When a traditional dental X-ray does not give enough information, three-dimensional imaging could give your dentist a more complete view of the teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures.
At Kedzie Dental Clinic, Galileos 3D imaging uses cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology to create detailed three-dimensional images of selected areas of the mouth and jaw. When clinically appropriate, this information could help our dental team check anatomy, investigate certain dental concerns, and plan treatment with greater precision.
Galileos is a dental CBCT imaging system. During a CBCT examination, the scanner rotates around the patient’s head and captures multiple X-ray images. Specialized computer software combines this information to produce a three-dimensional representation of the scanned area.
This is not like conventional dental X-ray, which produces a two-dimensional image, CBCT could give views from different angles and planes. This additional information may help a dentist check the teeth, jawbone and other oral and maxillofacial structures when a three-dimensional view is clinically useful.
A CBCT scan is noninvasive. You do not feel the X-rays during the examination, and the scan itself is generally completed quickly. Your dental team would explain the process and tell you how to remain still while the images are captured.
Depending on the area being examined and the reason for the scan, CBCT may give information about:
CBCT is not necessary for every dental patient. Your dentist would consider your symptoms, examination findings, treatment needs, and if conventional imaging could give the information needed before recommending a 3D scan.
Traditional dental X-rays remain an important diagnostic tool. They could give useful information with a relatively low radiation dose and are appropriate for many routine dental situations.
CBCT is different because it gives three-dimensional information. This could be particularly useful when the dentist needs to understand the location, shape, or relationship of structures that may overlap on a two-dimensional image.
The goal is not to replace traditional dental X-rays with 3D imaging. Instead, CBCT could be used selectively when the additional information is expected to help with diagnosis, treatment planning, or clinical management. Current dental imaging recommendations emphasize choosing imaging based on the individual patient’s needs and avoiding unnecessary exposure.
Dental CBCT uses X-rays, so it involves exposure to ionizing radiation. The amount of radiation varies depending on the equipment, scan settings, field of view, and the area being examined.
Dental CBCT generally involves less radiation than conventional medical CT examinations, but it typically involves more radiation than a standard dental X-ray. For that reason, CBCT should be performed when the additional three-dimensional information is expected to give a clinical benefit.
Dental professionals are encouraged to follow the principle of keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) while obtaining images that are adequate for the clinical purpose. Appropriate scan settings should be selected based on factors such as the patient’s size, the area being examined, and the clinical indication.
At Kedzie Dental Clinic, your dentist would understand whether 3D imaging is appropriate based on your personalized dental needs.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your dental team before your imaging examination.Current dental guidance states that clinically necessary dental radiographs could be performed during pregnancy. Your dentist would consider your individual circumstances and if the imaging is necessary to give the right care.
If you have questions about imaging during pregnancy, discuss them with your dentist before the examination.
No. CBCT imaging is noninvasive and you do not feel the X-rays. You would simply need to remain still while the scanner captures the images.
No. A conventional dental X-ray produces a two-dimensional image, while CBCT creates three-dimensional information about the scanned area. CBCT is used selectively when that additional information is clinically useful.
No. Your dentist determines whether CBCT is right based on your examination and treatment-planning needs. The additional information may be useful in implant planning, but 3D imaging is not automatically necessary for every patient.
CBCT uses ionizing radiation, so it should be performed when clinically justified. Dental CBCT generally has a lower radiation dose than medical CT but typically a higher dose than conventional dental X-rays. Your dentist could discuss the benefits and risks of the recommended examination with you.
CBCT could give three-dimensional information that may not be visible or fully understood on a two-dimensional X-ray. Whether that additional information is useful depends on the specific dental problem and clinical question.
Yes. Dental CBCT is noninvasive and there is no recovery period from the imaging itself. Your dental team would tell you if any other part of your appointment needs specific instructions.
If you have been referred for 3D dental imaging or want to know whether CBCT may be useful for your dental concern, the team at Kedzie Dental Clinic could check your needs and explain your options.
Contact Kedzie Dental Clinic to schedule a consultation and learn whether Galileo’s 3D imaging is appropriate for your care.
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