How to Prepare Your CBCT Before Traveling to Turkey

Getting a CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scan before you fly to Turkey is one of the most valuable things you can do as an international dental patient. It saves time, reduces uncertainty, and allows your surgical team to provide a realistic treatment plan before you commit to travel. Here is exactly how to prepare.

Why CBCT Matters for Remote Planning

A CBCT gives your surgeon a detailed 3D view of your jawbone — including bone density, height, width, nerve canal positions, and sinus anatomy. With this information, they can determine whether you need bone grafting, sinus lift, or can proceed directly to implant placement. Without it, treatment planning is guesswork until you arrive.

CBCT vs Panoramic X-Ray

A panoramic (OPG) X-ray is a flat 2D image that shows a general overview of your teeth and jaw. It is useful for initial screening but lacks the depth information needed for implant planning. A CBCT provides volumetric 3D data that shows bone thickness from every angle. If you can only get one, prioritise the CBCT. If you can get both, even better.

Where to Get a CBCT in Your Home Country

Most dental imaging centres and many general dental practices offer CBCT scans. You do not need a specialist referral — simply request a full-jaw CBCT (both arches) or the specific area of concern. The scan takes about 20 seconds and exposes you to less radiation than a standard medical CT. Cost varies by country: typically £80–150 in the UK, $150–350 in the US, €80–200 in Europe.

What File Format to Request

Ask the imaging centre for DICOM files — this is the standard medical imaging format that our software can read. Most centres will provide them on a CD, USB drive, or digital download link. Avoid requesting only JPEG or PDF exports, as these lose the 3D data we need for accurate measurements.

How to Send Your Scan to Cellavia Dental

Upload your DICOM files through our consultation form, or email them to info@cellaviadental.com. If the files are too large for email (CBCT datasets can be 200–500 MB), we will provide a secure upload link. Include a brief note about your concerns, any missing teeth, and what treatment you are considering.

What Happens After We Receive Your Scan

Our implant team reviews your CBCT within 48 hours and provides: a preliminary treatment plan, an indication of whether bone grafting or sinus lift is needed, an estimated treatment timeline, and a cost range. This assessment is free and carries no obligation.

Tips for the Best Results

Scan timing: If you have teeth that need extraction before implants, ideally get the CBCT while those teeth are still in place — it helps the surgeon plan extraction and implant positioning together. Full jaw: Even if you think you only need treatment on one side, a full-jaw scan lets us check the opposing arch and overall bite relationship. Recent scans: CBCT scans are most useful within 6 months. If your scan is older, bone conditions may have changed.

The Bottom Line

A 20-second scan in your home country can save you from surprises, additional trips, and unexpected costs when you arrive in Istanbul. It is the single most important pre-travel preparation step for any dental implant patient.