Cone Beam CT (CBCT) Scan

A cone beam CT scan is a painless test. The scan is very quick, usually taking only 20 to 30 seconds. 

Here’s what will happen during your cone beam CT scan:

1. You’ll be asked to remove any jewellery, watches, or clothing that has metal fastenings such as zips.

2. You may be given an injection of contrast agent (dye) to make the images clearer.

3. Your consultant will help you get into a comfortable seated position in the CT scanner.

4. They’ll step outside or stand behind a screen.

5. The machine will rotate around your head within a short time frame, taking multiple X-ray images. 

6. When your consultant has all the images they need, the test is complete, and you can leave.

Complications and risks of CT scans are rare. With any scan involving X-rays, there’s a very small risk of the radiation from the X-rays causing cancer later in life. 

However, at Welbeck, we offer cone beam CT scans using our MiniCAT™ sinus scanner. This machine uses a lower radiation dose than sinus scans performed by a full-body conventional CT scanner.

Your consultant will always weigh up the benefits and risks of having a CT scan, based on your personal circumstances.

There’s a small chance you may have an allergic reaction to the contrast agent, so be sure to let your consultant know if you feel unwell after your scan. 

Before the scan, you’ll be asked to remove your glasses, earrings, necklaces, piercings, hairpins, dentures, or hearing aids, and any removable dental appliances, as metal can degrade the image quality.

There is no fasting or contrast preparation, so you can eat and drink normally before the scan unless your doctor gives specific instructions otherwise.

If you were given a contrast agent, you’ll be asked to wait for a short time in our outpatient clinic before going home. Otherwise, you can leave once your test is complete.

There are no special instructions for recovery or aftercare following a cone beam CT scan. You can resume your normal activities immediately afterwards.

Your consultant will let you know if and when you’ll need a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of your scan and any next steps.

Please contact our Ear, Nose & Throat centre for pricing information. Self-pay pricing starts from £370.

At Welbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a cone beam CT scan, you must be referred by either your GP or an ENT specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with an ENT specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.