Virtual Treatment Planning
Virtual treatment planning uses 3D imaging and specialized software to simulate dental procedures, improving precision, outcomes, and communication.
Category: Dental Imaging & Diagnostics
Dental imaging and diagnostics is where clinical findings become measurable. This section of the Rebrief Dental Glossary defines the imaging modalities, diagnostic tests, and assessment frameworks that drive treatment decisions. Imaging entries cover the full spectrum: bitewing, periapical, panoramic, and cephalometric x-rays; CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) for 3D volumes; intraoral scanning for digital impressions; and the DICOM standards that move images between systems. Diagnostic entries cover the clinical examination itself (periodontal exam, cold sensitivity test, percussion testing, tooth vitality assessment), risk-assessment tools (caries risk evaluation, bite force analysis), and the AI-assisted diagnostic tools increasingly built into modern practices. We also cover the radiation-safety vocabulary (ALARA, scatter radiation) that every operator working with x-rays needs to know. Each entry explains what the test or modality measures, when it’s indicated, what findings it produces, and how those findings feed into the diagnoses defined in the conditions section and the treatments defined in the procedures section. Whether you’re studying for boards, training a new assistant on imaging protocols, or explaining a finding to a patient, this is a fast reference for the diagnostic terminology in modern dental practice.
Scatter Radiation
Scatter radiation in dental X-rays degrades image quality and raises patient dose. Discover what causes it, its impact on radiographs, and control methods.
Standard Tessellation Language (STL)
Standard Tessellation Language (STL) is the 3D file format at the core of digital dentistry, connecting intraoral scanners, CAD/CAM software, and 3D printers.
Tele-dentistry Consultation
A tele-dentistry consultation delivers remote dental care via digital tools. Learn how it works, when to use it, and its role in modern diagnostics.
Transillumination
Transillumination uses light to detect hidden caries, cracks, and fractures in teeth — a non-invasive diagnostic method for catching damage early.
Percussion Testing
Percussion testing is a quick dental diagnostic technique that uses tooth tapping to detect periapical inflammation, abscesses, and periodontal disease.
Tooth Vitality Assessment
Tooth vitality assessment tests determine whether dental pulp is alive using cold, heat, and electric stimuli — essential for accurate endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
Periodontal Exam
A periodontal exam evaluates gum tissue health, probing depths, and alveolar bone support to detect and stage periodontal disease before symptoms appear.
Oral Hygiene Assessment
An oral hygiene assessment evaluates plaque, calculus, and gingival health to guide periodontal diagnosis and patient care. Learn what clinicians measure.
Salivary Flow Rate
Salivary flow rate measures saliva output in mL/min, serving as a key diagnostic marker for xerostomia, caries risk, and overall glandular health.