Three-Dimensional Dental Imaging for Children and Teens in Apex
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Cone-beam computed tomography, commonly called CBCT, creates detailed three-dimensional images of the teeth, roots, jaws, and surrounding structures. Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics may recommend CBCT when conventional dental X-rays do not provide enough information to diagnose a concern or plan a child’s dental or orthodontic care.
What Is CBCT?
CBCT is an imaging system that rotates around the patient’s head and captures multiple X-ray projections. Computer software combines those images into a three-dimensional dataset that can be reviewed from different directions and in thin cross-sectional views.
CBCT may help evaluate impacted teeth, abnormal eruption, supernumerary teeth, root positions, possible root resorption, dental trauma, jaw development, and selected orthodontic concerns. It is prescribed only when the expected diagnostic information justifies the exposure.
Benefits of CBCT
Reveals Three-Dimensional Relationships
CBCT can show whether an unerupted tooth is positioned in front of, behind, above, or between neighboring teeth and roots.
Supports Treatment Planning
Detailed imaging may help the dental team plan tooth movement, surgical exposure, extractions, or other coordinated care.
Identifies Hidden Concerns
The scan may reveal root resorption, abnormal development, or another condition that is difficult to identify on two-dimensional images.
Did You Know…
A conventional X-ray compresses three-dimensional anatomy into a flat image. CBCT allows the dentist to review the same region from multiple planes, reducing the problem of overlapping teeth and anatomical structures.
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The CBCT Process
1
Clinical Evaluation
Dr. Michael Kim reviews the child’s examination findings and existing dental images to determine whether a CBCT scan is justified.
2
Image Capture
The child is positioned in the imaging unit and asked to remain still while the scanner rotates around the head. No equipment is placed inside the mouth during image capture.
3
Image Review
The three-dimensional scan is evaluated for the specific clinical concern. Additional interpretation or referral to an oral and maxillofacial radiology professional may be recommended when appropriate.
“CBCT can provide valuable information when teeth or roots overlap on conventional images. We use three-dimensional imaging selectively, focusing the scan on the clinical question and considering whether the results could change the child’s treatment plan.”
Dr. Michael Kim
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“My kids have been going to this practice since they were toddlers, and having one doctor who understands their complete dental history and growth patterns has made such a difference. Dr. Kim treats them like they’re his own children and recommends only what’s truly necessary. The convenience of having both their regular checkups and orthodontics in one place has been a game-changer for our family.”
“What impressed me most was how honest the doctor is about treatment recommendations. He explained exactly why each step was needed and never pushed unnecessary procedures. Having someone I trust completely managing both my kids’ dental and orthodontic care gives me peace of mind. The staff is incredibly kind and patient with nervous children.”
“We switched practices specifically because we wanted someone who could handle both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. The continuity of care is amazing, and our kids actually look forward to their appointments. The whole team treats every patient like family, and the clinical expertise is evident in every interaction.”
Research-Reported Effects of CBCT on Impacted-Canine Planning
Impacted Canines With No Treatment-Plan Change After CBCT
65.6%
Impacted Canines With a Treatment-Plan Change After CBCT
34.4%
Plans With a Changed Direction of Orthodontic Traction
22.4%
Plans Changed to Include Removal of Another Tooth
12.8%
Plans With a Change in the Surgical-Exposure Approach
10.4%
Plans Changed to Include Maxillary Expansion
7.2%
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| CBCT Treatment-Planning Finding | Percentage | What the Research Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Impacted canines with no plan change | 65.6% | In a prospective study of 125 impacted maxillary canines, the initial plan based on two-dimensional imaging remained unchanged for 82 canines after CBCT review. |
| Impacted canines with a plan change | 34.4% | Supplemental CBCT information resulted in a treatment-plan modification for 43 of the 125 evaluated canines. |
| Changed direction of orthodontic traction | 22.4% | The most frequent modification involved changing the planned direction in which the impacted canine would be guided. |
| Removal of another tooth added to the plan | 12.8% | CBCT findings led to a treatment-plan change involving removal of another tooth or teeth in 16 cases. |
| Changed surgical-exposure approach | 10.4% | The planned approach to surgically exposing the impacted canine changed in 13 cases after the three-dimensional images were reviewed. |
| Maxillary expansion added to the plan | 7.2% | CBCT information led clinicians to incorporate upper-jaw expansion into the treatment plan for nine evaluated canines. |
Sources: Stoustrup P et al., “Will Supplemental Cone Beam Computed Tomography Change the Treatment Plan of Impacted Maxillary Canines?” European Journal of Orthodontics, 2024; Alqerban A et al., “The Effect of Using CBCT in the Diagnosis of Canine Impaction and Its Impact on the Orthodontic Treatment Outcome,” Journal of Orthodontic Science, 2014; Katheria BC et al., “Effectiveness of Impacted and Supernumerary Tooth Diagnosis From Traditional Radiography Versus Cone Beam Computed Tomography,” Pediatric Dentistry, 2010; American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, “Clinical Recommendations Regarding Use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Orthodontics”.
Six Key Findings About CBCT
CBCT is not a routine screening image. A scan should answer a specific clinical question that cannot be addressed adequately through an examination and lower-dimensional imaging.
Impacted teeth are a common orthodontic indication. Three-dimensional imaging can show the position of an impacted canine relative to neighboring roots, the palate, and the outer surface of the jaw.
CBCT can help evaluate delayed eruption. When a permanent tooth does not emerge as expected, imaging may identify an obstruction, abnormal eruption path, or supernumerary tooth.
The field of view should match the concern. A focused scan may limit imaging to the region that requires evaluation rather than capturing unrelated anatomy.
Children require particular radiation consideration. Younger patients are more sensitive to ionizing radiation, so the imaging decision and exposure settings should be individualized.
CBCT supports clinical judgment rather than replacing it. The scan must be interpreted alongside the child’s examination, dental history, photographs, models or scans, and other appropriate records.
Schedule a CBCT Evaluation
Families can contact Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Apex to determine whether three-dimensional imaging would provide useful information for their child’s dental or orthodontic care. Dr. Michael Kim will review the clinical concern and available records before recommending a scan.
Questions Apex Families Ask About CBCT
What is a dental CBCT scan?
CBCT is a three-dimensional dental imaging method that shows teeth, roots, bone, and nearby structures from multiple angles. It provides spatial information that is not available from a standard flat X-ray.
Why might my child need CBCT for orthodontic treatment?
A scan may be recommended to evaluate an impacted tooth, unusual eruption, root position, suspected root resorption, a supernumerary tooth, or another concern that could affect treatment planning.
Does every child starting braces or aligners need CBCT?
No. CBCT should not be used routinely for every orthodontic patient. Many children can be evaluated adequately with an examination, photographs, digital scans, panoramic imaging, and other conventional records.
How long does a CBCT scan take?
Image capture is generally brief and often takes less than a minute. Positioning and preparation may take several additional minutes because the child must remain still for a clear scan.
Does CBCT use radiation?
Yes. CBCT uses ionizing radiation. The dentist considers whether the expected diagnostic benefit justifies the exposure and selects an appropriate field of view and imaging protocol.