What it is (overview)

A CT Maxillofacial without IV Contrast is a specialized CT scan (computed tomography) that creates detailed, cross-sectional images of the maxillofacial region—meaning the bones and structures of the face and jaw. This includes the facial bones (such as the nasal bones, cheekbones/zygoma, upper jaw/maxilla, lower jaw/mandible, and eye sockets/orbits), as well as the sinuses and nearby soft tissues.

“Without IV contrast” means no contrast dye is injected into a vein. Many maxillofacial problems—especially fractures, bone alignment, and sinus bony anatomy—can be evaluated very well without contrast. The scan is quick and painless, and it uses X-rays and computer processing to provide much more detail than a standard X-ray, especially for complex facial anatomy.

What it measures/shows: This test helps radiologists look for broken bones, dislocations, bone erosion or overgrowth, sinus blockage or fluid levels, and certain patterns of infection or inflammation. It can also help identify masses and evaluate how structures are shaped and positioned (useful in congenital abnormalities or after injury).

What results can mean (in plain language): A “normal” result typically means the facial bones and sinus structures look intact, properly aligned, and without suspicious lesions. An “abnormal” result may show a fracture (crack or break), sinus inflammation or blockage, signs of infection spreading into adjacent areas, or a mass that needs further evaluation. Because IV contrast is not used, the scan is usually better at showing bone details than determining whether a soft tissue area is highly vascular; if the goal is detailed tumor detection or vascular assessment, your clinician may recommend additional imaging (such as CT with contrast or MRI).

When & why it's usually done

Clinicians commonly order a CT maxillofacial scan without contrast for injury evaluation and for detailed assessment of facial bone and sinus anatomy. It is especially helpful when symptoms or exam findings suggest a problem that may not be visible on a routine X-ray.

This test is often done if you have:

• Facial trauma or suspected fracture: After a fall, sports injury, car accident, assault, or workplace injury—particularly if there is facial swelling, bruising, deformity, nosebleeds, loose teeth, trouble opening the mouth, numbness, or double vision.

• Persistent or severe facial pain: Ongoing facial pain, pressure, or tenderness that could be related to sinus disease, dental-related complications, or bone problems.

• Suspected sinus problems: Symptoms such as facial pressure, nasal congestion, chronic drainage/post-nasal drip, or recurrent sinus infections. A CT scan can show sinus blockage, fluid, thickened lining, and bony anatomy that may contribute to chronic issues.

• Concern for infection complications: When a sinus, dental, or facial infection may be spreading into adjacent spaces (for example, around the orbit/eye or deep facial tissues). While non-contrast CT can show many indirect signs, your clinician may choose contrast imaging depending on the question.

• Evaluation of congenital or structural abnormalities: To assess facial bone development, jaw alignment, or complex anatomy before treatment planning.

• Possible mass or tumor: A non-contrast CT may be used to identify bone involvement or calcifications related to a lesion. If a mass is suspected, additional imaging may be recommended to better characterize soft tissues.

• Pre-surgical planning: Sometimes used to map sinus and facial bone anatomy before procedures (for example, certain ENT or maxillofacial surgeries), depending on the surgeon’s needs.

Common diseases related to it

• Facial fractures (nasal bone, zygomatic/cheekbone, maxilla, mandible, orbital fractures)
• Chronic rhinosinusitis and recurrent sinus infections
• Acute sinusitis with suspected complications
• Deviated nasal septum and structural nasal obstruction
• Mucocele or sinus obstruction-related expansion
• Odontogenic (tooth-related) sinusitis and dental infection spreading to the sinus
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bony abnormalities (selected cases)
• Benign and malignant tumors affecting facial bones or paranasal sinuses (e.g., osteoma, sinonasal masses)
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection) of the jaw or facial bones
• Congenital craniofacial abnormalities (structural differences present from birth)

Health goals where it may help

• Confirming or ruling out facial bone fractures after trauma to guide safe treatment and recovery
• Identifying the cause of chronic sinus symptoms to support an effective treatment plan
• Evaluating persistent facial pain, pressure, or swelling when the cause is unclear
• Planning ENT, dental, or maxillofacial surgery by mapping detailed facial bone and sinus anatomy
• Detecting complications of sinus or dental infections early to prevent spread to the orbit or deeper tissues
• Assessing suspected masses and determining whether further imaging (CT with contrast or MRI) is needed
• Monitoring known structural or congenital abnormalities to guide ongoing care and function (breathing, chewing, alignment)