Dental CBCT: Complete Guide to Buying Used

What a CBCT is and why it has become indispensable

CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) is a three-dimensional imaging system designed specifically for dental and maxillofacial diagnostics. Unlike traditional medical CT, a CBCT unit rotates around the patient emitting a cone-shaped X-ray beam, capturing the entire volume of interest in a single rotation.

In dentistry, CBCT is now considered the standard for implantology, guided surgery, complex endodontics, orthodontics and diagnosis of bone pathologies. The ability to visualize structures in 3D with radiation doses significantly lower than conventional CT has made it the reference point in modern dental radiology.

Types of CBCT: which one to choose

CBCT systems are mainly distinguished by field of view (FOV), i.e. the acquisition volume:

Type	FOV	Main use	Indicative used price
Small FOV	4×4 cm – 8×8 cm	Endodontics, single tooth/quadrant	€8,000 – €18,000
Medium FOV	10×10 cm – 13×13 cm	Implantology, guided surgery	€15,000 – €35,000
Large FOV	15×15 cm – 24×19 cm	Orthodontics, maxillofacial	€25,000 – €55,000

The most common manufacturers on the European used market are Planmeca, Carestream, Morita, Vatech, NewTom and Sirona (now Dentsply). All of them guarantee spare parts and technical support even for 5–8 year old models.

Technical parameters to evaluate

Resolution and voxel size

The voxel is the volumetric unit of the 3D image. Endodontics requires voxels of 0.07–0.1 mm; implantology needs only 0.15–0.2 mm; orthodontics can accept even 0.3–0.4 mm. Buying a system with higher resolution than necessary increases the cost with no clinical benefit.

Radiation dose (DAP)

Always check the certified DAP (Dose Area Product) value. Modern systems with low-dose protocols are preferable, especially for pediatric patients. Ask the seller for the most recent calibration report.

Included software

Every CBCT comes with 3D visualization software. Check that the licenses are transferable and that the software is still supported by the manufacturer. Software such as Planmeca Romexis, CS 3D, OnDemand3D has annual update costs to factor into your budget.

What to check before buying a used CBCT

• Hours of use of the X-ray tube — this is the most expensive component to replace (€8,000–20,000). Ask for the exposure counter.
• Last maintenance and calibration — must be documented and recent (max 12 months).
• Condition of the flat-panel detector — defective pixels degrade image quality. Request a test acquisition.
• Compatibility with your PC and operating system — some software requires specific Windows versions or dedicated hardware.
• CE certification and marking — mandatory for clinical use in Europe. Verify that the CE plate is present and legible.
• Availability of local technical support — check whether there is an authorized center in your area.

How much a used CBCT costs in Italy and Europe

The used CBCT market has grown steadily since 2020, driven by rising new-equipment costs and the availability of quality units decommissioned by leading practices. Prices vary based on brand, FOV, year of manufacture and maintenance condition.

As a general reference: a mid-range CBCT (10×10 cm, major manufacturer, 5–7 years old) in good condition is typically purchased between €18,000 and €30,000, compared to an equivalent new unit that often exceeds €60,000.

CBCT and the complete digital workflow

The CBCT is the starting point of the digital workflow in implantology: the DICOM data acquired integrates with digital impressions from intraoral scanners (IOS) and with surgical planning software to generate surgical guides that are 3D printed or milled with CAD/CAM systems. Buying a CBCT compatible with these workflows is a strategic choice today.