New dental CT scanner helps patients receive quicker diagnoses

A new cone beam CT (CBCT) scanner has been installed at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals’ (WHH) radiology department, helping to cut waiting times and speed up diagnosis for patients who need specialist dental scans. 

The new scanner delivers highly-detailed 3D images of bone, teeth, and soft tissue, providing information that cannot be seen by usual 2D X-rays.

The advanced technology is used for diagnosis and treatment planning for a range of procedures including dental implants, root canals, and oral surgery. 

CBCT scanners can also help to show the exact position and condition of the jaw structure and bone which is critical for enhancing clinical accuracy. 

Daniel Moore, chief operating officer and deputy chief executive at WHH, said: “It is fantastic to see this new scanner fully operational within the radiology department at Warrington Hospital.

“The team is now able to provide a new specialist service that not only improves the experience for our patients, but provides our orthodontics department with timely information to make diagnoses, plan treatment, and avoid unnecessary waits.” 

The new scanner is delivering a quicker and safer experience for dental patients, with average imaging wait times cut by more than 70%, from up to eight weeks to just two or three since the equipment became operational earlier this year. 

Previously, patients requiring advanced dental scans would need to be referred to a neighbouring trust.

However, with the new CBCT scanner they can now be referred directly to the radiology department within the hospital.

The new state-of-the-art equipment uses a lower dose of radiation than traditional CT scans and takes around one minute to complete each individual scan.

Andrea Oxford, principal radiographer at WHH, said: “Bringing this technology in-house is a major step forward.

“The response from patients has been really positive – they’re relieved they no longer have to travel elsewhere or face long waits for a scan.

“It also improves the quality of care we provide and has given our team the opportunity to build new skills in dental imaging, anatomy and pathology.”

Several CBCT clinics now run each week at Warrington Hospital, supporting the growing demand for this service that is expected to treat around 300 patients per year.