Some dental problems require more information than can be gathered through a visual examination alone.
At West Hampstead Medical Dental Spa, we provide CBCT and OPG dental imaging in West Hampstead to support diagnosis, treatment planning and the assessment of teeth, jaws, bone and surrounding structures.
Dental imaging may be recommended when a dentist needs a broader view of the mouth or more detailed information about a particular area.
Depending on your individual needs, imaging may support assessment for dental implants, wisdom teeth, complex extractions, root canal treatment and other dental concerns.
Our approach focuses on selecting the appropriate investigation according to clinical need rather than recommending additional scans automatically.
CBCT stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography.
It is a specialised dental imaging technique that produces three-dimensional views of the teeth, jaws and surrounding anatomical structures.
Unlike a conventional dental X-ray, which provides a two-dimensional image, CBCT allows the dentist to examine dental structures from different perspectives.
A CBCT scan may help assess:
CBCT is particularly useful when additional three-dimensional information may influence diagnosis or treatment planning.
However, not every dental condition requires a CBCT scan. Your dentist will recommend it only when clinically justified.
An OPG (Orthopantomogram) is a panoramic dental X-ray that provides a broad two-dimensional image of the teeth and jaws.
Unlike a small dental X-ray that focuses on a limited area, an OPG captures an overview of the mouth in a single panoramic image.
It can help show:
An OPG may be recommended when a dentist needs to assess several areas of the mouth together.
It can be useful for wisdom tooth assessment, missing teeth, orthodontic concerns, extraction planning and other cases requiring a wider dental overview.
CBCT and OPG provide different types of dental imaging.
OPG Dental X-Ray
An OPG provides a two-dimensional panoramic view of the teeth and jaws. It is commonly used for wisdom teeth, impacted teeth, missing teeth and general jaw assessment.
CBCT Dental Scan
CBCT produces three-dimensional images of the teeth, bone and surrounding structures. It may be useful for dental implants, complex extractions and selected root canal cases.
Which Scan Do You Need?
Neither scan is automatically better. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate imaging based on your individual clinical needs.
Dental imaging may be recommended when examination alone does not provide enough information for diagnosis or treatment planning.
Possible reasons include:
The type of imaging required depends on the condition being assessed and the information already available.
Your dentist will explain why CBCT, OPG or another dental X-ray may be appropriate for your individual case.
Dental implant treatment requires careful assessment of the proposed implant site and surrounding structures.
Before treatment begins, your dentist may need information about:
A CBCT scan may be recommended when three-dimensional information is required to support implant planning.
The scan can help the dental team understand the anatomical features of the treatment area and plan the proposed procedure.
The investigations required will depend on your individual circumstances and treatment plan.
Wisdom teeth can vary considerably in their position and development.
Some emerge normally, while others remain partly or completely beneath the gum.
Dental imaging may help assess:
An OPG may provide a useful panoramic overview of the wisdom teeth and jaws.
In selected cases, CBCT may be recommended when additional three-dimensional information is required to understand the relationship between a wisdom tooth and surrounding structures.
The appropriate imaging method depends on the individual tooth and the planned treatment.
Root canal problems are generally assessed using clinical examination and conventional dental X-rays.
However, some cases may require additional investigation.
CBCT may be considered when a dentist needs more information about:
Three-dimensional imaging can sometimes provide information that may not be apparent on conventional two-dimensional X-rays.
CBCT is not automatically required for every root canal treatment.
Your dentist will recommend additional imaging only where it may provide clinically useful information.
Dental imaging can be an important part of planning certain tooth extractions and oral-surgery procedures.
Before treatment, your dentist may need to assess:
A conventional dental X-ray may provide sufficient information for many extractions.
For some wisdom teeth, impacted teeth or more complex surgical cases, an OPG or CBCT scan may be considered.
The purpose is to understand the treatment area before proceeding and to support appropriate surgical planning.
No. Most dental appointments do not automatically require CBCT or OPG imaging.
Your dentist will consider several factors before recommending an investigation, including:
Dental imaging uses ionising radiation, so each investigation should have a clear clinical justification.
Where existing examinations or images provide sufficient information, additional imaging may not be necessary.
