CHAPTER 0 (main X-Ray page)
Advanced Radiography at Alpine Smiles
At Alpine Smiles in Lugano, we use advanced digital imaging and 3D radiology to accurately diagnose, plan and monitor dental treatments for both children and adults. Our clinic is equipped with the latest-generation Planmeca Viso CBCT system, offering ultra-low dose protocols, high-resolution imaging, and one-shot cephalometric radiographs for orthodontic and insurance documentation purposes. Digital radiology allows us to detect problems at an early stage, reduce unnecessary interventions, and plan treatments with maximum precision and predictability.
Why Dental X-rays are important
Dental X-rays allow us to examine areas that are not visible during a clinical examination, including:
• Interproximal caries (decay between teeth)
• Bone levels and periodontal status
• Root infections and abscesses
• Impacted or wisdom teeth
• Jawbone structure
• Facial growth and skeletal relationships
• Pre-implant bone evaluation
Regular radiographic monitoring helps detect problems early, often reducing discomfort, complexity, and long-term treatment costs.
Questions About Dental X-Rays?
If you have any questions about dental X-rays, CBCT (3D imaging), OPT, or cephalometric radiographs, our team will be happy to guide you.
We take the time to explain:
• Why an X-ray may be necessary
• What type of imaging is recommended
• How radiation exposure is minimised
• What the results mean for your treatment
At Alpine Smiles in Lugano, we combine advanced technology with clear communication and patient-centred care.
Contact us to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our radiological services. We are here to provide expert diagnostics, clinical clarity, and complete peace of mind regarding your oral health.
CHAPTER 1
Intraoral radiographs - Bitewing X-rays
Primarily used during routine check-ups and dental hygiene visits, bitewing X-rays help detect:
• Early decay between teeth
• Initial bone loss
• Secondary caries around restorations
These are essential for preventive dentistry.
Intraoral radiographs - Periapical radiographs
These images capture the entire tooth from crown to root and are used to diagnose:
• Root infections
• Abscesses
• Fractures
• Endodontic (root canal) complications
CHAPTER 2
A panoramic radiograph, commonly referred to in Switzerland as an OPT (Ortopantomografia), provides a complete overview of:
• Upper and lower jaws
• Wisdom teeth
• Sinus cavities
• Temporomandibular joints (TMJ)
OPT imaging is commonly used for:
• Orthodontic planning
• Wisdom tooth assessment
• Implant evaluation
• General diagnostic screening
The OPT is often the first radiographic step in comprehensive dental assessment.
CHAPTER 3
Cephalometric X-Ray – One-Shot Technology
We provide true one-shot cephalometric radiographs using our Planmeca Viso system. This is an important distinction. Unlike scan-based cephalometric reconstructions, a true one-shot cephalometric exposure is:
• Fully compliant with Swiss radiological standards
• Accepted for Swiss insurance billing
• More precise for orthodontic diagnosis
• Less prone to distortion compared to scan-derived reconstructions
Cephalometric imaging is essential for:
• Orthodontic treatment planning
• Growth and facial development analysis in children and adolescents
• Skeletal discrepancy assessment
• Insurance approval for orthodontic cases
• Monitoring jaw development over time
Accurate one-shot cephalometric imaging ensures reliable measurements for both clinical and insurance purposes.
CHAPTER 4
CBCT – 3D Dental Imaging (Often Referred to as “TAC Dentale”)
At Alpine Smiles in Lugano, we use a Planmeca Viso CBCT (Cone Beam CT) system for advanced 3D dental imaging and precise maxillofacial diagnostics.
Some patients refer to this type of imaging as a “TAC dentale” (Tomografia Assiale Computerizzata). While the term TAC is commonly used, modern dental imaging is performed using CBCT technology, which is specifically designed for the jaws and facial structures.
Compared to traditional hospital CT (TAC):
• CBCT uses significantly lower radiation
• Provides higher resolution for dental structures
• Is specifically optimised for implant planning and orthodontics
• Is faster and more comfortable for patients
CBCT is recommended for:
• Implant planning
• Complex extractions
• Impacted teeth
• Endodontic retreatment
• Bone defect evaluation
• Surgical planning
• TMJ assessment
• Advanced orthodontic diagnostics
Low-Dose Optimised 3D Imaging
Our Planmeca CBCT system is designed to provide high-quality 3D diagnostic images while keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable.Imaging parameters are carefully adjusted for each patient and clinical indication to ensure the best balance between diagnostic image quality and radiation dose.
Motion-Corrected Imaging for Greater Accuracy
Small patient movements during imaging can reduce the quality of a scan. Our CBCT system uses Planmeca CALM® motion-correction technology, which automatically compensates for movement during the scan. This helps ensure clear, accurate images and reduces the need to repeat scans. The technology is particularly helpful when imaging children, elderly patients, or patients who may have difficulty remaining completely still.
For patients searching for a TAC dentale in Lugano or Ticino, CBCT is the modern, dental-specific equivalent - with greater precision and reduced radiation exposure.Radiation Safety & Dose Comparisons
CHAPTER 5
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Yes. Modern digital radiology uses extremely low radiation doses.
At Alpine Smiles, our Planmeca Viso system operates with ultra-low dose protocols specifically designed to minimise exposure while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. Whenever clinically appropriate, we also use small field-of-view (FOV) imaging to further reduce radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality.
To help put this into perspective:
• A bitewing X-ray exposes you to radiation comparable to a few hours of natural background radiation.
• A panoramic OPT is roughly similar to the radiation received during a short airplane flight.
• Eating a banana exposes you to natural radiation due to potassium-40.
• Spending a day skiing at high altitude in the mountains exposes you to significantly more natural cosmic radiation than a single dental X-ray.
• Even sleeping next to another person exposes you to small amounts of natural background radiation.
Radiation from dental imaging is carefully controlled, medically justified, and kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA principle). We only recommend X-rays when clinically necessary and follow strict Swiss radiological protection guidelines. For pregnant patients and children we apply additional protective measures and individual clinical judgement.Your safety and long-term health remain our priority.
CHAPTER 6
Referral Imaging for Dentists & Dental Clinics
Alpine Smiles also offers advanced radiological services for referring dentists and dental clinics in Lugano, Ticino, and surrounding regions.
If you are a dental professional and require:
• Low-dose CBCT imaging (3D dental imaging)
• True one-shot cephalometric radiographs (insurance-compliant)
• OPT (panoramic radiographs)
• High-resolution diagnostic imaging for complex cases
we welcome professional collaboration.
Our Planmeca Viso system provides state-of-the-art imaging with ultra-low radiation protocols and high diagnostic precision, suitable for implant planning, orthodontics, surgical cases, and insurance documentation.
We ensure:
• Fast scheduling
• Secure image delivery
• High-quality DICOM files
• Professional communication between clinics
If you would like to refer a patient for CBCT (3D imaging), one-shot cephalometric radiographs, or OPT (panoramic) imaging, please complete the referral form available at the top of this page in the banner section. For further information about our referral process, image formats (DICOM), scheduling availability, or technical specifications of our Planmeca Viso system, you are welcome to contact us directly via email or WhatsApp.
We value professional collaboration and are pleased to support colleagues who require precise, low-dose, insurance-compliant imaging for their patients.
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