CBCT Scans in UAE Dentistry: When You Actually Need One (and When You're Being Upsold)

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) produces a 3D image at roughly one-tenth the radiation of a medical CT. UAE dental clinics adopted CBCT rapidly (especially DHCC and DIFC-area implant centres), which has both improved outcomes and enabled overuse. ### Legitimate indications (SEDENTEXCT & AAOMR guidelines) - Implant planning (any implant beyond the front six) - Complex endodontics (calcified canals, retreatment, MB2 in molars) - Impacted teeth adjacent to nerves or sinus - Suspected root fracture - Sinus lift assessment - TMJ bony pathology - Sleep apnoea airway assessment - Pre-orthognathic surgery ### Not indicated (2D X-ray is enough) - Routine caries diagnosis - Simple extractions of erupted teeth - Periodontal charting - Anterior single implants without adjacent structures ### Radiation dose comparison (μSv) - Bitewing X-ray: 5 - Panoramic OPG: 25 - CBCT small FOV (single tooth): 35–75 - CBCT large FOV (full arch): 100–200 - Medical CT of head: 1,500–2,000 - Trans-Atlantic flight: 60 A large-FOV CBCT is roughly equivalent to two long flights of background radiation — meaningful, not trivial. ### Cost in Dubai - Small FOV (single tooth): AED 350–500 - Medium FOV (quadrant): AED 500–800 - Large FOV (full arch/airway): AED 700–1,200 ### How to know you're being upsold - CBCT quoted for a routine filling → refuse - Same-day scan without justifying the indication → ask for the written indication - No radiologist report — most reputable UAE centres include one; premium clinics use OMFS radiologists at NMC or MediClinic ### The upside CBCT reduces implant surgical time, avoids nerve injuries, and finds MB2 canals missed on 2D imaging. When indicated, it's excellent value.