Dental (Panoramic)

Computed tomography (CT), also known as Computed Axial Tomography (CAT), is a painless, sophisticated x-ray procedure that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. 

A large donut-shaped x-ray machine takes x-ray images at many different angles around the body.  These images are processed by a computer to produce cross-sectional pictures of the body.  The images can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed.

A CT scan obtains images of parts of the body that cannot be seen on a standard x-ray.  Therefore, these scans often result in earlier diagnosis and more successful treatment of many diseases.  A Cat scan is considered to be a safe examination.  While CT imaging does involve x-rays, the diagnostic benefits generally outweigh the risks of x-ray exposure.

In some CT scans, contrast agents may be used.   A contrast agent is a substance used to “highlight” an organ or tissue during examination and is sometimes referred to as a “dye”.  Again, the benefits of early, accurate diagnosis generally outweigh any risks associated with the potential side effects of these agents.

An improvement in the speed of CT scanning has been accompanied by increased patient comfort and higher resolution images.  And, as scan times have become faster, the time of x-ray exposure has decreased, providing better image quality at lower x-ray doses.