In‑House 3D CBCT & OPG Imaging at Gelos Dentistry
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of good treatment. At Gelos Dentistry, our in‑house 3D CBCT and OPG imaging allows us to look beyond what the eye can see and plan your treatment with confidence.
Whether you’re considering implants, wisdom tooth removal, microscopic RCTs, orthodontic treatment or full mouth rehab, having advanced imaging inside the clinic means faster answers, better planning and fewer trips to outside centres.
What Are CBCT and OPG?
CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography)
CBCT is a specialised 3D scan for the jaws and teeth. The machine rotates around your head and creates a three‑dimensional image of:
- Tooth roots and surrounding bone
- Nerve canals and sinus spaces
- Cysts, impacted teeth and other hidden structures
This level of detail is extremely useful for:
- Dental implant planning
- Complex root canal (endodontic) cases
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Cysts, lesions and jaw joint evaluation
CBCT uses a cone‑shaped X‑ray beam and advanced detectors to capture the scan with relatively low radiation compared to conventional medical CT, while still giving excellent detail for dental needs.
OPG (Orthopantomogram)
An OPG is a panoramic X‑ray that shows both jaws, all teeth and surrounding structures in a single wide image. It’s a great overview tool for:
- Checking wisdom teeth positions
- Seeing overall tooth development in children and teens
- Initial orthodontic and full mouth rehab assessment
- Identifying missing, extra or impacted teeth
At Gelos Dentistry, both CBCT and OPG are available in‑house, so we choose the right test for your situation instead of sending you elsewhere.
When Do We Recommend CBCT or OPG?
You may be advised a CBCT or OPG if:
We always explore saving the tooth first (with treatments like microscopic RCTs and crowns). If that’s not possible or not in your best long‑term interest, oral surgery becomes the most sensible option.
You are planning dental implants or full mouth rehab
Wisdom teeth are impacted or causing recurrent pain
A root canal tooth is not healing as expected
We need baseline images before major restorative work
There is suspicion of hidden cracks, extra canals or resorptive defects
You have a swelling, cyst or lesion that needs detailed evaluation
Orthodontic or aligner treatment needs a full‑jaw view
When Do We Recommend CBCT or OPG?
You may be advised a CBCT or OPG if:
We always explore saving the tooth first (with treatments like microscopic RCTs and crowns). If that’s not possible or not in your best long‑term interest, oral surgery becomes the most sensible option.
You are planning dental implants or full mouth rehab
Wisdom teeth are impacted or causing recurrent pain
A root canal tooth is not healing as expected
We need baseline images before major restorative work
There is suspicion of hidden cracks, extra canals or resorptive defects
You have a swelling, cyst or lesion that needs detailed evaluation
Orthodontic or aligner treatment needs a full‑jaw view
Why In‑House Imaging Matters
Faster Diagnosis, Fewer Visits
When scans are done in the same clinic:
- You don’t have to travel to another centre and come back with reports
- We can often discuss findings and options on the same day
- Emergency cases can be assessed more quickly
This saves time and reduces the stress of waiting.
Better Communication with You
Because your scans are available immediately on screen, we can:
- Show you exactly what we see cracks, infections, cysts, bone levels
- Explain why a particular treatment is recommended
- Compare “before” and “after” images over time
Most patients find it easier to understand and trust a plan when they can actually see what’s happening inside.
More Precise Treatment Planning
For procedures like CBCT‑guided implants, microscopic RCTs or complex extractions, detailed 3D images help us:
- Measure bone height, width and density
- Map the course of nerves and sinuses
- See hidden roots, extra canals or fractures
This reduces surprises during treatment and supports safer, more predictable outcomes.
When Do We Recommend CBCT or OPG?
You may be advised a CBCT or OPG if:
- You are planning dental implants or full mouth rehab
- Wisdom teeth are impacted or causing recurrent pain
- A root canal tooth is not healing as expected
- There is suspicion of hidden cracks, extra canals or resorptive defects
- You have a swelling, cyst or lesion that needs detailed evaluation
- Orthodontic or aligner treatment needs a full‑jaw view
- We need baseline images before major restorative work
We only prescribe scans when they add clear value to your diagnosis and treatment planning.
