CBCT volumes are stored as DICOM and read in dedicated viewing and planning software. Implant planning and AI segmentation tools depend on clean DICOM import.
How it differs from 2D imaging
A panoramic or intraoral X-ray is a flat projection. CBCT reconstructs a volume that can be sliced in any plane, showing bone width, nerve position and root anatomy. The field of view ranges from a few teeth to the whole skull.
Software around CBCT
Viewing software ships with the unit. Implant planning software merges the volume with a surface scan to design a surgical guide. AI segmentation tools label teeth, nerves and bone automatically. All depend on exporting the volume as standard DICOM.
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More glossary terms
Ambient AI scribeBAA (Business Associate Agreement)Case acceptance rateCDT codesCE marking (EU MDR)ClearinghouseCloud PMSData conversionDeferred interestDental chartingDICOMDSO (dental service organization)ERA (electronic remittance advice)FDA 510(k) clearanceHIPAAHuman in the loopNet collection ratioOpen APIOpen vs closed architecturePeriodontal chartingPMS (practice management system)Real-time eligibilitySOC 2 Type IISoft credit checkSTL, PLY and OBJ filesTCO (total cost of ownership)Tooth surfaces and numberingWrite-back (PMS integration)