3D Dental Imaging

Dental imaging has come a long way since 1896, when German dentist Otto Walkoff started using dental radiographs. In the last few years, new technologies have emerged that allow us to create detailed 3D images of teeth and jaws. These images are invaluable for planning complex dental treatments, creating custom-made dental implant surgical guides and custom-made bone plates and surgical guides for jaw surgery.

3D Dental Imaging Today

3D dental scan, also known as CBCT, is an essential tool for oral healthcare professionals. This type of imaging provides detailed, panoramic images that can be used to plan implants, root canals, and other treatments. This technology uses a small cone-shaped beam of x-rays to produce detailed images of the mouth. The machine has an x-ray arm that rotates around your head, captures multiple images while rotating, and sends them to a computer, where they are put together in 3D format. Our CBCT scanner has the ability to take a full head image or image just a few teeth so the patient receives the lowest amount of radiation possible.

Benefits of 3D Imaging

A 3D scan can tell you a lot about your teeth, roots, bone structure, nerves, and airway. Cone Beam 3D Imaging, unlike a regular x-ray that only displays hard tissues, reveals the entire facial bone structure and associated connective tissues. 

There are many reasons and benefits to using 3D imaging in dentistry, some of which are:

  • A more accurate and correct view of your mouth than traditional x-rays
  • Depending upon the size of the image cane, can use less radiation
  • Can determine where nerves are in the jaw
  • Used to plan the full surgical procedure in advance, from beginning to end.
  • Early detection of tumors, cysts and other illnesses
  • Can determine the density of the jawbone where the dental implant will be inserted
  • Enables the surgeon to choose the ideal implant position
  • Used to determine the precise size and kind of implants required
  • View the exact orientation and position of each tooth
  • View impacted teeth

The 3D Imaging Procedure

On the day of your appointment, make sure you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Before the scan, metal objects such as rings, glasses, removable dental appliances, or hairpins should be removed. If a woman is pregnant, she should let the dentist or surgeon know before the scan.

Getting a 3D dental scan is painless and only takes a few minutes. You will sit or stand under the scanner, which rotates around your head on an arm. To begin, you will be asked to rest your chin or teeth on a special base while the entire scanner is lowered or raised to the most convenient height. You must remain as still as possible; the scan usually takes less than a minute.

The CS 9600

The CS 9600 system gives our oral and maxillofacial surgery practice cutting-edge technology to assist our surgeons in detecting potential concerns more accurately.

The CS 9600 is the only system on the market that offers up to 14 fields of view (FOV) of 4x4cm to 16x17cm.

  • The CS 9600 is equipped with features like a Live Positioning Assistant, video cameras, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure that it delivers more precise scans on the first try and consistent results over time.
  • The record-keeping system takes each patient’s parameters and records them, allowing for routine follow-up imaging with a single touch.
  • The CS 9600 is the only device with a retractable seat that may be used to scan patients in either a sitting or standing posture.

Intra-Oral Scanning with iTero®

The iTero scanner is a handheld digital intraoral scanner that allows us to take highly accurate digital impressions of your mouth. The iTero scanner allows us to capture a 3D image of your teeth and gums, which can be used to create crowns, bridges, implants, clear aligners (Invisalign®), and other dental appliances.

The iTero digital scanner eliminates the need for the traditional, messy putty impressions that can often be uncomfortable for patients. The digital images captured by the iTero scanner are transmitted to our computer, where they can be used to create the dental implant guides to assist us in placing your dental implant in a more accurate position. Following healing of the dental implant, a digital scan with the iTero can be performed of your implant and sent to your dentist where they work with the dental laboratory to design and build your dental implant crown on the computer. This saves you a visit with the dentist and creates the most accurate impression of your dental implant to allow for a better fit of your final implant crown.

iTero scanning is quick, easy, and comfortable. The scanning process only takes a few minutes, and you will not experience any discomfort.

3D Dental Imaging in Boulder

At Foley And Le Oral Surgery, we use 3D dental imaging to provide our patients with the best possible care. We use the latest technology, including the CS 9600 system and iTero Intraoral Scanner, to ensure that we can provide accurate and precise images that can be used for diagnosis and treatment planning. 

Please contact our office today if you need a 3D scan or have any questions about this procedure. We want to be your oral surgeon in Boulder, CO, Longmont, CO, Louisville, CO, Broomfield, CO, and Lafayette, CO. Call (303) 444-2255 to schedule an appointment. We are located at 1420 28th Street, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.

Call Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental X-rays dangerous?

Dental X-rays use a very small amount of ionizing radiation. However, the risk from dental x-rays is very low, and the benefits of having them outweigh the risks.

Does insurance cover dental imaging?

Most insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the cost of dental imaging, but it is always best to check with your insurer to be sure.

How long does a 3D dental scan take?

A 3D dental scan usually takes less than a minute and is painless.

Is CBCT scan the same as CT scan?

No, CBCT is a type of CT scan specifically used for dental imaging and tends to provide less radiation than a traditional CT scan.

Is a CBCT scan needed for dental implants?

Yes, a CBCT scan is often needed for dental implants because it can provide detailed information about the jawbone and teeth. Taking a CBCT scan will allow for the safest and best possible placement of the dental implant.

Skip to content