treatment.
Before wisdom tooth removal
For impacted wisdom teeth, CBCT allows a more accurate assessment of the roots' position relative to the inferior alveolar nerve canal and other anatomical structures.
It may be recommended if a panoramic X-ray suggests difficult anatomy and the scan result may affect the treatment plan.
In diagnosing impacted teeth
A 3D scan shows the position of a tooth that has not erupted properly and its relationship to neighbouring roots.
This information can be important when planning surgical or orthodontic treatment.
With a suspected root fracture
If symptoms suggest possible root damage and a standard X-ray cannot identify the cause, the dentist may consider CBCT.
The scan can help with diagnosis, although not every fracture will be visible, especially when materials that distort the image are present.
In diagnosing bone changes
CBCT can provide information on the position, extent and relationship of selected bone changes to neighbouring structures.
It helps plan further diagnostics or surgical treatment.
In selected orthodontic cases
A scan may be needed with complicated positions of impacted teeth, suspected root resorption or when a detailed assessment of bone structures is required.
However, it is not a standard examination required before every orthodontic treatment.
The dentist decides whether a CBCT scan is needed based on clinical indications and information from earlier examinations.
What types of CBCT scans do we take at MistoDent Kraków?
The scope of a CBCT scan depends on which area needs diagnosis.
Imaging the entire upper and lower jaw is not always necessary. In many cases a scan of a limited section of the teeth is enough.
Sectional CBCT
The scan covers a selected, limited area of the mouth.
It can be used, for example, to diagnose a single tooth, in more difficult endodontic cases or to assess a small section of bone.
Limiting the field of view keeps the scan focused on the area relevant to the diagnosis.
CBCT of the upper or lower jaw
The scan allows a spatial assessment of one jaw together with its teeth and the structures within the imaged area.
It is used, among other things, when planning implant treatment or selected surgical procedures.
CBCT of the upper and lower jaw
Provides a three-dimensional image of both jaws within the scanned area.
It can be used when planning more extensive implant, prosthetic or surgical treatment.
Skull CBCT
The scan covers a wider area of the facial skeleton, depending on the selected field of view.
It can be used in specific cases requiring extended anatomical or functional diagnostics.
The type of scan is chosen for the specific problem. Scanning a larger area does not always bring additional diagnostic benefit.
How is a CBCT scan taken, step by step?
A dental CBCT scan is painless and requires no anaesthesia.
1. Preparation
Before the scan, the patient is asked to remove items that may distort the image, e.g. earrings, glasses, jewellery or removable orthodontic appliances.
2. Positioning in the scanner
The person performing the scan helps the patient into the right standing or sitting position, depending on the device.
The head is positioned and stabilised.
3. Taking the scan
During the scan, the device rotates around the patient's head, taking a series of X-ray projections from different angles.
You need to stay still during this time to avoid a blurred image.
4. 3D image reconstruction
The collected data is processed by a computer into a three-dimensional image of the examined area.
The dentist can view it in different planes and analyse selected structures.
5. Assessing the result
The dentist analyses the scan together with the clinical examination and reported symptoms.
The information helps make a diagnosis and plan appropriate treatment.
The scanning itself usually takes from about ten to several dozen seconds. The whole examination, including preparation, usually takes a few minutes.
CBCT vs OPG — what is the difference?
CBCT and OPG are two types of X-ray examinations used in dentistry. The main difference is how they show the examined structures.
CBCT scan (3D)
OPG (2D)
Three-dimensional image of teeth and bone
Two-dimensional image of the teeth
Structures can be analysed in different planes
General view of both dental arches
Allows assessment of dimensions and spatial relationships
Does not allow accurate depth measurements
Used in more complex diagnostics
Often used in initial diagnostics
Usually a higher radiation dose
Usually a lower radiation dose
An OPG may be enough, for example, for a general assessment of the teeth or an initial analysis of wisdom tooth position. However, if the dentist needs to measure the amount of bone before implant placement or check the spatial position of the roots, a CBCT scan may be needed. CBCT does not automatically replace an OPG. Each examination should match the specific diagnostic need.
CBCT vs conventional CT — what is the difference?
Although both examinations provide three-dimensional images, they use different technologies and are used in different clinical situations.
Cone beam CT (CBCT) uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam and is especially useful for assessing teeth and the bone structures of the facial skeleton.
Conventional computed tomography (CT) is used more widely in general medical diagnostics, including soft tissue imaging.
