3D Dental X-Rays
Not knowing what’s actually going on beneath the surface, in a root, a jawbone, or an area you can’t see or feel, is its own kind of stressful. A 3D dental X-ray, also called cone beam computed tomography, captures a complete three-dimensional view of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures, revealing details that traditional flat X-rays can miss entirely. As part of our Specialty Services, it’s the imaging that gives you and your dentist a clear picture before any treatment decision gets made, whether that’s an implant, a root canal, or orthodontic care. Emerald Dental provides 3D dental X-rays at both our Lakewood and Littleton offices.
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What Is a 3D Dental X-Ray
A 3D dental X-ray uses cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to create detailed three-dimensional images of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures from multiple angles. Unlike a traditional two-dimensional dental X-ray, CBCT gives your dentist a more complete view of areas that may be difficult to evaluate with standard imaging alone. These detailed images can help with diagnosing certain dental conditions and planning treatments such as dental implants, extractions, and other procedures where understanding the position of teeth, roots, bone, and nearby anatomy is important.
How a 3D Dental X-Ray Works
Conversation and Assessment.
You’ll talk through your concerns and dental history, and your dentist will determine whether a 3D scan is the right next step for what you’re dealing with.
The Scan.
The scan itself takes less than a minute and requires no special preparation, just sit back while the imaging captures a full three-dimensional view.
Reviewing Your Results.
Your images are ready almost immediately, and your dentist walks you through what they show in plain terms, then outlines next steps based on what’s found.
Benefits of 3D Dental X-Rays
The value of a 3D scan comes down to seeing the full picture before a decision gets made, not after.
Reveals hidden issues, like infections or bone loss, that flat X-rays can miss
Supports more precise implant, root canal, and orthodontic planning
Fast and painless, with results ready in under a minute
Lower radiation exposure compared to a traditional CT scan
Fewer surprises during treatment, since your dentist sees the full anatomy beforehand
Why Emerald Dental for 3D Dental X-Rays
Scan protocols are calibrated to capture what’s actually needed for your specific concern, not a generic full scan every time, which keeps radiation exposure as low as it can be. Your dentist reviews the images with you directly, explaining what they show in plain language before any treatment gets recommended. Both our Lakewood and Littleton offices offer the same standard of care. Meet our doctors on our About Us page.
What Patients Are Saying
Real feedback from real patients across our Lakewood and Littleton offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When would I need a 3D dental X-ray instead of a regular one?
A 3D scan is typically recommended for more complex situations, like planning a dental implant, evaluating unexplained tooth or jaw pain, or getting a detailed look at root canal anatomy or orthodontic alignment. A regular X-ray is often enough for routine checkups, and your dentist will let you know when the added detail of a 3D scan actually matters for your care.
Is the scan uncomfortable?
No, the scan is completely painless and noninvasive, you simply sit still while the machine captures images around you. Most patients describe it as easier than a traditional X-ray since there’s no biting down on anything.
Is the radiation from a 3D scan safe?
Yes, 3D dental X-rays use a low, carefully calibrated dose of radiation, and exposure is generally lower than a traditional CT scan. Scan protocols are adjusted to capture only what’s needed for your specific situation.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available right after your scan, so your dentist can review the images and discuss findings with you the same visit in most cases. There’s no waiting days to understand what’s going on.
Do I need a referral to get a 3D dental X-ray?
No, a referral generally isn’t needed, your dentist can order a 3D scan directly as part of your evaluation if it would genuinely help with diagnosis or treatment planning. It’s an in-house step, not a separate specialist visit.
See What's Actually Going On, Clearly
The right treatment starts with knowing exactly what’s happening beneath the surface. 3D dental X-rays give your dentist a more complete view of your teeth, roots, jaw, and surrounding structures so decisions can be made with greater precision. Emerald Dental provides 3D dental imaging at our Lakewood and Littleton offices. Schedule a visit and get the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
Find Us
Two Convenient Locations
Both offices are open Monday through Thursday and accept new patients of all ages.
Lakewood
Emerald Dental Lakewood
12093-A West Alameda Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80228
Littleton
Emerald Dental Littleton
2731 W Belleview Ave, Littleton, CO 80123