CBCT / 3D X-Ray
A CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) 3D dental scan allows Dr. Pekarski to clearly see critical anatomical structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and sinuses that are simply not visible on standard 2D X-rays. This advanced imaging reveals bone availability and anatomical positioning essential for implant placement, complex extractions, and accurate diagnoses. Our Carmichael facility has onsite CBCT equipment — no referral, no second appointment at a separate imaging center.
What CBCT 3D Imaging Shows
Standard dental X-rays give a flat, two-dimensional picture. CBCT creates a full three-dimensional model of your jaw and facial structures, allowing Dr. Pekarski to see:
- Available bone volume — exact dimensions for implant placement planning
- Nerve canal locations — avoiding the inferior alveolar nerve during implant placement or extractions
- Sinus proximity — critical when placing upper posterior implants near the maxillary sinus
- Jaw joint (TMJ) anatomy — evaluating joint structure for TMJ disorders
- Airway cross-sections — useful for sleep apnea evaluation
- Root shapes and pathologies — root fractures, curved roots, and infections not visible in 2D
- Cysts and lesions — detecting jaw pathologies before they cause symptoms
Why Onsite CBCT Matters for Holistic Implant Planning
Every zirconia implant placed at Sacramento Holistic Dentist is planned using our onsite CBCT scan. This allows Dr. Pekarski to precisely identify the safest implant position, the ideal angle, and the exact depth — minimizing surgical trauma, reducing healing time, and ensuring the best possible long-term outcome. Patients from Sacramento, Carmichael, and surrounding areas appreciate that this precision imaging is included in their care without needing to visit a separate facility.
Reviewing Your Own CBCT Scan
If you've had a CBCT scan taken elsewhere — perhaps at an oral surgeon's office or a dental specialist — Dr. Pekarski can review that scan for you. External CBCT review is a cost-effective way to get a second opinion on implant plans or complex treatment recommendations.
Why Choose Sacramento Holistic Dentist for CBCT Imaging
Having onsite CBCT is not universal among dental practices in Sacramento. At our office, it means your implant planning, surgical preparation, and diagnostic work all happen under one roof with the same provider who knows your complete dental history. Dr. Pekarski uses CBCT imaging as part of her commitment to precise, minimally invasive, biocompatible care.
Frequently Asked Questions
CBCT machines create a 3D image of your teeth, bone, nerves, and sinuses by rotating a cone-shaped X-ray beam around your head. It captures hundreds of images in seconds and reconstructs them into a precise 3D model.
CBCT shows all teeth, roots, jawbone, TMJ, sinuses, nasal passages, nerve canals, and the airway. It provides a comprehensive view of the entire craniofacial region.
Regular X-rays are 2D — they can miss root fractures, hidden decay between teeth, and nerve canal positions. CBCT is fully 3-dimensional, enabling far more precise treatment planning and diagnosis with much less risk of missing important anatomy.
Primarily used for implant planning, complex extraction assessment, TMJ analysis, airway evaluation, and diagnosing jaw pathologies, cysts, and infections. It is also valuable for evaluating wisdom teeth before removal.
CBCT uses significantly less radiation than a medical CT scan. The dose is comparable to a few standard dental X-rays. Dr. Pekarski uses CBCT only when the diagnostic benefit justifies it, consistent with the holistic principle of minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure.
Yes — we can review a CBCT scan taken elsewhere. Bring your scan on a disc or digital file and Dr. Pekarski will review it and provide her assessment, which is useful for second opinions on implant plans or complex treatment recommendations. See our pricing page for current fees.