CBCT Planning for Dental ImplantsWhy 3D Imaging Matters
- CBCT (Cone Beam CT) provides the 3D anatomical detail essential for safe, predictable implant planning.
At Stunning Dentistry, CBCT is standard for all implant cases - included in your assessment on Day 1.
Why 3D CBCT > 2D X-rays for Implants
| Information | 2D X-rays | 3D CBCT |
|---|---|---|
| Bone height (vertical) | Estimated only | Precise to 1mm |
| Bone width (mesiodistal) | Estimated only | Precise to 1mm |
| Bone density assessment | Limited | Detailed, precise |
| Nerve location (IAC, mental) | Estimated from 2D | 3D visualization, precise |
| Sinus floor anatomy | Estimated | Complete 3D map |
| Adjacent root proximity | Estimated | Visible in 3D |
| Pathology detection | Limited (cysts, lesions unclear) | Detailed identification |
| Implant planning | Risky - many unknowns | Precise, safe planning |
Questions about this procedure?
Critical Information CBCT Reveals
- 3D bone volume measurements: height, width, density at every implant site
- Precise inferior alveolar nerve location: critical for lower jaw implants to avoid nerve damage
- Mental foramen anatomy: ensures anterior implant placement avoids nerve exit point
- Maxillary sinus floor mapping: determines if tilted implants can avoid sinus or if sinus lift needed
- Adjacent tooth root positions: prevents implant placement adjacent to neighbouring teeth
- Pathology identification: cysts, bone lesions, retained tooth roots, infections
- Bone quality assessment: distinguishes dense cortical bone from softer trabecular bone
- Previous implant/restoration visualization: shows existing work for revision planning
Ready to discuss your options?
CBCT Equipment and Protocol at Stunning Dentistry
Equipment: Planmeca ProMax 3D - high-resolution CBCT with low-dose protocol, reducing radiation to ~1/5 compared to older systems.
Guide fabrication: In-house 3D printing - final guide ready typically by Day 1 evening or Day 2 morning for surgery.
Curious about costs and timelines?
Uploading Your Existing CBCT
If you already have a CBCT from New Zealand: request DICOM files (digital imaging files) from your dental radiologist or clinic.
Note: If your scan is >1 year old or poor quality, a fresh CBCT at SD (low additional cost) provides better planning precision.
Want a personalised treatment plan?
Specialist-only treatment planning
- Remote file review before travel
- Evidence-led treatment checkpoints
No waiting list for eligible cases
- Remote file review before travel
- Evidence-led treatment checkpoints
Trip coordinated with care timeline
- Remote file review before travel
- Evidence-led treatment checkpoints
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Why Us
Frequently Asked Questions
How much radiation is in a CBCT?
Planmeca ProMax 3D uses a low-dose protocol: approximately 50–100 microsieverts (µSv) for a full-mouth scan. For comparison: panoramic dental X-ray is 2–5 µSv, one cross-country flight exposes you to 40 µSv of cosmic radiation. CBCT radiation is safe and justified by the diagnostic benefit.
Can I use my New Zealand CBCT?
Yes, if it's recent (<6 months) and high resolution. Send DICOM files to our team. We review within 48 hours. If your scan is older or lower quality, a fresh CBCT at Stunning Dentistry (low cost, included in pricing) provides more accurate planning.
What if I've never had a CBCT?
No problem. CBCT is standard at Stunning Dentistry and included in your Day 1 assessment - at no additional cost. We perform CBCT on everyone for comprehensive 3D planning.
Does CBCT determine if I'm a candidate for implants?
CBCT is essential for determining candidacy and optimal protocol. It shows bone volume/quality, identifies vital structures, detects pathology, and guides protocol selection (All-on-4, All-on-6, zygomatic, etc.). Without CBCT, candidacy assessment is incomplete.
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This tool will help you understand potential structural and aesthetic changes before finalizing treatment decisions.
