Oral Radiology
Oral radiology in Canada helps dentists see what the eye can’t.
Some signs of a dental issue are easy to spot. Others aren’t. When something deeper might be going on, your dentist may turn to an oral radiologist—a specialist who reads the scans and images that regular exams can’t reveal. These specialists don’t do fillings or cleanings. But they do help dentists see what’s beneath the surface—in the jaw, around the roots, and throughout the head and neck—so the right diagnosis and next steps become clear.
When pictures tell the story.
Oral radiologists specialize in reading diagnostic images. Unlike general dentists who use X-rays daily, these specialists are trained to interpret a wide range of imaging tools with deeper precision, including:
• Cone beam CT scans and traditional CT
• MRI and PET imaging
• Ultrasounds and sialography
• Panoramic, cephalometric, and intraoral X-rays
• 3D reconstructions used in implant or surgical planning
Sometimes it’s about confirming what a dentist suspects. Other times, it’s about catching something completely unexpected. Either way, their insight can make all the difference.
A closer look, when it’s needed.
You might never meet an oral radiologist face to face—but they may still play an important role in your care. Here’s how it usually works:
• Your dentist notices something unusual during an exam or on a scan
• A radiologist reviews the images—or performs new ones—for more detail
• They interpret the results and pass along a detailed report
• Your dentist uses that information to guide treatment
If advanced imaging is required, safety is always top of mind. Radiologists are trained to use the lowest effective dose, and only when it’s truly necessary.
Your dental questions, answered.
Need clearer insight into your dental health?
If your dentist needs extra insight or clearer imaging, they may work with an oral radiologist through the 123Dentist network. These specialists help make sense of what can’t be seen at surface level—so you can move forward with clarity.