CBCT Imaging in Cambridge
A CBCT scan is a 3D X-ray of your teeth, jaws, and the bone and nerves around them. A regular dental X-ray gives us a flat picture; a cone beam scan lets us look at the same area from any angle and measure it properly.
We use CBCT imaging when treatment needs real precision, like placing dental implants or removing an impacted tooth. We also take scans for other dentists who send their patients to us for one.
If your dentist has recommended a 3D scan, or you have questions about one we have suggested, call (519) 621-2111.
What a CBCT scan actually is
CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. During the scan, an arm moves once around your head and takes a series of images. A computer stitches them into a single 3D model that we can rotate and slice through on screen.
This is not the same as the X-rays you get at a regular check-up. Those are good for finding cavities and checking bone levels, but they flatten everything onto one plane. A cone beam scan keeps the depth, so we can see exactly where a nerve runs, how much bone you have, or how a wisdom tooth is sitting under the gum.
When a 3D scan is worth taking
We don't take a CBCT scan at a routine visit. It is for the situations where a flat X-ray leaves too much guesswork. The usual reasons are:
In each of these, the scan answers a specific question before treatment starts. That tends to make the procedure itself quicker and far more predictable, because we are not working things out as we go. The flip side is just as important: if a scan would not change what we do, we will not take one. It has to earn its place.
What a 3D image shows that a flat X-ray can't
The extra dimension changes what your dentist can actually see. With a cone beam scan we can:
For implant planning, this is the difference between estimating and knowing. We can choose the right implant size and angle before you are ever in the chair, which is safer for you and usually means less time spent in treatment.
What to expect during your scan
The scan is quick, and nothing about it should feel uncomfortable. There is no needle and no recovery afterward.
No special preparation is needed. We will ask you to take off glasses, earrings, or anything metal near your face, and we will explain what is about to happen.
You sit or stand still while the arm turns slowly around your head. It takes roughly 20 to 40 seconds, and you are never inside an enclosed tube.
The images are ready almost straight away. We can look at them with you on screen and talk through what they mean for your treatment.
From the scan to your treatment plan
A scan on its own is just a picture. The value is in what we do with it. Once the 3D model is ready, we use it to map out the steps of your treatment, whether that is the position of an implant, the safest way to remove a tooth, or the shape of a root canal.
Implants are where this matters most. The scan shows how much bone is there, where the sinus and the nerves sit, and the angle the implant should go in at. We work all of that out on the model first, so by the time you are in the chair the hard thinking is already done. For a difficult extraction, the same picture shows how the roots wrap around the nerve, which is often what separates a quick procedure from a complicated one.
Because the imaging and the treatment happen with the same team, nothing gets lost moving between offices. You also get to see what we see, which tends to make the whole plan much easier to follow.
Is a CBCT scan safe?
A cone beam scan does use a small amount of radiation, and it is fair to ask about that. The dose is low, and we keep it low by capturing only the area we need rather than your whole head. For the kind of planning these scans are used for, the information they give back is well worth that small exposure.
If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell us before the scan and we will talk through whether it should wait.
CBCT scans for referring dentists
Riverfront Dental takes CBCT scans for other dental offices in Cambridge and the surrounding area. If you are a dentist who needs a 3D scan for implant planning, an endodontic case, wisdom teeth, or something similar, you can send your patient to us and we will share the images and our report with you.
The pricing is straightforward. Small-field scans start at $350 and large-field scans start at $410, payable at the appointment. We capture and read scans for any indication except TMJ.
You can send a referral through our CBCT Referral Form, or call (519) 621-2111 if you would rather talk it through first.
Why patients and dentists choose Riverfront Dental
We have built CBCT into the way we plan surgery and implants, so the imaging and the treatment sit with one team in one place. For referring offices, that means a clear report and images you can actually use, without a long wait. For our own patients, it means fewer surprises once treatment is under way.
A scan also rarely stands alone. It often pairs with wisdom teeth removal, sedation for longer appointments, or dental implants. You can also see our full range of oral surgery services.
Meet Your Cambridge Dental Team
CBCT scans at Riverfront Dental are taken and reviewed by experienced general dentists who use the images to plan treatment carefully and explain what they find.
Dr. Beaucage completed her Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Waterloo. She earned both her PhD and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Western University's Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. She values careful planning and patient education.
Dr. Lalji earned his Bachelor of Health Sciences at McMaster University before completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Western University. He focuses on helping patients feel informed and comfortable throughout treatment.
Dr. Gerlich earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at University College Cork in Ireland, where she was named a College Scholar. She brings international clinical experience and a gentle, patient-focused approach to Riverfront Dental.
All three dentists are general practitioners. Since 2018, the Riverfront Dental team has proudly served the Cambridge community.
Conveniently Located in Cambridge
Cambridge, ON N1R 7S9
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask Us About CBCT Imaging in Cambridge
Whether you need a scan for your own treatment or you are a dentist referring a patient, we are happy to help.
Call (519) 621-2111 or visit us at 725 Coronation Blvd, Suite B1 & B2, Cambridge, ON N1R 7S9.