04/17/2026
Case of a middle-aged adult with an infected wisdom tooth — here’s why 3D imaging made all the difference.
Traditional panoramic X-rays are 2-dimensional, giving us a flat view of complex anatomy. Today, cone beam CT (CBCT) scans can be processed through AI segmentation software to visualize the bone, teeth, and nerves as separate, distinct structures — and rotated in any direction to truly understand their relationships.
After our early 20s, wisdom tooth removal becomes more challenging. The roots are fully formed, the bone is denser, and the risks increase — most critically, the risk of injuring the inferior alveolar nerve, which runs through the lower jaw. Damage to this nerve can result in permanent numbness, tingling, or pain in the lip, chin, and gum.
In this case, the 3D CBCT clearly showed the nerve running along the inner surface of the wisdom tooth root — something the 2D panoramic X-ray alone couldn’t fully show. That information allowed me to plan exactly where to safely remove bone and deliver the tooth while protecting the nerve. Immediately after surgery, I was able to confirm the patient had full sensation — a great outcome.
Advances in imaging like this allow us to operate with more precision, more confidence, and ultimately, deliver safer outcomes for our patients.