CBCT
Pronunciation: see-bee-see-tee
Also written as: CBCT — Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Cone Beam Computed Tomography; a three-dimensional radiographic imaging modality used in implant dentistry to assess bone volume, density, and anatomical proximity to vital structures.
Full Definition
CBCT stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography, a specialized form of CT imaging that uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam to generate high-resolution three-dimensional volumetric data of the craniofacial skeleton. In implant dentistry, CBCT is the gold-standard imaging tool for pre-surgical planning, enabling accurate measurement of available bone height and width, identification of the inferior alveolar nerve, maxillary sinus floor, and adjacent roots. Editors should always expand the acronym on first use and use 'CBCT scan' or 'CBCT imaging' rather than 'CT scan,' which implies a different modality. The acronym is written in all capitals with no periods.
Usage
Usage note: Always expand on first use: 'cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).' Do not substitute 'CT scan,' which implies medical-grade fan-beam CT. Write as 'CBCT' (all caps, no periods).
In Context
- "CBCT imaging confirmed 9 mm of available bone height above the inferior alveolar canal at the proposed implant site." — Pre-surgical implant planning report
- "The referring clinician requested a CBCT scan to evaluate the proximity of the maxillary sinus prior to posterior implant placement." — Referral letter