At The Briars Dental Centre in Newbury, we prioritise exceptional CBCT scan diagnostics as part of our commitment to premium dental care. While many practices handle all scan interpretations in-house, we’ve adopted a more thorough approach by sending certain CBCT scan images to consultant radiologists for expert review. This article explains why this approach represents best practice in digital dental imaging and how these CBCT scan consultant reports benefit our patients’ safety and treatment outcomes.
A CBCT scan (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) is an advanced 3D imaging technique that provides detailed views of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone in a single scan. Unlike traditional 2D dental X-rays, CBCT scans offer high-resolution images from multiple angles, providing our clinicians with crucial information for planning complex treatments such as dental implants, root canal procedures, and orthodontic treatments.
At The Briars, we perform CBCT scans ranging from 5×5cm (small field of view) to 10×10cm (large field of view), depending on the clinical requirements. The larger the scan, the more anatomical structures are captured, which is why expert assessment becomes increasingly important as the field of view expands.
In the UK, dental radiography is governed by the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IRMER). These regulations are designed to protect patients by ensuring that radiation exposure is justified, optimised, and properly assessed.
Under IRMER, dental professionals have specific responsibilities when it comes to CBCT scans:
The last point is particularly important. When a CBCT scan is taken, IRMER regulations require that the entire image must be thoroughly assessed and reported on. This means that every structure visible in the scan must be examined for abnormalities or pathology, not just the area of immediate dental interest.
There are numerous advantages to having CBCT scans assessed by consultant radiologists, particularly for larger field of view scans:
1. Specialist Expertise for CBCT Scan Interpretation
Consultant radiologists, particularly those specialising in Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, have undergone extensive training specifically in interpreting complex radiographic images. Their expertise allows them to identify subtle abnormalities on CBCT scans that might be missed by even experienced dentists who don’t specialise in radiology.
2. Comprehensive Assessment
When a consultant radiologist reviews a CBCT scan, they examine every structure visible in the image, not just the teeth and immediate surrounding tissues. This includes:
This thorough approach ensures nothing is missed, including potential pathologies that may be unrelated to the dental condition but could significantly impact the patient’s health.
3. Reduced Risk of Missed Diagnosis
One of the primary reasons for consultant reports on CBCT scans is to minimise the risk of missing significant findings. General dentists and even dental specialists typically focus on their area of expertise, which could lead to overlooking abnormalities in other regions captured in the scan.
As noted in dental professional literature, dentists often review scans with a specific focus area in mind, whereas radiologists will examine every structure visible in the image, ensuring a comprehensive assessment.
4. Meeting Hospital Standards
At The Briars, we’ve adopted the same approach used by hospitals, where all radiographs are reviewed by consultant radiologists. This hospital-standard approach ensures our patients receive the highest level of diagnostic care from their CBCT scan.
At The Briars Dental Centre, we follow a balanced and patient-focused approach to CBCT scan reporting:
This approach ensures that we maintain the highest standards of care while managing resources efficiently. It allows our clinical team to focus on treatment planning and delivery while having the confidence that comes from expert radiological assessment.
Certain types of CBCT scans are more likely to benefit from consultant radiologist reporting:
Why is there an additional charge for radiologist reports on CBCT scans?
The reports are outsourced to specialist consultants who provide their expert services, resulting in additional costs. We believe this investment is worthwhile for the added safety and diagnostic value it provides to our patients.
Does waiting for CBCT scan consultant report delay my treatment?
While radiologist reports typically take 48-72 hours to complete, this small delay ensures treatment decisions are based on the most thorough assessment possible, potentially saving significant time and complications later.
Could my dentist not just look at the scan themselves?
While dentists are trained to interpret dental radiographs, consultant radiologists have specialised expertise in identifying both dental and non-dental pathologies visible on CBCT scans. Their comprehensive training allows them to spot subtle abnormalities that might otherwise be missed.
At The Briars Dental Centre, our commitment to providing premium dental care extends to every aspect of our service, including diagnostic imaging. By sending CBCT scans to consultant radiologists, we ensure that our patients benefit from the highest standards of radiological assessment, comparable to what they would receive in a hospital setting.
This approach not only fulfils our legal obligations under IRMER but also provides our patients with the peace of mind that comes from knowing their CBCT scans have been thoroughly assessed by specialists. It allows our clinical team to plan treatments with confidence, knowing they have the most comprehensive diagnostic information available.
In the end, this collaborative approach between our specialists and consultant radiologists exemplifies our commitment to excellence, safety, and patient-centred care at The Briars Dental Centre.
If you have any questions about CBCT scans or our approach to radiological assessment, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of our team during your next visit.
Contact The Briars Dental Centre for more information about our services.
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