Cone beam CT uses x-rays to generate a three-dimensional image of the outside and inside of teeth, the jaw and surrounding bones, the nasal cavity and sinuses.

The x-rays are directed to your face in the shape of a cone – inspiring the procedure’s names – using specialised equipment. The equipment moves around your face, enabling a series of two-dimensional images to be captured from different angles. Our state-of-the-art technology compiles this information into a precise three-dimensional image that our radiologist uses to prepare a report.

Cone beam CT is used by dental professionals for a range of complex dental and facial cases including evaluation of the jaw and nasal cavity, diagnosis of dental conditions and causes of pain of unknown origin, and planning treatments and placement of dental implants. This procedure is only used when traditional dental x-rays are insufficient or unsuitable.

It is important to us that your appointment is comfortable and anxiety-free. We have created welcoming and soothing waiting and examination rooms that feel more like home than a clinic.

When you arrive at Precious Health, you will be welcomed by one of our medical receptionists. At your appointment, our radiographer will introduce themselves, and take you to one of our welcoming and relaxed cone beam CT rooms. It will contain the cone beam CT equipment; chairs (including for accompanying family, friends, and/or carers); soft music; and beautiful plants and paintings. We will provide a wheelchair to assist with mobility on request.

Our radiographer will discuss with you which metal objects around your face and neck may need to be removed for the examination (including spectacles, hearing aids, jewellery, hairpins, and removable dental work). They will provide you with a box to place your belongings in. A gown will be provided where necessary.

Next, you will be invited to stand at the cone beam CT – please advise the radiographer if you would like assistance. You will be asked to place your head on a chin rest and bite down gently on a sterile plastic mouthpiece to keep your teeth and jaw in the right position. You will also be asked to keep your head and jaw still, so that high-quality images can be taken.

The equipment’s rotating arm will move around (but not touching) your face while the radiographer takes the images. It is a relatively quiet and quick process, taking a few minutes to collect in total. The radiographer will assess each image to ensure it is high quality. It is a non-invasive and painless procedure.

Throughout the appointment, the radiographer will talk you through the procedure, what is happening, and why. We encourage you to let us know if you have any concerns or feel uncomfortable at any time.

At the end of the appointment, you can put on anything that needed to be removed for the examination.

To ensure a smooth and efficient appointment, please bring the following:

• Your referral from your healthcare provider
• An up-to-date Medicare card
• Any relevant healthcare, pension, or student cards

For a seamless Medicare rebate, we recommend linking your debit card to Medicare beforehand to avoid any delays with refunds.

Your images will be carefully reviewed by one of our radiologists, and a detailed report will be prepared for your referring health practitioner within 4-5 business days (excluding emergencies).

The report will be sent directly to your referring provider via fax or email. To ensure timely follow-up and care, please have an appointment booked with your referring health practitioner to discuss your results.

Your safety is our highest priority at Precious Health Radiology. CBCT (Cone Beam CT) scans are a specialised imaging procedure that uses a focused X-ray beam to capture detailed 3D images. While this technology uses radiation, the exposure is minimal and carefully controlled to ensure safety without compromising image quality.

If you are pregnant or suspect you may be, please inform our radiographer. We will take additional precautions or recommend an alternative procedure to protect your unborn baby.

Our safety practices include:

• Thorough sanitisation of all CBCT equipment, beds, and chairs with medical-grade wipes after each appointment
• Radiographers wearing surgical masks during procedures
• Strict policies for staff to remain at home if experiencing cold, flu, or gastro-like symptoms

We ask all visitors to wear a face mask, which we can provide upon request. If you are feeling unwell, please reschedule your appointment to prioritise the health and safety of everyone in our clinic.

This service is bulk-billed for patients with a valid Medicare card referred by GPs and specialists, not dentist. A $130 fee for this service applies.

For non-Medicare card holders, we accept the following payment methods:

• Cash
• All major credit cards
• EFTPOS

If you have any questions about fees or payment options, please feel free to contact our friendly reception team before your appointment.

You will receive an SMS, email and a courtesy call in the lead-up to the appointment; we reserve the right to cancel if we are unable to confirm your attendance.

We understand that it is sometimes necessary to cancel or reschedule – please call us to do so. Appointments not attended will incur a $20 administration fee, billed at your next appointment.

Please reschedule if you are experiencing any cold, flu or gastro-like symptoms.