When you think about it, getting a cadaveric body scan may not seem like the most natural thing in the world. It’s an imaging technique usually used for anatomy research and medical diagnostics, after all. But when you also factor in that dentists recommend a CBCT scan instead of standard X-rays as the preferred method for detecting hidden cavities and other oral problems in patients, you realize it’s actually a pretty brilliant idea. If you think about it, getting a cadaveric body scan may not seem like the most natural thing in the world. That said, there are some challenges involved with getting your dentist to authorize a CT scan as part of your treatment plan. First and foremost of these challenges is what sort of pre-scan prep work needs to be done beforehand—specifically regarding body jewelry such as piercings or tattoos that could potentially interfere with imaging results.
Who Is This Article For?
- Patients scheduled for a CBCT scan
- Individuals preparing for dental implant treatment
- Patients undergoing oral surgery planning
- People wearing facial or oral piercings
- Anyone curious about CBCT preparation
What is a CBCT Scan?
A CBCT scan is a type of imaging scan that uses X-ray beams and computer processing to create 3D models of the patient’s teeth and oral cavity. This is in contrast to a standard (or conventional) X-ray, which creates a 2D image of the teeth and other relevant structures from a single, fixed perspective. CBCT are more accurate than conventional X-rays in most cases, making them the preferred method of imaging for a number of dental procedures.
For example, dentists often use CBCT scans to get a better visualization of the soft tissues inside the mouth and throat, such as the tongue and tonsils. This can help clarify certain findings and/or rule out possible conditions, such as inflammation in the tonsils and/or tongue, that could otherwise be misinterpreted as cavities. CBCT scans can also be used to create virtual models of a patient’s teeth. Followed by a specialized computer program to create a customized dental treatment plan based on the image results.
Body Jewellery and CBCT Scans
CBCT scans are usually safe for people with most types of piercings and body jewelry. With the exception of magnetic implants (such as a pacemaker) or implanted medical devices such as a diabetic monitor. If you are unsure whether or not you qualify for a scan. It’s a good idea to clear the procedure with your dentist, radiology facility, and/or medical doctor. It’s also a good idea to remove your body jewellery before going in for your CBCT.
Remember that CBCT scans use X-rays to create their images and that X-rays are electromagnetic waves (BMWs) that can be blocked by certain materials such as body jewelry. And since CBCT’s are more accurate than conventional X-rays. It’s important to be as careful as possible to avoid interference from body jewelry. This is especially true for piercings that are located in the oral region (such as on the tongue, lips, and/or gums), which could potentially obscure the image of a real cavity.
Does body Jewellery have to be removed for a CBCT?
No, it does not have to be removed for a CBCT scan. However, if there is a chance that it could interfere with imaging results, the dentist might ask you to remove your body jewelry before going under the scanner. CBCT scans use X-rays to create images of the teeth and oral cavity. Which means that they can be blocked by certain materials. This means that it is important to avoid interference from body jewelry like piercings that could obscure the image of a real cavity.
However, it is generally safe to keep your piercings in place while having a CBCT scan. If you are concerned that your piercings may interfere with the results of your CBCT scan. It is a good idea to speak with your dentist about any concerns you have. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown to wear during the scan. Metal objects including jewellery, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins may affect the CT images and should be left at home or removed prior to your exam.
How do you determine whether to remove Jewellery?
In most cases, you won’t need to remove your piercings for a CBCT scan. CBCT scans use X-rays to create images of the teeth and oral cavity. X-rays are electromagnetic waves that can be blocked by certain materials. Piercings are an example of a material that may interfere with the results of a CBCT scan. The oral region is the part of the body that is most likely to be affected by piercings. If your piercings are located in the oral region (such as on the tongue, lips, or gums), the X-rays may be blocked. This could obscure the image and lead to a mistaken diagnosis.
This is why dentists often advise patients with oral piercings to remove the jewelry before having a CBCT scan. However, it is generally safe to keep your piercings in place while having a CBCT scan. If you are concerned that your piercings may interfere with the results of your CBCT scan. It is a good idea to speak with your dentist about any concerns you have.
People with Body Jewellery Who Need a CBCT Scan
If you have oral piercings that may interfere with the results. Speak with your dentist about any concerns you have. They may recommend one of the following options as a way to reduce interference from your
- Piercings: Switch from oral to facial piercings. In some cases, oral piercings may interfere with the results of a CBCT scan. In these circumstances, switching to facial piercings is often a good solution.
- Use a lead shield during the CBCT scan: A lead shield is a device that protects the tissue that is sensitive to X-ray radiation during it. This reduces the risk of exposure to radiation while ensuring that proper imaging results are obtained.
- Change piercing type: In some cases, oral piercings may interfere with the results of a CBCT scan. In these circumstances, changing the type of piercing may be a good solution.
Conclusion
Removing jewellery before a CBCT scan is an important step in obtaining clear and accurate dental images. Metal objects such as earrings, necklaces, tongue piercings, nose rings, hairpins, and other accessories can create image distortions known as metal artifacts. These artifacts may obscure important anatomical structures, reduce diagnostic accuracy, and sometimes require repeat imaging. By removing jewellery before the scan, dentists can obtain higher-quality images that improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and overall patient care. Accurate CBCT imaging is especially important for procedures such as dental implants, oral surgery, root canal treatment, and evaluation of jawbone structures.
FAQ
Why do I need to remove jewellery before a CBCT scan?
Metal jewellery can interfere with X-ray beams and create artifacts that reduce image clarity, making it harder for dentists to accurately evaluate teeth, bone, and surrounding structures.
What types of jewellery should be removed before a CBCT scan?
Patients are typically asked to remove earrings, necklaces, nose rings, tongue piercings, lip piercings, hair clips, hearing aids, glasses, and other metal accessories around the head and neck region.
What happens if I forget to remove my jewellery?
Metal objects may create streaks, shadows, or distortions on the scan, potentially obscuring important anatomical details and affecting diagnostic accuracy. In some cases, repeat imaging may be required.
Can earrings affect a dental CBCT scan?
Yes. Earrings can create metallic artifacts and ghost images that may interfere with visualization of nearby structures, including the jaws and sinus regions.
Do I need to remove dental fillings or crowns before a CBCT scan?
No. Dental fillings, crowns, and implants are fixed restorations and cannot be removed. Modern CBCT systems and imaging techniques help minimize their impact on image quality.
Is removing jewellery necessary for every CBCT scan?
In most cases, yes. Removing removable metal objects is a standard preparation step because it helps improve image quality and reduces the likelihood of imaging artifacts.
Does removing jewellery make the CBCT scan safer?
The primary reason for removing jewellery is to improve image quality rather than safety. Clearer images help dentists make more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.