Teeth and roots in a CBCT-derived 3D model: reading the segmentation
Reading roots in a 3D model requires distinguishing the anatomy captured by CBCT from the surface produced by processing. Isolating a tooth can make a demonstration easier to follow, but it does not establish that every boundary is resolved or that the tooth's internal anatomy is included.
The useful question for a dentist is not simply “Can I see the teeth?” It is “What has been assigned to each tooth, and what information supports that representation?” This guide addresses anatomical demonstrations, not clinical decisions based on those demonstrations.
A segmented arch and individual teeth are different deliverables
An arch may be represented as a single surface even when individual crowns are visually recognizable. Instance segmentation treats teeth as separate entities. CBCT research distinguishes tooth identification from the three-dimensional delineation of each tooth. S03
That difference matters when preparing a presentation. Hiding bone, isolating a molar, and selecting a group of teeth serve different purposes. Before attributing a capability to a viewer, check which objects actually exist in the scene.
Use a description that identifies the representation: “arch represented as one object” or “teeth represented individually.” Different colors can help distinguish objects, but color alone does not establish how they were generated.
What does a complete-looking root actually show?
A closed surface can look complete even when its final appearance includes decisions made during surface generation or editing. For that reason, an isolated view should be accompanied by its source and any relevant processing notes.
Another distinction is essential: representing a root's external surface does not establish that its root canal system has been represented. A demonstration of external surfaces should be labeled as such. An object should not be credited with internal information it does not contain.
A useful caption explains what appears, the type of source scan, which part of the structure is included, and the demonstration purpose. It does not need a statement about health or disease to provide useful information.
A clear sequence for presenting the model
Start with the included structures together. This establishes context and helps avoid presenting an isolated object as though it were a complete anatomical representation.
Next, show the selected tooth alongside neighboring objects while retaining a recognizable orientation. Finally, isolate it and explain what its surface represents. A stable sequence is more informative than continuously rotating the scene without a defined question.
When both a volume representation and a surface representation are shown, label them accordingly. Segmentation tools can maintain different representations of the same segment, and their relationship depends on how they were generated. S02
Labels and numbering should be explicit
For material intended for U.S. and Mexican audiences, identify the tooth-numbering convention used. A number added to an image should not depend on the reader guessing the convention.
Keep the structure's name consistent in the viewer, the caption, and the surrounding text. A label awaiting confirmation should not appear as a definitive identification in a public example.
The same principle applies beyond teeth: a label should describe the object actually represented, rather than a capability that may be added later.
What to check before using the visual in a presentation
We recommend four editorial checks: the view matches the caption; omitted structures are identified as omitted; presentation changes are disclosed; and no sentence turns a demonstration into a clinical conclusion.
A useful example does not need to hide limitations. It may explicitly state that a region was not represented and explain how that restricts interpretation. The important point is not to convert an omission into a finding about the patient.
A brief accompanying note is enough when it answers those questions accurately. More labels and more animation are not substitutes for a clear account of what the scene contains.
Frequently asked questions
Can every tooth be separated in every CBCT scan?
That should not be promised universally. Identification and segmentation are specific tasks, and published performance belongs to the conditions under which a method was evaluated. The requested scope needs to be agreed for the relevant scan. S03
Can a 3D root representation be used to evaluate endodontic treatment?
ASTHECA's demonstration-only representation is not intended for that evaluation. It does not replace professional review of the source scan or constitute a clinical root canal segmentation. S13
Does every object need a different color?
No. For a demonstration, highlighting only the object currently being discussed may be clearer. Use a consistent legend and prioritize an understandable explanation over decoration.
Make the dental demonstration explainable
For the technical context, read what AI dental segmentation does. To build a presentation, continue with 3D dental models for teaching and demonstration.
ASTHECA accepts inquiries for demonstration-only representations from the United States and Mexico. Review the dental scope and describe the structures you would like to show. Do not send scans or patient information through the initial WhatsApp inquiry.
Sources and references
- S02. 3D Slicer — Segmentations — 3D Slicer.
- S03. A fully automated method for 3D individual tooth identification and segmentation in dental CBCT — Jang et al. / arXiv, 2021.
- S13. ASTHECA — Your scan, in 3D — ASTHECA, U.S. version consulted 2026-09-06.