A CT Craniofacial scan uses X-rays and computer technology to create high-resolution, cross-sectional slices of your facial structure.
Doctors request this scan after severe accidents or trauma to find hidden fractures that regular X-rays cannot clearly see.
The detailed bone images can support surgeons planning repair of selected facial injuries, alongside the examination, photographs, dental assessment, and other imaging when needed.
Common Indications for CT Craniofacial
Your doctor may request a CT Craniofacial scan for:
- Diagnosing facial fractures (such as broken nasal bones, cheekbones, or jawbones) after trauma.
- Evaluating orbital fractures (breaks in the bones surrounding the eye).
- Surgical planning prior to complex facial reconstructive surgery.
- Assessing congenital facial deformities.
- Evaluating facial tumors, severe infections or deep abscesses in the facial spaces.
What does the CT scanner look like?
It is a wide, ring-shaped machine. You lie on a table that slides your head and neck into the center of the ring.
What happens during a CT Craniofacial scan?
- You will lie flat on your back on the scanner table.
- Your head will be gently positioned in a cradle to keep it secure and completely still.
- The table will move into the scanner, and you will be asked to hold your breath briefly as the machine rotates around your head to capture the images.
Do I need to prepare for a CT Craniofacial scan?
Usually, no special preparation is required for a trauma scan.
Can I eat or drink before my CT Craniofacial scan?
Yes, you can eat and drink normally unless your doctor has ordered the scan with contrast dye, in which case you may need to fast for a few hours. (Note: If you have suffered severe facial trauma, you may be told not to eat or drink anything in case emergency surgery is needed).
How long does a CT Craniofacial scan take?
The scan is incredibly fast. The actual time the machine is capturing images is often less than a minute, though the whole process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Why might contrast be needed?
Most scans for facial trauma and fractures are done without contrast to look specifically at the bones. However, if your doctor is looking for an infection, an abscess, or blood vessel damage, they will use an IV contrast dye to highlight the soft tissues.
Is a CT Craniofacial scan safe?
The scan uses ionising radiation, with dose depending on the field and protocol. In significant trauma, rapid identification of fractures and associated injury can provide substantial benefit, but the scanned area and exposure should still be limited to what is needed.
Pregnancy Precaution
Tell the radiographer if you are pregnant or could be pregnant. Because the pelvis is outside a craniofacial CT beam, fetal exposure is expected to be very low. Necessary trauma imaging should not be delayed; justification and an optimised protocol are more important than relying on abdominal shielding.
Will the scan hurt?
No, the scan itself is painless. However, if you have sustained facial injuries, lying flat on the table might be temporarily uncomfortable.
Will I need to remove anything before the scan?
You will need to remove anything that could interfere with the images. This includes eyeglasses, earrings, nose rings, lip piercings, hearing aids, hairpins, and removable dental work (like dentures or retainers).
What happens after the scan?
If you are in the emergency department, the radiologist and the facial trauma surgeons will review the images immediately to decide if you need urgent surgery.
When should I seek urgent help?
Seek urgent care after facial injury for breathing difficulty, uncontrolled bleeding, confusion, repeated vomiting, clear fluid from the nose or ear, new double vision or vision loss, or rapidly worsening swelling.
Questions to ask your team
- Is the scan for trauma, surgical planning, infection, or a congenital condition?
- Will IV contrast be needed, and must I avoid food because surgery or sedation is possible?
- Which vision, breathing, bleeding, confusion, or worsening swelling symptoms require urgent care?
Sources and further reading
Conclusion
CT craniofacial imaging can provide detailed bone information for trauma and surgical planning. It supports—but does not guarantee—diagnosis, treatment decisions, healing, or cosmetic outcome.