CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. It is a type of dental X-ray that uses multiple projections to reconstruct a three-dimensional volume of the area being examined. Instead of seeing only a flat image, the dentist can review the anatomy in axial, coronal and sagittal slices, create cross-sections, take measurements and examine structures from different angles.
At Azul Dental Center in Agadir, we use the MyRay ProXIma X6, a current-generation 2D/3D dental imaging system with selectable fields of view. Depending on the clinical question, the scan can focus on a small area or extend up to a 15 × 11 cm dental field of view, large enough to include both dental arches and, in adult patients, part of the temporomandibular joint region.
Why 3D matters: CBCT adds depth and cross-sectional detail that cannot be seen on a flat image, helping the dentist understand anatomy more clearly before treatment.
What is the difference between a CBCT and a regular dental X-ray?
A panoramic or intraoral X-ray gives a two-dimensional view of three-dimensional anatomy. It is excellent for many dental questions, but structures can overlap and depth cannot be measured directly.
A CBCT scan adds the third dimension. The dentist can examine the area slice by slice, measure bone and spaces, and understand the relationship between teeth, roots, nerves, sinuses and surrounding structures with much greater spatial detail.
What can a dental CBCT scan help with?
CBCT is especially useful when treatment depends on understanding anatomy in three dimensions. Common dental applications include:
Dental implant planning
CBCT can show the height and width of available bone and the position of structures such as the mandibular canal or maxillary sinus. Cross-sectional imaging is widely used for pre-surgical implant planning.
Impacted wisdom teeth
When a lower wisdom tooth appears close to the mandibular canal on a 2D image, a CBCT may help clarify the three-dimensional relationship before surgery.
Complex root canal cases
In selected endodontic cases, limited-field CBCT can help investigate complex anatomy, resorption, persistent disease or suspected problems that conventional imaging does not explain.
Jaw, sinus and bony anatomy
CBCT can provide detailed views of the jaws, maxillary sinuses and bony components of the TMJs when these structures are relevant to dental diagnosis or treatment planning.
CBCT can also be valuable in surgical, orthodontic, trauma and pathology-related cases, giving the dentist a more complete view when precise anatomical information can influence the treatment plan.
Why field of view matters
The field of view (FOV) is the volume of anatomy included in the scan. Different clinical questions need different coverage: a focused scan can concentrate on a small region in high detail, while a broader field can capture both arches and surrounding anatomy when a wider overview is useful.
The ProXIma X6 installed at Azul Dental Center offers multiple dental FOV options from 6 × 6 cm up to 15 × 11 cm. This gives us flexibility to match the scan to the clinical question instead of using one volume size for everyone.
What happens during a CBCT scan?
The examination is straightforward. Before the scan, you may be asked to remove glasses, earrings or other metal objects around the head and neck because metal can create artefacts on the image. You are positioned carefully and asked to remain still while the scanner rotates around your head.
The X-ray acquisition itself lasts only seconds, depending on the selected protocol. The computer then reconstructs the images into a 3D dataset that can be examined immediately. There is no tunnel and nothing touches your teeth during the exposure apart from positioning supports when they are required.
What about radiation and safety?
CBCT uses X-rays, and modern dental CBCT systems are designed to let the clinician tailor the scan to the area that needs to be examined. With the ProXIma X6, the field of view and imaging protocol can be selected according to the case, from focused dental volumes to broader scans.
This flexibility is important because it allows the dentist to obtain the 3D information needed for diagnosis or treatment planning without using a larger scan volume than necessary. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell the dental team before any X-ray examination.
Why we use the MyRay ProXIma X6 in Agadir
At Azul Dental Center, our CBCT system is the MyRay ProXIma X6, a current-generation 2D/3D imaging platform designed for detailed dental and maxillofacial assessment. It combines high-resolution 3D imaging with multiple fields of view, dose-optimised protocols, Scout View positioning and metal-artifact reduction tools.
Its MultiFOV capability lets us adapt the scan to the case, from a focused region to a broad 15 × 11 cm dental volume. For patients, another advantage is convenience: the scan can be performed directly at Azul Dental Center, and the images can be reviewed with you during the same visit when appropriate.
Can another dentist refer me for a CBCT in Agadir?
Yes. If your dentist has requested a CBCT examination, you can contact Azul Dental Center in Agadir to arrange the scan. Digital imaging data can be exported for clinical review, allowing the referring dentist to receive the study and continue treatment planning. If you are travelling or returning home after treatment, having a digital copy can also support continuity of care.
If you are coming from Taghazout, Tamraght, Aourir or elsewhere in the Agadir region, contact the clinic before your visit and tell us what your dentist has requested so that the appropriate examination can be confirmed.
A clearer view for more confident treatment planning
The main advantage of CBCT is simple: it lets the dentist examine dental anatomy in three dimensions instead of interpreting everything from a flat image. That additional perspective can make complex cases easier to understand, measure and plan.
At Azul Dental Center, 3D imaging is integrated into the clinical workflow so that, when it adds useful information, the scan can be taken, reviewed and discussed with you in one place.
Looking specifically for CBCT imaging in Agadir? Visit our 3D Imaging / CBCT service page for appointment information, or learn more about dental implant treatment in Agadir.