YOUR TREATMENT GUIDE
Understand What Each Dental Image Is For
The useful question about an X-ray or scan is what it will help the clinician decide. Bring details of previous imaging and ask why a new examination is proposed, which area it covers and how the findings will be explained to you.
01
A clinical question
Ask what the proposed image is intended to show and how the result could change the plan.
02
Previous records
Tell the team about recent dental imaging and ask how to share it for review.
03
A clear explanation
Request an explanation of the relevant findings and how to obtain copies for your continuing care.
What Is a Dental CBCT Scan?
Cone-beam computed tomography, or CBCT, uses X-rays to create a three-dimensional view of dental and facial structures. It can provide information for selected diagnostic and treatment-planning questions. Its use should be justified by the clinical need rather than included automatically for every patient.
What CBCT Is Used For
The FDA lists uses of dental CBCT that include implant planning, examining abnormally positioned teeth, evaluating the jaws and face, assessing cleft palate, diagnosing tooth decay, root canal treatment and dental trauma. Its advantage is three-dimensional information, where a conventional X-ray image shows two dimensions.
For implant planning, a three-dimensional view can help the clinician assess the bone and nearby structures at the intended site. Ask which question the scan is expected to answer in your case.
How CBCT Compares With Other Dental X-rays
A dental CBCT scan usually delivers a higher radiation dose than conventional dental X-rays, but a lower dose than a medical CT scan. Conventional X-rays remain appropriate for many questions, so a CBCT scan should be used when its additional information is needed.
Children are more sensitive to radiation, so parents can ask whether settings are adjusted for a child’s size. Keeping a record of your dental imaging helps later clinicians avoid repeating examinations unnecessarily.
What Imaging Can Contribute to a Consultation
A scan is one part of an assessment. Ask the clinician to connect the images to the question being investigated: what they need to understand, how the findings may affect the options and what other information is required.
If you are considering implants or a wider restorative plan, ask which areas are being assessed and how the findings will be explained. You should be able to understand the significance of the information without having to interpret the scan yourself.
Consider Benefits and Radiation Exposure
Dental CBCT involves radiation. The FDA advises using dental X-ray examinations when needed for diagnosis or treatment and considering methods that minimise unnecessary exposure. Patients can ask why the examination is needed and whether a suitable lower-exposure alternative could answer the same question.
Bring Your Imaging History Into the Discussion
Let the treating team know about previous dental imaging and ask whether existing records are relevant. Use the approved clinical records process if a clinician requests them. Do not upload scans or personal health records into a general website enquiry form.
For a new scan, clarify whether the quotation includes the examination, interpretation and a copy of the record. Ask who is responsible for discussing the findings and how another treating clinician can obtain the information with your consent.
Imaging and Scanning at Medico Clinic
The clinic’s available equipment includes a CBCT 3D imaging scanner and a 3Shape TRIOS 5 intraoral scanner. Ask the team which resource, if any, is proposed for your case and what role it serves. The presence of both systems does not mean that every appointment requires both.
If imaging changes an initial proposal, take time to discuss the change. A written explanation of the next stage, alternatives and costs helps connect the assessment to a decision about treatment.
Your Individual Plan
Ask which assessment steps are included, who interprets the findings and how the results will be recorded. The required imaging and appointments depend on the clinical question.
Ask How the Findings Change the Next Decision
At the end of an imaging discussion, ask the clinician to connect the findings to the proposed next step. If the images resolve one question but another remains open, request an explanation of what else is needed. A scan report, the clinical assessment and the treatment proposal should be understandable as related pieces of information.
If a second clinician will review the case, ask how they will receive the relevant records and who can explain the original findings. Confirm the format, approved sharing route and any charges for obtaining copies. This is especially useful when the assessment and later care take place in different locations.
Different Records, Different Questions
| Decision | What to clarify | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Existing dental images | Whether your recent records are suitable for the current question. | The team can consider what information is already available. |
| A conventional X-ray | The specific teeth or structures that need assessment. | The image should have an explained purpose. |
| A CBCT examination | Why three-dimensional information is needed in your case. | Ask how the expected benefit relates to the exposure involved. |
| An intraoral scan | Whether the proposed scan records tooth surfaces for planning or laboratory work. | Confirm the type of scan rather than treating all imaging as the same. |
Turn Your Questions Into a Written Plan
A useful consultation connects your goals with the clinical findings. Keep the decisions in an order that gives you time to understand the proposed work.
01
Explain your priorities
Describe what you want to improve in everyday terms: comfort, chewing, a particular tooth or the appearance of your smile. Mention anything you particularly want to preserve, such as your natural tooth shape.
02
Review the assessment
Ask the dentist to separate the findings that need care from changes that are optional. If further investigations are suggested, ask what question they will answer and how the result might affect the plan.
03
Compare the options
Review the proposed work, alternatives, expected appointments and itemised costs. Ask for time to consider an updated proposal if the in-person examination changes the original discussion.
04
Agree the next step
Leave the consultation knowing what you have agreed, what remains undecided and who will contact you next. Keep your quote, appointment details and follow-up arrangements together.
Keep These Details With Your Plan
- The specific concern being addressed and the agreed treatment or investigation.
- Any decisions that depend on further findings, with the person responsible for explaining them.
- An itemised estimate, appointment sequence and written description of the follow-up arrangements.
- A copy of relevant records and the clinical contact to use for questions after the visit.
More Questions, Answered
Is a 3D scan needed for every treatment?
Ask the clinician what additional information would be needed in your case and why. The choice of imaging should address a clinical question rather than simply form part of every package.
Can I send a scan I already have?
Ask the team which file format they can review and how to transfer it securely. Include the date and the purpose of the previous examination so the clinician can assess its relevance.
Will someone explain the results?
Ask who will review the images and discuss the findings with you. Before proceeding, request a clear explanation of any result that changes the proposed treatment or requires another opinion.
Sources and Further Reading
General information to help you prepare for a dental consultation. Your diagnosis, options and treatment plan require an individual clinical assessment.
