3D X-Ray (CBCT) Imaging at Root Pediatric Dentistry

High-Level Overview

At Root Holistic Pediatric Dentistry, we use advanced 3D X-ray imaging (CBCT) to see far beyond what traditional dental X-rays can show. This technology allows us to evaluate your child's teeth, jaws, airway, and facial structures in three dimensions, helping us identify underlying issues that can impact breathing, sleep, growth, and overall health.

We use the Planmeca Viso G5 cone-beam imaging system:

This system was designed for patients who may have difficulty remaining perfectly still, making it especially well suited for children. With ultra-low radiation protocols and motion-correction technology, it provides exceptional diagnostic detail while prioritizing your child's safety and comfort.

What Is a 3D X-Ray (CBCT) and Why It Matters for Children

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a specialized imaging system that captures detailed 3-D views of the teeth, jaws, sinuses, and airway in a single scan. Unlike traditional 2-D dental X-rays, which flatten complex anatomy, CBCT allows clinicians to view structures from multiple angles and at a true 1:1 scale.

CBCT is widely used in dentistry and medicine to evaluate airway size, jaw development, impacted teeth, and skeletal relationships:

For children, this is especially important. CBCT imaging can help identify narrow airways, restricted jaw growth, and anatomical contributors to mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing. Early identification allows for conservative, growth-guided care during childhood—often reducing the need for more invasive treatment later in life.

General dentists often rely on standard bitewing or panoramic X-rays. Pediatric dentists with airway training understand when 3D imaging is appropriate and how to interpret it in the context of a growing child.

Advanced Technology with a Child-Centered Focus

The Planmeca Viso G5 offers Ultra Low Dose (ULD) imaging protocols that significantly reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional medical CT scans, while still producing high-quality diagnostic images:

Its fast scan times and built-in motion-correction technology help reduce artifacts caused by movement—an important consideration when imaging children. Fewer retakes mean less stress and less radiation exposure.

This technology allows us to:

• Visualize airway volume and shape
• Identify areas of airway restriction
• Evaluate jaw position and growth patterns

These insights are essential when planning airway-focused care, myofunctional therapy, or determining whether additional interventions—such as orthodontic guidance or a frenulum release—may be beneficial.

Why Pediatric Expertise Makes a Difference

Interpreting a CBCT scan for a child is fundamentally different than interpreting one for an adult. Children are still growing, and their bones, teeth, and airway structures change rapidly.

Our pediatric dentist completed two additional years of hospital-based specialty training at Children's Mercy Hospital, one of the nation's leading children's hospitals:

That training included caring for infants and children with complex airway, developmental, and medical needs—experience that directly informs how advanced imaging is used and interpreted.

Rather than using 3D X-rays routinely or unnecessarily, we take a thoughtful, child-specific approach. When CBCT imaging is indicated, it is used to answer precise clinical questions and guide conservative, growth-focused care. This holistic, airway-centered philosophy helps us identify root causes early—something that can be missed when imaging is viewed only through the lens of teeth rather than the whole child.