Preparations –Maxillofacial CT Scans

SMIL’s maxillofacial CT scan does not require special preparation prior to the scan. You should continue to take your usual medications, but should avoid caffeine and smoking for four hours prior to the exam. There are no diet restrictions for this testing.

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with an elastic waist band if possible on the day of your exam. Metal objects, including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins, may affect the face CT scan images and should be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work. Women will be asked to remove bras containing metal underwire. You may be asked to remove any piercings, if possible.

You should inform the technologist if you have a pacemaker before your maxillofacial CT scan. Pacemakers do not hinder the use of CT as long as the scanner will not be taking images repeatedly over the area of the pacemaker device in the upper chest.

A patient should bring all previous face scans and head CT scans to their appointments or have records sent to our office prior to the appointment.

Women should always inform their physician and the CT technologist if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant prior to receiving a face scan.