Your Scan Experience at Gelos Dentistry
Pre‑Scan Counselling
Before the scan, we explain:
- Why the CBCT or OPG is needed
- Which area will be scanned
- What you need to do (usually just staying still)
- Any precautions if you are pregnant or have other concerns
Jewellery, removable dentures and metallic accessories in the head‑neck area may need to be removed.
Quick, Comfortable Scanning
For both CBCT and OPG:
- You stand or sit still while the machine rotates around your head
- The scan usually takes less than a minute
- There is no discomfort you don’t feel the X‑rays
Our team positions you correctly, gives simple instructions and monitors you throughout.
Review and Explanation
Once the scan is done:
- Images are available almost immediately on the screen
- We review them and point out key areas relevant to your concern
- In complex cases, scans can be shared with other specialists for additional opinions
You’re welcome to ask questions and see exactly what we are seeing.
How CBCT & OPG Support Different Treatments
Implants and Bone Grafting
For CBCT‑guided implants, CBCT scans are essential. They show:
- Bone thickness and height
- Nerve pathways and sinus boundaries
- Any hidden infections or defects
This allows us to choose the right implant size, position and, if needed, plan bone grafting or sinus lifts more precisely.
Wisdom Teeth and Oral Surgery
For impacted or problematic wisdom teeth, CBCT and OPG help us see:
- How close roots are to the nerve canal
- Whether the tooth is pressing against the neighbouring tooth
- Presence of cysts or unusual root shapes
This information guides surgical planning and helps us discuss risks and benefits clearly with you.
Microscopic RCTs and Re‑Treatment
In complex root canal cases, a CBCT can reveal:
- Extra canals or unusual canal shapes
- Small fractures or perforations
- Hidden infections at the root tips
This allows more targeted, minimally invasive treatment instead of guesswork.
Orthodontics, Aligners and Digital Smile Design
OPG and, in some situations, CBCT provide important information for:
- Tooth positions and angulations
- Presence of unerupted or extra teeth
- Jaw relationship and growth patterns
We integrate this data with our 5D intraoral scanner and Digital Smile Design tools to create realistic plans for aligners (Invisalign) and other orthodontic options.
Safety & Radiation Concerns
Low‑Dose, Justified Use
CBCT and digital OPG are designed to use the lowest dose of radiation sufficient for a clear image. We follow the ALARA principle “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” and order scans only when:
- The information cannot be reliably obtained otherwise
- The scan will significantly improve safety or accuracy of treatment
For children and young adults, we are particularly cautious and limit exposure to what is absolutely necessary.
Protective Measures
During scans, we use:
- Lead aprons (and thyroid collars when appropriate)
- Well‑maintained, regularly calibrated equipment
- Strict protocols for exposure settings based on your size and the area being scanned
If you are pregnant or might be pregnant, please inform us so we can weigh risks and benefits carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions About CBCT & OPG
No. The scan is completely painless. You simply stand or sit still while the machine moves around your head. There are no injections or instruments inside your mouth.
Most CBCT and OPG scans are completed in under a minute. The entire appointment, including positioning and explanations, usually takes around 10–15 minutes.
If you are already our patient, we will prescribe the scan as needed. If you’ve been referred from another clinic specifically for CBCT or OPG, please bring your dentist’s prescription and any previous reports or X‑rays.
Yes. On request, we can provide your images and reports in digital format (and printed if needed) so you can share them with other doctors or keep them for your own records.
While a CBCT dose is higher than a single small dental X‑ray, it is typically lower than a full medical CT of the same area. Digital OPG is similar to, or slightly more than, a few small dental X‑rays. We only recommend these scans when the benefit clearly outweighs the exposure.
Need a Dental Scan in Tricity?
If your dentist has advised a CBCT or OPG, or you’re planning implants, wisdom tooth surgery, complex root canals or a comprehensive smile makeover, advanced imaging is often the smartest first step.
At Gelos Dentistry, our dental clinic in Tricity offer in‑house 3D CBCT and OPG with careful dose control, clear explanations and quick reporting. Whether you’re our patient or referred from elsewhere, we’re happy to provide the imaging and support you need.