Benefits and Risks – Maxillofacial CT Scan

Benefits

• Maxillofacial CT scan is a convenient and noninvasive way of evaluating head trauma or other problems in the face or head.
• The exam takes little time and is painless..
• No radiation remains in a patient's body after a face CT scan.
• X-rays used in standard face CT scans have no immediate side effects.

Risks

• There are some riskas associated with any exposure to radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis at the lowest dose possible will generally outweigh the risk.
• The effective radiation dose for this procedure varies.
• Women should always inform their physician and x-ray or CT technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
• CT scanning is, in general, not recommended for pregnant women unless medically necessary because of potential risk to the baby.