Dental radiographs, commonly referred to as X-rays or films, are pictures of the teeth, bones, and surrounding tissues used to screen for and help identify and diagnose problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw bone.  X-ray films can show cavities, growths, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual examination.

Two-Dimensional Imaging

Most patients are familiar with routine dental X-rays / films that are taken at the dental office.  Small periapical or bite-wing X-rays or, sometimes a larger film, called a panoramic X-ray is used.  These are 2-dimesnional films.  While these films offer the dentist a wealth of information, there can be distortion, overlap and error. 

Three-Dimensional Imaging

There is increasing use of 3-D CT (computed tomography) scans in dentistry, particularly to plan dental implant placement; the images produced from a CBCT (cone beam CT) scanner are extremely accurate    3-D images that offer very detailed images. This level of detail is often necessary for accurate and safe dental implant placement.  These precise images allow the dentist the ability to assess location of vital anatomy (nerves, vessels, sinuses), in addition the volume of bone can be accurately measured.

This type of image is not distorted or overlapped like two-dimensional film/images.  In addition to offering valuable diagnostic information, the digital cone-bean scanner offers a much smaller radiation dose then “standard” CT scans.

Three-dimensional images are also used to identify the location of impacted teeth that need to be exposed or removed.  

In 2010 we incorporated this state-of-the-art technology in our dental office, and now have the ability to acquire three-dimensional images in-office.