3D X-Ray / CBCT Imaging
See More. Treat with Precision.
Cone Beam CT technology gives Dr. Kim and Dr. Graham a complete 3D view of your teeth, nerves and bone — enabling safer, more accurate treatment for implants, root canals and complex procedures.
What Is Cone Beam CT (CBCT)?
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a specialized digital X-ray system that creates a full three-dimensional image of your teeth, jawbone, nerves and surrounding anatomy — in a single scan that takes just a few seconds.
Traditional 2D dental X-rays show a flat, compressed picture of your teeth. They're useful for detecting basic cavities and simple root issues, but they can't show depth, bone density, nerve location or the exact three-dimensional relationship between structures. A CBCT scan captures all of that.
The machine rotates around your head, capturing hundreds of individual images that our software assembles into a precise, navigable 3D model. Dr. Kim and Dr. Graham can rotate, zoom and slice through this model from any angle — seeing exactly what's happening inside your jaw before a single instrument is used.
This level of detail fundamentally changes the quality of treatment planning. For dental implants, it means knowing the exact depth of bone and the location of nerves before the procedure begins. For root canals, it reveals complex canal anatomy invisible on 2D films. For every procedure, it means fewer surprises and better outcomes.
At Osuna Dental Care, implant consultations include a complimentary 3D scan — because we believe accurate diagnosis shouldn't come with a separate price tag.
2D X-Ray vs. 3D CBCT
See why the difference in diagnostic information is significant.
Benefits of 3D CBCT Imaging
The difference between a good outcome and a great one often comes down to the quality of information available before treatment begins.
Enhanced Accuracy for Implant Placement
CBCT shows the exact bone depth, width and density at each potential implant site — plus the precise location of nerves, sinuses and adjacent roots. This allows Dr. Kim and Dr. Graham to plan implant position digitally before a single incision is made, dramatically reducing surgical risk.
Detects Issues That 2D X-Rays Miss
Bone loss, early infections, impacted teeth, cysts, jaw pathology and complex root anatomy can all be invisible on a standard 2D film. The 3D view catches what flat images compress or hide — leading to better diagnosis and fewer unexpected complications during treatment.
Fast, Comfortable and Low Radiation
The scan takes 10 to 20 seconds. You stand still while the arm rotates around you — no discomfort, no positioning difficulties. The radiation dose is a fraction of a medical CT scanner, and we follow ALARA principles to use the lowest dose necessary for diagnostic quality.
Nerve and Sinus Mapping
The inferior alveolar nerve runs through the lower jaw and must be avoided during implant placement, extractions and bone grafting. CBCT shows its exact path in 3D — eliminating guesswork and protecting the structures that matter most during complex oral surgery.
Better Patient Communication
When patients can see a 3D model of their own jaw, they understand their diagnosis and treatment plan far more clearly. We walk you through the scan together — showing you exactly what we see, why we recommend what we recommend, and what the treatment will achieve.
Guided Surgery Precision
CBCT data integrates directly with guided implant surgery software — allowing us to design surgical guides that position implants with sub-millimeter accuracy, translating the digital plan into a precise physical procedure.
Procedures That Benefit Most from 3D Imaging
CBCT technology improves the precision of nearly every procedure we perform — but these three benefit the most from the three-dimensional perspective it provides.
Dental Implants
Most Critical UseImplant placement is a surgical procedure that demands millimeter precision. CBCT shows every variable that matters before the surgery begins.
- Exact bone volume, depth and density at each site
- Nerve canal location to avoid during placement
- Sinus floor mapping for upper arch implants
- Relationship between adjacent roots and planned implant position
- Bone graft planning when volume is insufficient
Root Canal Treatment
Complex AnatomyRoot canal anatomy varies enormously between patients. Some teeth have extra canals, curved roots or calcified passages that aren't visible on a 2D X-ray.
- Maps the exact number and shape of root canals
- Reveals missed or hidden canal systems
- Shows the extent of periapical infection or abscess
- Guides treatment of curved or calcified canals
- Identifies external root resorption
Oral Surgery & Extractions
Surgical SafetyImpacted teeth, wisdom tooth removal and bone grafting all involve working near critical anatomy. CBCT removes the guesswork entirely.
- Maps proximity of impacted teeth to inferior alveolar nerve
- Shows root morphology before extraction
- Assesses bone graft recipient site volume
- Evaluates jaw cysts, tumors or bone pathology
- Plans sinus lift procedures with sinus anatomy detail
Is a CBCT Scan Safe?
Yes. Dental CBCT scans use significantly less radiation than medical CT scanners — and are carefully calibrated to capture only the jaw and dental structures needed for treatment planning, not the entire head or body.
We follow ALARA principles (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) — using the lowest radiation dose necessary to produce diagnostic-quality images. The scan is collimated to the area of interest, minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues.
The chart shows how dental CBCT radiation compares to other common X-ray procedures. A full-arch CBCT scan delivers a dose comparable to a small set of periapical X-rays — and far less than a medical CT scan ordered for the same area.
CBCT Technology at Osuna Dental Care
Our imaging system delivers the diagnostic detail our treatment plans demand — quickly and comfortably.
CBCT data from your scan integrates directly with our guided surgery planning software — the same 3D model that informs your diagnosis also guides the precision of your implant placement procedure.
Why Patients Trust Osuna Dental Care
Free Implant Consultation
with 3D X-Ray Included
No obligation, no hidden fees. Come in, get your 3D scan, and understand exactly what your treatment involves and what it will cost — before you commit to anything.
CBCT Imaging Questions — Answered
CBCT stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography. In dentistry, it's a specialized 3D X-ray system that rotates around your head and combines hundreds of images into a detailed three-dimensional model. Unlike 2D X-rays, CBCT shows the exact position of teeth, roots, nerves, sinuses and bone — giving Dr. Kim and Dr. Graham the complete picture needed for safe, precise treatment planning.
Yes. Dental CBCT scans use significantly less radiation than medical CT scanners, and the scan is collimated to capture only the jaw and dental structures relevant to your treatment — not your entire head. We follow ALARA principles — using the lowest dose necessary to achieve diagnostic quality. The dose from a dental CBCT is comparable to a small series of standard periapical X-rays.
Implant placement requires millimeter-level precision. A 3D CBCT scan shows the exact depth, width and density of available bone, the location of nerves and sinuses, and the relationship between adjacent teeth and roots. This allows us to plan implant position digitally before the procedure — dramatically reducing surgical risk and improving long-term outcomes. At Osuna Dental Care, the 3D scan is included free with your implant consultation.
The actual scan takes 10 to 20 seconds — you simply stand still while the arm rotates around you. The full consultation appointment, including reviewing the scan results with Dr. Kim or Dr. Graham, typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. There's no preparation required and no discomfort during the scan.
Dental implant planning benefits most significantly from CBCT — the 3D bone anatomy is essential for safe placement. Other procedures that benefit include root canal treatment (mapping complex canal systems), wisdom tooth and complex extractions (nerve proximity), guided implant surgery, bone grafting assessment, sinus lift planning, diagnosis of jaw pathology, and evaluation of impacted teeth.
See Your Smile in 3D —
Free for Implant Patients.
Book your free consultation today. We'll scan, diagnose and walk you through a clear treatment plan with transparent pricing — no pressure, no surprises.
📍 5900 Cubero Dr NE STE B, Albuquerque, NM 87109