Dental Imaging: What We Take, Why,
and How Much Radiation.

Small images of the back teeth crowns, capturing upper and lower teeth biting together. The primary tool for detecting cavities between teeth and checking bone level around back teeth. Typically two to four images per visit when indicated.

Shows a whole tooth from crown to root tip, plus the surrounding bone. Used for diagnosing root canal infection, abscesses, root fractures, and assessing individual tooth-level problems.

A single curved image showing all teeth, both jaws, sinuses, and the temporomandibular joints. Used for general assessment, wisdom teeth evaluation, orthodontic overview, and screening for cysts or pathology.

A side-view image of the skull and jaws. Used for orthodontic and orthognathic surgical planning, where the relationship between upper jaw, lower jaw and skull base needs precise measurement.

A true three-dimensional scan of the jaws. Used for implant planning, complex extractions, cysts and pathology, airway assessment, and root canal anatomy in difficult cases. Provides volumetric data measurable to within a fraction of a millimetre.

Not an X-ray. The iTero is an optical digital impression of the visible tooth surfaces and gums, used for Invisalign, veneers, crowns and restorative planning. Zero radiation. Listed here because patients often ask whether it replaces an X-ray, it does not, it answers a different question.

All six Picasso branches use digital X-ray sensors, not film. Digital sensors require up to 80% less radiation than the film many patients remember from older clinics, with instant on-screen review and no chemical processing.

You do not need to travel to a separate radiology centre for implant planning. CBCT 3D is available at our flagship branches, with files transferred internally between locations within 24 hours where needed.

Standard protocol on every patient, every X-ray, regardless of type. Lead protection costs nothing and adds a margin of safety, particularly for children, pregnant patients in emergencies, and patients with frequent imaging needs.

As Low As Reasonably Achievable. We image when there is a clinical question that imaging answers, with the smallest field of view and lowest dose protocol that gives us a diagnostic result. We do not take routine X-rays without justification.

All imaging is archived permanently in your digital record. We can compare today's X-ray with one from three years ago to track bone level changes, watch a small lesion, or confirm a finding has not changed. Your imaging is your record.

DICOM files for CBCT, JPEG or PNG for 2D images, by email or USB, free of charge. International patients regularly request copies to share with their home dentist before or after treatment in Vietnam.

Visual exam first. Bitewings if you are due (typically every 24 months in adults at average caries risk) or if visual signs suggest decay between teeth.

Periapical X-ray of the suspect tooth. Sometimes a second periapical from a different angle, or a CBCT slice if root anatomy is unclear.

Panoramic OPG first, to see all four wisdom teeth and their position. CBCT 3D added if a lower wisdom tooth root sits close to the inferior alveolar nerve canal, where 3D anatomy changes the surgical approach.

Always CBCT 3D. We measure bone width and height, locate the inferior alveolar nerve and sinus floor, and plan implant size and angulation in surgical software before any surgery is scheduled.

Panoramic OPG plus cephalometric, the standard orthodontic imaging set. Used for treatment planning by Dr. Thuan Phung or Dr. Toan Le before braces or Invisalign starts.

Periapical X-rays before, during and after the procedure. CBCT added in complex cases (curved canals, suspected accessory canals, retreatment) where 2D imaging cannot resolve the root anatomy clearly.

Panoramic OPG to identify the lesion, then CBCT to map its full three-dimensional extent and relationship to adjacent structures before surgical management or biopsy.

Periapical of the affected tooth, plus panoramic if jaw fracture is suspected. CBCT in cases where root fracture or alveolar bone fracture cannot be clearly seen on 2D imaging.

Routine X-rays are postponed during pregnancy. Elective treatment that needs imaging waits until after delivery wherever possible.

If a dental emergency requires imaging (severe infection, trauma, unmanageable pain), we image with full lead apron and thyroid collar, using the smallest field of view needed.

The dose to the fetus from a properly shielded dental X-ray is extremely low (well below 1 uSv to the abdomen), but our default is to defer.

We will discuss the decision with you, and your obstetrician where appropriate, before any imaging during pregnancy.

Bitewings start at age 6 if cavity risk warrants, typically when the back teeth touch and visual inspection can no longer detect decay between them.

Panoramic OPG is used in mixed dentition (around age 10) to assess developing permanent teeth, missing teeth, supernumerary teeth or impacted canines.

We use paediatric protocols with reduced dose settings, child-sized sensors, and lead apron protection.

Children with low caries risk and no clinical signs do not need routine bitewings every visit. We image only when the visual exam raises a question.

General Dentist. Reviews routine imaging at consultations and recall visits, prescribes bitewings, periapicals and panoramics for general dental care.

General Dentist. Diagnostic imaging review for general dentistry, root canal cases and restorative planning across our branches.

Implant Specialist. Prescribes and interprets CBCT 3D scans for every implant case, planning implant size, angulation and position in surgical software before surgery.

Founding Clinical Director. Sets imaging protocols and ALARA standards group-wide, reviews complex pathology cases and second-opinion imaging requests.