Is a CT Scan Necessary for Dental Implants in Ireland?

If you are considering dental implants, you may be told that a CT scan (CBCT scan) is required before treatment begins. Many patients ask:

  • Is a CT scan really necessary?

  • Is it safe?

  • How much radiation does it involve?

  • What happens if I don’t have one?

In modern implant dentistry, a CBCT scan is one of the most important steps in ensuring accurate planning, long-term stability, and patient safety.

Simple rule to remember - NO CT Scan means NO Dental Implants.

A CBCT scan provides:

  • 3D imaging

  • Cross-sectional bone views

  • Accurate measurements

  • Full anatomical mapping

For implant placement, 3D imaging significantly improves planning accuracy and long-term outcomes.

Transparent Pricing

Quick, Clear, and Competitively Priced – Dental CT Scan and Full Review with Treatment Plan for €200.00

Why Is a CT Scan Required Before Dental Implants?

Dental implants must be placed within the jawbone with millimetre accuracy. A CBCT scan enables our clinician to:

  • Measure bone availability precisely

  • Avoid important nerves and blood vessels

  • Assess sinus anatomy

  • Plan ideal implant angulation

  • Reduce surgical risks

Without 3D imaging, implant placement is almost impossible and no professional would place implants without a CT Scan.

Simple rule to remember - NO CT Scan means NO Dental Implants

Frequently Asked Questions About CT Scans for Dental Implants

How much radiation is in a dental CT scan?

Dental CBCT scans use low-dose radiation and are significantly lower than medical CT scans.

Is a CBCT scan painful?

No. The scan is quick, non-invasive, and painless.

Can implants be placed without a CT scan?

No professional would risk placing dental implants without a CT Scan to plan the treatment

How long does the scan take?

The scanning process typically takes less than one minute.

  • YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dental implants?

Its true a lot of people are talking about dental implants as the solution for people who need a tooth replaced. The dental implant itself is a titanium screw which is placed into the jaw in the are of the missing tooth, the dental implant will then have a post placed into it and after this a porcelain crown will be placed over the post and the tooth will then have been fully replaced by what people refer to as a dental implant.

I want a dental implant, what happens next?

Your dental implant dentist will give you a full dental checkup to make sure you are suitable for the dental implant procedure. This will include a CT Scan so the dentist can make sure you have enough bone to accept the dental implant.

Once your suitabity is ascertained by the dental implant dentist the next step will be to choose the correct type and size of implant you require. When Replacing a Single Tooth, a single implant, single post and single crown will replace the missing tooth.

Which is better a single tooth dental implant or a bridge?
Your dental implant will provide you with several distinct benefits when compared to a dental bridge. Not only does it look and function like a natural tooth, the dental implant has no impact on the teeth either side of the space unlike a dental bridge. When having a bridge placed it is common for the dentist to ground down the healthy teeth either side of the space to support the cemented bridge. Your dental implant will also replace the root that is missing from the tooth that is not there. This is healthier for your bone surrounding the missing tooth area. When you have a dental bridge placed it is common for the bone under the bridge to deteriorate.Your dental implant will integrate with the jawbone which will in turn keep the bone healthy and intact.Your dental implant will also be much easier to keep clean as against a dental bridge which can cause the gums to recede leaving a visible sign possibly even exposing the base of the dental bridge.
Are there different types of Dental Implants?

In short the answer is yes there are different types of dental implants. The most common dental implant is the titanium screw type dental implant which is placed into the jaw. Each of these dental implants will support one tooth or the dental implant dentist, like our IDC registered dentists, will place several dental implants and then fit a bridge over the dental implants. This will usually save the patient money on the procedure.

Can anyone have a Dental Implant?

Not everyone is suitable for dental implants. The ideal patient for dental implants will be in good general health and have good oral health. Next the patient will need adequate bone to support the dental implant and ideally have healthy gums and be free of periodontitis. Patients who have diabetes, heart disease or patients that are being medicated with blood thinning drugs are not considered good prospects for dental implant surgery.

The placing of Dental Implants is a surgical procedure so dental implant dentists like Dr Luana O’Connor are very careful in the pre-surgical to make sure the patient is ideal for dental implants.The placing of dental implants should only be undertaken by a dentist who has had the training to perform this procedure.

How will my dental implant be placed?
Step One will be the placing of the dental implant, which looks like a screw, into your jaw in the space exposed by your missing tooth. In the following six month the dental implant and bone will fuse together creating a strong bond which will be the anchor for your porcelain crown which will replace the missing tooth. While this is happening it is normal for a temporary tooth replacement option to be installed. One Stage Dental Implant Systems are the preferred option for most dentists as this does not require a second step of placing a healing cap several months after the dental implant has been placed. The Final Step in the dental implant procedure is the placing of the porcelain crown onto the dental implant. The porcelain crown is attached to a small metal post which is inserted into the top of the dental implant; this is referred to as an ‘abutment’. Very quickly you will become used to having a full smile again, you will also see improved chewing capabilities and it is not unusual for speaking to become easier. Within a very short time most patients even forget that they have a dental implant replacing missing teeth. Every case is different and subject to prior clinical exams to ascertain what is right for you as a patient.