Last reviewed by our dental team: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.

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“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Why is CBCT necessary for dental implants?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “A two-dimensional X-ray cannot show bone width, and it distorts bone height. Implant success depends on placing a fixture within adequate bone in three dimensions while avoiding the inferior alveolar nerve, mental foramen, and maxillary sinus. CBCT provides the measurements needed to plan a safe, predictable placement.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can a CBCT scan tell if I have enough bone for implants?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes. The scan shows bone height, width, and density at every proposed implant site. If bone is insufficient, the specific deficiency — vertical, horizontal, or both — is measured so that the appropriate grafting procedure can be planned before or at the time of implant placement.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is guided implant surgery?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “After CBCT data is used to digitally plan implant position, a custom surgical guide is 3D-printed. This guide fits over your teeth or gums and contains metal sleeves that direct the drill at the exact angle, depth, and location planned on the computer. It eliminates freehand variation and is particularly valuable for cases near nerves, sinuses, or adjacent roots.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How does CBCT reduce the risk of nerve damage during implant surgery?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The inferior alveolar nerve runs through a canal inside the lower jaw. On a standard X-ray, its exact position is difficult to determine due to image overlap and distortion. On a CBCT cross-section, the nerve canal is clearly visible, and the distance from the proposed implant tip to the nerve can be measured precisely. Dr. Ostovar maintains a minimum safety margin of 2 millimeters from the nerve in all implant plans.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What if the CBCT shows I do not have enough bone?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Bone deficiency is not a disqualification — it is a planning variable. Depending on the location and extent of the deficiency, options include ridge augmentation with bone graft material, sinus lift procedures to create space in the upper jaw, guided bone regeneration with membrane barriers, or alternative implant positioning such as tilted implants in All-on-4 protocols.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How long does the CBCT interpretation for implants take?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Dr. Ostovar typically reviews the CBCT volume with you during the same appointment. The initial interpretation and discussion take 15 to 30 minutes depending on case complexity. A detailed digital surgical plan using guided surgery software may require an additional appointment for finalization, particularly for full-arch cases.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can my general dentist see the CBCT implant plan?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes. ADSC shares the surgical plan, annotated CBCT cross-sections, and proposed implant specifications with the referring or restorative dentist. This collaboration ensures that the implant position supports the planned crown or prosthesis, and that both the surgical and restorative phases are aligned from the start.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Does CBCT show the quality of the bone, not just the quantity?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Yes. Bone density is represented by grayscale values on the CBCT volume, and while these values are not identical to Hounsfield units from a medical CT, they provide reliable relative density information. Dense cortical bone versus soft trabecular bone at the implant site influences drill protocol selection, initial torque values, and healing time before loading.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What is a sinus lift, and how does CBCT help plan one?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “A sinus lift raises the floor of the maxillary sinus to create space for bone graft material, allowing implant placement in the upper posterior jaw where bone height is naturally limited. CBCT shows the exact sinus floor height, membrane thickness, and the presence of sinus septa — bony walls within the sinus that affect the surgical approach.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How accurate is CBCT-guided implant placement?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Published studies report mean deviations of 1.0 to 1.5 millimeters at the implant platform and 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters at the apex when using surgical guides fabricated from CBCT data. That level of accuracy is significantly better than freehand placement and is critical when working near vital structures.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Do I need a CBCT scan for a single tooth implant?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “In most cases, yes. Even a single implant must be placed with precise angulation and depth to support a functional and aesthetic crown. The CBCT scan ensures adequate bone, safe distance from the nerve or sinus, and proper alignment with adjacent teeth.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Can CBCT detect a failed implant?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “CBCT can show bone loss around an existing implant, peri-implant radiolucency suggesting lack of integration, fracture of the implant fixture, and proximity issues with adjacent structures. It is a valuable tool for diagnosing implant complications and planning salvage or removal procedures.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What if I already had a CBCT scan at another office?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Bring the DICOM data on a USB drive or have the office transmit it digitally. If the scan is recent (within six months) and of adequate quality and field of view, Dr. Ostovar can use it for planning without repeating the scan. If the resolution or coverage is insufficient, a targeted new scan may be needed.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How does CBCT help with All-on-4 or full-arch implant planning?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Full-arch cases require four to six implants positioned to support an entire arch prosthesis. CBCT data allows the surgeon to identify the best available bone in the anterior jaw, plan tilted posterior implants that avoid the sinus or nerve, and design the prosthesis virtually before surgery. This level of pre-surgical planning is what makes same-day full-arch results possible.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Is CBCT interpretation included in the implant consultation fee?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “At ADSC, the CBCT scan and its interpretation by Dr. Ostovar are part of the implant consultation visit. The scan fee and consultation fee are itemized separately on your estimate, but both are typically completed during a single appointment. Insurance coverage for each component is verified in advance.”
}
}]
}

Se habla Español — Llame al (503) 822-0096

Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD

Doctor of Dental Medicine | General Dentistry with Implant Focus

Aloha Dental Specialty Center — Serving Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Greater Portland

Last updated: May 27, 2026