As dental technology has evolved, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become a cornerstone of diagnosis and treatment planning, particularly in implant dentistry. However, advances in imaging are extending beyond the acquisition of 3D scans. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way that clinicians analyze and interpret 2D radiographs, accelerating the detection of issues and streamlining diagnosis across panoramic, bitewing, and periapical views. As today's dental professionals are increasingly turning to AI-powered imaging tools to enhance clinical accuracy, reduce inefficiencies, and improve patient care, new AI solutions for CBCT are being developed to help them realize these benefits in 3D imaging.
The High Cost of Imaging Errors
Despite the widespread adoption of CBCT, research has shown that up to 60% of CBCT scans contain at least one imaging error. These errors, which are often introduced during acquisition from things like patient movement or incorrect field-of-view or resolution settings, can compromise diagnostic clarity, delay treatment, and lead to repeat scans that increase radiation exposure and operating costs.
In implant dentistry, where precision is paramount, flawed scans can result in significant problems. Laboratories may reject incomplete or distorted images, requiring patients to be rescheduled and scanned again. Even worse, unnoticed errors can affect surgical planning or stent fabrication, which can result in suboptimal outcomes.
Beyond the clinical ramifications, the financial burden of CBCT retakes can be considerable. Each retake consumes staff time, disrupts workflows, and may introduce additional laboratory delays-all of which results in additional cost and frustration for the practice while also eroding patient satisfaction and trust.
AI Enters the Operatory
Although the application of AI in dentistry is not new, its extension into real-time 3D validation is a recent development. Thus far, AI tools have focused on the interpretation of 2D radiographs, with FDA-cleared systems now assisting clinicians in detecting pathologies in panoramic and bitewing images. The leap to training AI to evaluate 3D, volumetric data brought new challenges, but with them have come new opportunities.
AI-based CBCT validation tools can now assess image quality the moment a scan is acquired. Instead of discovering errors hours or even days later, clinicians receive instant feedback while the patient is still in the chair. This timely insight permits immediate corrective action, eliminating the need for patient recall and enabling confident progression into treatment planning.
And this isn't just a win for dentists. Dental hygienists are also seeing benefits. Because hygienists are often the ones capturing radiographs, real-time feedback from AI tools can provide them with immediate confirmation that the image quality meets clinical standards. This helps reduce the need for retakes, boosts confidence, and ensures that hygienists who are still gaining expertise in clinical imaging deliver diagnostic-ready scans. For practices that have adopted a collaborative care model, this adds another layer of efficiency and reinforces the hygienist's critical role in early detection and diagnostic support.
A Closer Look at Real-Time Validation
One example of an AI-based CBCT validation solution is VELMENI's 3D Verify™. Operating on a pay-per-scan model, the platform performs automated quality checks across 60 unique clinical and technical parameters, flagging issues such as insufficient field-of-view, patient motion artifacts, incomplete jaw or sinus coverage, poor resolution for surgical planning, and symmetry or tilt that could affect stent design. These checks help ensure that the CBCT scan meets the necessary diagnostic standards before moving forward with treatment planning or laboratory workflows. Importantly, this process occurs automatically and instantly, allowing clinicians to course-correct in real time.
Improving Diagnostic Confidence and Documentation
With real-time validation in place, clinicians can reduce their reliance on external radiology reviews or last-minute laboratory corrections. This not only expedites decision-making but also enhances documentation. Furthermore, when real-time validation is combined with AI-powered report generating software with decision support tools, such as VELMENI's EasyRiter®, which simplifies CBCT interpretation into clear anatomical summaries, it helps create a more defensible clinical record. This has implications for both case communication and risk management.
For hygienists, tools such as EasyRiter also make it easier to communicate findings and support documentation. When anatomical reports are automatically generated and clearly structured, hygienists can help preview cases more effectively, flag anomalies for the dentist, and enhance the overall continuity of care.
By supporting consistent, high-quality imaging, these tools help clinicians meet their obligation to evaluate all findings within a scan-not only dental anomalies but also incidental or systemic pathoses. With growing scrutiny around the responsibilities of radiographic interpretation, having AI as a first-pass filter helps practitioners remain confident in maintaining compliance.
Strategic Impact on Practice Efficiency
From a business perspective, reducing retakes and delays translates into significant cost savings. More importantly, it frees up chair time, reduces scheduling friction, and keeps laboratory workflows moving-all of which improve the patient experience and operational flow. When imaging is performed correctly the first time, cases proceed without interruption. Patients are not inconvenienced by rescheduling; laboratory partners receive high-quality data sets promptly; and practices avoid absorbing unnecessary overhead. Over time, this improves reputation, profitability, and peace of mind. In addition, real-time CBCT validation supports higher treatment acceptance rates. Clinicians who trust their scans are better equipped to explain findings, demonstrate treatment needs, and guide patients toward timely decisions. With clearer images, enhanced reports, and fewer delays, the path from consultation to procedure becomes smoother for everyone involved.
Mitigating Risk in a Litigious Landscape
Legal exposure related to CBCT interpretation is a growing concern. Clinicians are responsible for all structures captured in the scan volume, not just those related to dental findings. Real-time validation reduces the risk of overlooking findings in incomplete or misaligned images that may later raise clinical or legal challenges. By integrating AI-based tools into the imaging protocol, dental practices can document that quality assurance processes were followed, image clarity was confirmed, and key structures were reviewed before treatment decisions were made. This offers a valuable layer of protection in today's risk-sensitive environment.
Practical Implementation and Scalability
One advantage of modern AI imaging tools is their ease of implementation. Many are web-based or cloud-native and require minimal IT support and no changes to practice management software or hardware configurations. Because solutions such as 3D Verify™ operate on a pay-as-you-scan basis, even low-volume practices can adopt the technology without heavy upfront investment. Moreover, these tools complement existing workflows. They can be used alongside radiologist reviews, CAD/CAM systems, or other digital planning platforms. Rather than replacing the clinician's judgment, they enhance it-offering fast, reliable feedback that keeps cases moving forward. And because large DICOM files don't need to be downloaded to in-house servers, clinicians can securely transfer scans, along with all necessary case files, directly to their preferred laboratories through a secure portal, saving time and simplifying collaboration.
Looking Ahead
As the use of AI continues to develop in dentistry, its role in diagnosis, treatment planning, documentation, and even things like claims processing will expand. For now, real-time CBCT validation offers one of the most practical and impactful applications by solving a persistent problem with a simple, accessible solution. The benefits are clear: fewer errors, faster workflows, stronger documentation, and better clinical outcomes. For practices seeking to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality, integrating real-time CBCT validation into the imaging workflow is not just a smart move, it is fast becoming a standard of care.
About the Author
Maxine Feinberg, DDS, is a periodontist in Cranford, New Jersey, who serves as chief strategy officer for VELMENI.
Figures and Images
Maxine Feinberg, DDS
