What does a CBCT show in periodontitis that a normal X-ray does not?

A digital volume tomogram (CBCT) provides a three-dimensional image of the bone. While a conventional panoramic X-ray shows only a two-dimensional projection, CBCT can represent bone loss in all three spatial dimensions — including vertical bone defects that often remain hidden on a 2D image. This precision is particularly crucial when planning implant treatment after periodontitis.

How does an intraoral scanner detect gum recession?

The intraoral scanner creates a precise 3D model of the dentition at each recall appointment. By comparing successive scans, the software can document minimal changes in the gum line to the millimeter — changes that would be missed by the naked eye or manual probing. This documentation is particularly valuable for early detection of periodontitis recurrence.

When is bone loss considered clinically relevant?

Bone loss is clinically relevant when it extends more than 2 mm below the normal alveolar crest or affects more than one-third of the root length. Digital diagnostics enable detection and documentation of earlier stages — before clinical symptoms such as tooth mobility or periodontal pockets greater than 5 mm appear.

Can periodontitis be completely cured?

Periodontitis is not curable in the sense of complete restoration of lost bone. However, it is manageable: through consistent treatment and follow-up care, disease progression can be halted. Digital documentation of disease progression is an important tool for objectively measuring treatment success and responding promptly to relapses.

What role does periodontitis diagnostics play before implant treatment?

Active periodontitis is a relative contraindication for implants. The bacteria that cause periodontitis (particularly Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis) can also trigger peri-implantitis — an inflammation around the implant that can lead to implant loss. Before any implant planning, therefore, complete periodontal treatment and digital documentation of the baseline findings should be performed.

Digital Periodontal Diagnostics

Patient Guide approx. 8 min.

How modern imaging and digital documentation have fundamentally changed the early detection of periodontitis and bone loss — and what that means for you as a patient.

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Contents of this guide

What is Periodontology?

Periodontology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the periodontium — the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament. Periodontitis is a bacterial inflammation that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

Modern digital diagnostics (CBCT, periodontal status, microbiology) enables precise findings documentation and individualized therapy planning.

Benefits of This Treatment

Improved quality of life through freedom from symptoms

Long-term solution with correct diagnosis and treatment

State-of-the-art procedures enable gentler interventions

Documented treatment quality through digital diagnostics

Transparent communication about all treatment steps

What Should Be Clarified Beforehand

Complete medical history: provide all conditions, medications, and allergies

Submit current X-rays or CBCT images

Clarify cost estimates and insurance coverage

Discuss treatment alternatives

Plan timeline: How many appointments are needed? When can I return to work?

Establish follow-up plan and recall intervals

All prices stated on this page are average market reference values for the Austrian market (as of 2025). These are expressly not fixed prices of the Institute or any specific practice. Actual costs may vary significantly depending on clinical findings, scope of treatment, chosen material, and the individual practice. Binding cost information is available exclusively through a personalised treatment cost estimate (Heilkostenplan) from your treating dentist.

Further Guides

Self-Test

Periodontitis Self-Test: Digital Risk Check

Interactive self-assessment with instant evaluation

Patient Guide

Periodontitis & Implants

What patients need to know

Patient Guide

DVT/3D X-Ray Explained

Patient information

Clinical Partner

Consultation at Smile4Life

For a clinical assessment of your individual situation — in Vienna, 1010.

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Medical note: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice from a licensed dentist or specialist. The Institute for Implantology and Digital Dentistry Vienna is a non-profit, independent scientific platform — not a treatment facility. All content reflects current scientific literature; individual treatment decisions must always be made in consultation with a qualified dental professional.

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