In dentistry, CBCT often provides detailed information about tooth and bone anatomy at a lower radiation dose than typical multi-slice CT of a similar area. However, the actual dose depends on the scan settings.
Not every clinical situation can be assessed with CBCT. The dentist decides which method is appropriate.
Is a CBCT scan safe?
CBCT uses ionising radiation, so it should only be performed with appropriate medical indications.
The radiation dose depends on the size of the imaged area, the device settings and the selected scan protocol.
In many cases CBCT involves more exposure than a single dental X-ray or an OPG, so a scan should not be taken without a justified need.
Before ordering the scan, the dentist takes into account:
- the diagnostic goal;
- the condition of the teeth and symptoms;
- results of earlier examinations;
- the size of the area that needs imaging;
- the patient's age;
- whether the information can be obtained with a lower-dose examination.
Diagnostics follows the principle of optimising exposure, so as to obtain an image of adequate quality at the lowest possible dose.
If you have a recent CBCT scan taken at another clinic, pass it on to the dentist. This can help avoid an unnecessary repeat scan.
Do I need a referral for a CBCT scan?
At MistoDent Kraków you do not need to get a referral from another clinic in advance to book a dental consultation.
If during the visit the dentist decides that a CBCT scan is needed, they will assess the indications and order the appropriate scope of examination.
This way diagnostics can be planned as part of dental treatment at our clinic.
A CBCT scan requires a medical justification and an appropriate order. It is not performed routinely without indications.
CBCT for children — when is it needed?
A CBCT scan in children may be used in selected situations when conventional X-rays do not provide enough information.
This includes, among other things:
- complicated positions of impacted teeth;
- suspected root damage or resorption;
- certain developmental defects;
- complex surgical cases;
- diagnostics after some facial injuries.
For children it is especially important that the scan is properly justified and that the imaged area and radiation dose are limited.
CBCT is not a routine examination before every orthodontic treatment.
The dentist decides whether a scan is needed, taking into account the child's age, clinical indications and available results of earlier examinations.
Why get a CBCT scan at MistoDent Kraków?
At MistoDent Kraków imaging diagnostics is part of dental treatment planning.
- 3D diagnostics — detailed three-dimensional assessment of teeth, roots and bone.
- Different scan scopes — from a selected section to wider imaging of the upper jaw, lower jaw or skull.
- Implant planning — assessment of bone conditions and the position of important anatomical structures.
- Endodontic diagnostics — support in identifying more complex problems with canals and roots.
- Surgical planning — spatial assessment of anatomy before selected procedures.
- Comprehensive care — the scan results can be used in further consultations and treatment.
- Individually chosen diagnostics — the scope of the scan is based on medical indications.
How much does a CBCT scan cost in Kraków?
The cost depends on the size of the scanned area. A scan of a selected section costs less than one covering the entire upper and lower jaw. The choice of scan depends on medical indications and planned treatment. A scan of all teeth is not always necessary. In many situations a CBCT of a limited section may be enough.
FAQ
Answers provided by
Dr. Yevgen Gryzodub
What is a CBCT scan?
A CBCT scan is an X-ray examination that produces a three-dimensional image of the teeth, roots and the bone of the upper and lower jaw. It is used, among other things, in implantology, endodontics and oral surgery.
What does CBCT stand for?
CBCT stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography. It is also called cone beam CT or volumetric tomography.
How much does a CBCT scan cost?
At MistoDent Kraków a CBCT scan costs from 250 PLN. A scan of the upper or lower jaw costs 300 PLN, and a scan of both jaws costs 400 PLN.
How much does a CBCT scan of one tooth cost?
If a small area is needed for diagnosis, the dentist may order a sectional CBCT. At MistoDent Kraków this scan costs 250 PLN. The imaging scope is chosen individually.
Do I need a referral for a CBCT scan?
Yes, the scan requires a medical order. At MistoDent Kraków you do not need to get a referral from another clinic in advance to book a consultation. The dentist will assess whether a scan is needed and order it if indicated.
Can I get a CBCT scan without a referral?
You can come to MistoDent without an outside referral. If the dentist finds indications for a scan, they will order the appropriate examination. CBCT is not performed without medical justification.
Is CBCT needed before implant placement?
CBCT is often used in implant planning because it allows assessment of bone dimensions and the position of important anatomical structures. The implantologist decides whether a scan is needed and its scope.
Medical verification
Content verified by:
Dr. Yevgen Gryzodub
Medical Director of the MistoDent clinic network • dentist • prosthodontist • gnathologist
Last updated: 22.10.2026
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