New patients do not need to decide for themselves whether they require CBCT or OPG before booking an appointment.
A dental assessment can help determine which investigation, if any, is appropriate.
The cost of dental imaging may vary depending on the type of investigation required.
West Hampstead Medical Dental Spa does not currently publish a fixed standard fee for CBCT or OPG imaging on its main treatment-fee page.
The applicable cost may depend on factors such as:
Your dental team can explain the recommended investigation and applicable fee before imaging is arranged.
West Hampstead Medical Dental Spa provides dental assessment and imaging-related services from its private dental practice in West Hampstead, London NW6.
Our clinic is located opposite West Hampstead Thameslink Station, offering convenient access for patients and referring dental professionals across North West London.
Our approach to dental diagnostics focuses on appropriate imaging, clear explanations and treatment planning based on individual clinical needs.
West Hampstead Medical Dental Spa is open seven days a week, providing flexibility for dental appointments and assessment.
Before dental imaging is arranged, your dentist will identify the information needed to assess your dental concern.
This may involve:
Dental Examination
Your dentist examines the relevant teeth, gums and surrounding structures.
Review of Dental History
Previous dental treatment, symptoms and existing concerns are considered.
Review of Previous Imaging
Where available and suitable, previous dental X-rays may be reviewed before further imaging is recommended.
Selection of Imaging
Your dentist determines whether a conventional dental X-ray, OPG or CBCT scan is appropriate.
Explanation of the Investigation
The purpose of the recommended scan can be explained before imaging is arranged.
The aim is to select an investigation that answers the relevant clinical question without unnecessary imaging.
Once the imaging has been completed, the findings are reviewed alongside your clinical information.
Your dentist may consider:
The results may help determine:
A dental scan is one part of the diagnostic process rather than a diagnosis by itself.
Your dentist will explain the findings and relevant next steps based on your individual circumstances.
West Hampstead Medical Dental Spa also supports CBCT scan and dental X-ray referrals where clinically appropriate.
This allows imaging to form part of a professional referral pathway for patients who may be receiving their main dental treatment elsewhere.
Referral-based imaging may support:
A referral should identify the clinical reason for imaging and the information required by the referring dentist.
Referring professionals should contact the practice to confirm:
CBCT is a three-dimensional dental imaging technique that can provide detailed information about teeth, bone and surrounding anatomy.
OPG stands for orthopantomogram.
It is a panoramic dental X-ray that provides a broad view of the teeth and jaws.
An OPG provides a two-dimensional panoramic image.
CBCT provides three-dimensional information.
The appropriate option depends on what your dentist needs to assess.
CBCT may be recommended where three-dimensional information is needed for implant assessment and treatment planning.
Not every patient requires exactly the same investigations.
Yes.
CBCT may sometimes be useful where detailed information about a wisdom tooth and surrounding structures is clinically required.
Yes.
An OPG can provide a broad image of the teeth and jaws and may be useful during wisdom tooth assessment.
No.
Most root canal cases do not automatically require CBCT.
It may be considered in selected cases where additional three-dimensional information is required.
This depends on how the imaging is being arranged.
Patients undergoing treatment at Medical Dental Spa may be assessed directly, while professional referral pathways may involve a request from a dentist.
Contact the practice for the appropriate route.
Medical Dental Spa currently advertises CBCT Scan and X-Ray referrals.
Referral requirements should be confirmed directly with the practice.
No.
CBCT produces three-dimensional images, while conventional dental X-rays are two-dimensional.
No.
An OPG is useful for certain broader assessments but may not provide the detail needed for every dental condition.
Your dentist should decide which imaging method is appropriate based on your symptoms, examination and treatment needs.
Sometimes.
Dental X-rays may be recommended before extraction, while CBCT or OPG may be considered depending on the tooth and complexity.
Medical Dental Spa does not currently publish a fixed standard CBCT or OPG fee on its main treatment-fee page.
The relevant cost should be confirmed based on the imaging required.
Yes.
You do not need to diagnose your own imaging requirement.
Book a dental assessment and your dentist can advise whether CBCT, OPG or another investigation is appropriate.
