CT scan of the mandible: a patient guide

Clinicians may request it to examine trauma, swelling, infection, a bone or dental abnormality, or a known lesion. The images help define location and extent, but the final interpretation also uses your examination, history and sometimes other tests or tissue sampling.

The scan can display the body and angles of the mandible, the jaw joints, tooth roots and the canal carrying the lower-jaw nerve. It may also show adjacent floor-of-mouth and facial tissues, depending on the field of view and protocol.

Bone-focused images emphasize fine bony detail. Intravenous contrast may be added when the question involves a soft-tissue mass, inflammation or blood vessels. Dental fillings and other metal can create streaks, so the radiology team considers these effects when planning and reading the study.

Tell the imaging team about removable dental appliances, implants and metalwork around your head or neck. Remove dentures, jewellery or hearing devices if staff request it. Bring relevant dental images or earlier scans when available, since comparison may clarify whether a finding has changed.

If intravenous contrast is planned, disclose kidney problems, allergies, possible pregnancy and any previous contrast reaction, then follow the centre's instructions for food, drink and medicines. On the scanner table, keep your head still and avoid swallowing while images are being acquired if the technologist asks.

Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, rapidly increasing swelling beneath the jaw or tongue, inability to swallow saliva, heavy bleeding, or a severe facial injury with altered consciousness. These features call for immediate clinical assessment rather than waiting for an outpatient CT appointment.

Contact the treating team promptly if jaw swelling is spreading, fever accompanies worsening pain, your bite suddenly no longer meets normally, or numbness is new or progressing. After contrast, notify staff straight away about facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, widespread hives or faintness.

Ask whether the scan is focused on bone, soft tissue or both, and whether it includes the jaw joints and the area of your symptoms. Clarify if contrast is planned, whether dental metal may affect the view, who will explain the report, and whether a dental specialist, surgeon or oncology clinician will guide follow-up.