We image with the Vatech PaxDuo 3D system. Scans are fast, comfortable and highly diagnostic — and they show things a conventional two-dimensional x-ray physically cannot.
What does a 3D scan show that a normal x-ray does not?
A conventional x-ray flattens a three-dimensional jaw into one plane, so structures overlap and depth disappears. A 3D scan reconstructs the anatomy in volume. That reveals bone height and width, the exact position of nerves and the sinus floor, extra or curved root canals, and lesions that a flat film simply hides behind other structures.
When do you use it?
- Implant planning — measuring available bone and mapping the nerve before surgery, rather than discovering the problem during it
- Root canal treatment — locating canals that flat images miss, a common reason root canals fail
- Impacted or unerupted teeth — establishing exact position before any extraction
- Persistent pain with no obvious cause on standard x-rays
Is it comfortable?
Yes — the scan takes seconds, you stay seated and upright, and nothing is placed inside your mouth. This makes it well suited to patients with a strong gag reflex, to children, and to special needs patients, for whom conventional films can be genuinely difficult.
What about radiation?
We take x-rays when they are clinically warranted, not by routine. Modern digital sensors use markedly less radiation than the film systems they replaced, and a scan that prevents a misplaced implant or a missed canal generally justifies itself. If you are pregnant or have concerns, tell us before the appointment.