Cone-beam computed tomography is a type of x-ray equipment that can be found in out-patient offices. It works to produce 3-D images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone when a regular dental or facial x-ray is insufficient.  The purpose of these x-rays is to provide more detailed images of the jaw, and other bony structures of the face, like nasal cavities and sinuses. It does not provide all the details a conventional CT scan would, though, like details of soft tissue, muscle, and nerves.