Reviewed by Dr. Nicole M. Berger, DDS — South Florida Smile Spa, Pompano Beach, FL
The Orthophos S 3D at South Florida Smile Spa is the one imaging unit behind every panoramic X-ray and 3D cone-beam scan taken in the practice, and the reason patients looking for a 3D dental scanner in Pompano Beach rarely need to be sent elsewhere for imaging. Made by Dentsply Sirona, it combines a digital panoramic X-ray, extraoral bitewings and cone-beam CT in a single machine with automatic positioning, so Dr. Nicole M. Berger can go from a routine overview of the whole mouth to a detailed 3D view of one implant site without moving you to another room or booking an outside radiology appointment. This page explains what the unit does, which scan is used when, and what the experience is like.
Quick answer
The Orthophos S 3D is a digital imaging unit that takes panoramic X-rays, extraoral bitewings and 3D cone-beam scans in one machine, with sensors that need a fraction of the radiation of film and software that positions you automatically. South Florida Smile Spa in Pompano Beach uses it for the overview X-ray at new-patient and periodic exams, for extraoral bitewings in patients who gag on sensors, and for 3D scans when implants, impacted teeth, root problems, jaw joints or sinuses need a three-dimensional view. Scans take seconds, are reviewed on screen with you, and are stored so later questions start from the images on file.
One Unit, Three Scans
A 3D dental scanner in Pompano Beach: what the Orthophos S 3D does
Three kinds of image come from the same machine, and Dr. Berger chooses the smallest one that answers the question.
- Panoramic X-ray. A single sweep that shows all the teeth, both jaws, the sinuses and the jaw joints on one image, used at new-patient exams and every few years after.
- Extraoral bitewings. Cavity-detecting bitewing views taken from outside the mouth, for patients who cannot tolerate a sensor between the teeth.
- 3D cone-beam scan. A volumetric image of a region or the whole jaw for implants, surgery, root fractures, TMJ and sinus questions.
- Automatic positioning. Sensors and guides set your head position, which cuts the retakes that used to be the biggest source of extra exposure.
- Low-dose modes. Digital sensors and selectable fields of view keep the dose to the minimum for each scan type.
The FDA’s page on medical X-ray imaging explains the benefits and the dose considerations of X-ray imaging, which guide how each scan here is chosen.
The Experience
Having a scan on the Orthophos S 3D
- Metal off. Glasses, earrings, hair clips and removable dentures come out; a lead apron is placed.
- Positioning. You stand or sit, bite gently on a rest, and the unit aligns itself to your head; a light shows the correct position.
- Scan. The arm sweeps around you in about ten to fourteen seconds for a panoramic or 3D image, a few seconds for bitewings. You hold still and breathe normally.
- Review. Images appear on the screen within a minute and Dr. Berger walks you through them.
- Planning. Implant, surgical and orthodontic plans are built on the images, which stay on file.
Why one in-office unit matters
Before the Orthophos, a patient needing a 3D scan was sent to an imaging center, which meant another appointment, another fee and a delay before planning could begin. Having panoramic, bitewing and cone-beam imaging in the office means an implant consultation, a wisdom-tooth assessment or a TMJ workup is completed the same visit, and the images are reviewed with you while you are in the chair. The cone beam imaging page explains when a 3D scan is used, and the panoramic X-rays page the overview film.
Radiation and safety
Digital sensors need a fraction of the exposure of film, automatic positioning avoids retakes, and the field of view on a 3D scan is limited to the region in question. A panoramic image is roughly the dose of a few days of natural background radiation; a limited cone-beam scan is more, but a small fraction of a medical CT. Lead aprons and thyroid collars are used, pregnant patients are scanned only when urgent, and no image is taken without a reason. The ADA’s guidance on dental X-rays is the standard followed for how often X-rays are taken.
Care in Pompano Beach
Why patients choose South Florida Smile Spa for digital imaging
- Everything in one visit. Panoramic, bitewing and 3D imaging in the office, no outside referrals for scans.
- Smallest scan that answers the question. Three image types, chosen case by case.
- Reviewed with you. Images on screen within a minute, explained by Dr. Berger.
- Low dose by design. Digital sensors, automatic positioning, limited fields of view.
- Stored and reused. Later questions start from images already on file.
Patients come to us from Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Coconut Creek for care planned with the imaging and tools described on this page.
An exam, an implant plan or a second opinion with the images to back it
Book with Dr. Berger. Panoramic and 3D imaging are taken and reviewed in the same visit.
South Florida Smile Spa · Dr. Nicole M. Berger, DDS · 572 E McNab Rd, Suite 102, Pompano Beach, FL 33060 · (954) 785-1100
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Orthophos S 3D?
A Dentsply Sirona digital imaging unit that takes panoramic X-rays, extraoral bitewings and 3D cone-beam scans in one machine, with automatic positioning and low-dose digital sensors. It is the imaging unit used at South Florida Smile Spa.
Is it safe?
Yes. Digital sensors use far less radiation than film, retakes are rare because positioning is automatic, and 3D scans are limited to the area needed and ordered only when they change treatment.
How long does a scan take?
Ten to fourteen seconds of rotation for a panoramic or 3D image, a few seconds for bitewings, and a few minutes in total including positioning.
Will I be sent out for a CT scan?
Almost never. Implant planning, impacted teeth, root fractures, TMJ and sinus questions are imaged here on the same visit.
What if I gag on X-ray sensors?
The unit takes bitewings from outside the mouth, so nothing is placed between your teeth.
Do you see patients from outside Pompano Beach?
Yes. Patients come from Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Coconut Creek and across Broward County, and imaging is done in the office rather than at an outside center. The office is at 572 E McNab Rd, Suite 102, Pompano Beach. Call (954) 785-1100 or request an appointment.