What are the benefits versus risks?     
   
    Benefits

• Unlike regular X-rays CT scans can discriminate between many types of tissue including bone, teeth, nerves and soft tissue.
• CT scans are noninvasive, and can eliminate the need for exploratory surgery in some cases.
• CT can identify the effects of conditions such as infection and tumors.
• A cost effective tool for imaging a wide range of clinical problems.  

The cone-beam CT (CBCT) is a very useful imaging examination for the type of problem that you are describing. The technology is relatively new: the first machine, the NewTom (Aperio Services), was introduced into the United States only about five or six years ago and since then there have been a few other machines produced by other companies. All of the CBCT machines would provide a high-quality image that should provide the surgeon with the desired information. The typical image presentations for these machines are views in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes, with other views possible with secondary reconstruction of the data.

   Risks

As with all imaging modalities that use ionizing radiation, the use of CBCT does involve a consideration of risk to the patient. However, it has the benefit of providing useful information needed to assist in making a diagnosis and/or in facilitating treatment. When your doctor refers you for an x-ray examination, he has made the determination that the benefit outweighs the risk. Of course, it is ultimately up to you to decide whether to undergo the examination. Bear in mind that the risk of most x-ray examinations are much less than other risks we commonly accept in daily life.