An examination of the facial bones: the nasal and cheek bones, upper and lower jaws and dental arches. It is most often done after injuries and before maxillofacial, plastic or dental surgery.
- Duration5 minutes, with contrast 20–30 minutes
- Contrastif indicated
- Preparationnone (with contrast: empty stomach)
- Report30–60 minutes
What it shows
- Fractures and cracks of the facial bones, including those not visible on X-ray
- The relative position of bones and fragments
- Benign and malignant tumours, metastases
- Tumour spread from neighbouring areas
- Developmental anomalies
- Unerupted (impacted) teeth
- The nasal cavity and turbinates
- Facial soft tissues (with contrast)
When it is recommended
- Facial injury, suspected hidden fracture
- Complex injury with haematomas or foreign bodies
- Planning maxillofacial, plastic or dental surgery, rhinoplasty
- Suspected tumour of the facial bones
- Locating unerupted teeth
Preparation
- If contrast is planned, come on an empty stomach
Good to know
- If the soft tissues need to be assessed as well as the bones, the scan is done with contrast.
- A three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction can be made if needed.
General information about CT — safety, contraindications, contrast and what to expect — is on the CT page.