Use case
CBCT viewer for third-molar extraction planning
Evaluate proximity of lower third molars to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in millimeters, classify Pell & Gregory and Winter, and share the plan with the referring dentist — all from the browser.
Every extraction of an impacted lower third molar has a single question
"How close is the apex to the IAN canal?" A periapical shows overlap. A panoramic shows loss of the cortical line. Neither tells you if it's 0.5 mm or 3 mm — and that difference changes your consent and your technique.
CBCTHub opens any dental CBCT from the browser, traces the canal on cross-sections, and measures the distance in true millimeters. No install, no courier, no CD.
Everything you need before entering the operating room
IAN canal trace and apex distance
Trace the inferior alveolar nerve canal on bucco-lingual cross-sections and measure the shortest distance from each root apex to the canal in mm.
High-risk sign detection
Identify the radiological signs described by Rood and Shehab: darkening of the root, diversion of the canal, narrowing of the root, interruption of the cortical line, deviation and narrowing of the canal.
Pell & Gregory + Winter classification
Measure depth vs. the occlusal plane and distance to the ramus to classify impaction. Confirm the angulation (mesio-angular, horizontal, vertical, disto-angular) on sagittal slices.
Lingual cortical plate assessment
Check buccal-lingual position of the tooth and thickness of the lingual cortical — key to anticipating perforation during luxation.
Upper third molars and the maxillary sinus
For upper thirds, measure the distance between root apices and the sinus floor. Identify root-floor contact and antral roots before extraction.
Share the plan with the referrer or the patient
Pin a comment on the critical cross-section ("0.8 mm from the canal — coronectomy recommended") and send the link. The patient can open it on their phone for informed consent.
Workflow for a third molar
- 1Open the CBCT from the link (or locally — no upload).
- 2Trace the panoramic curve of the mandible.
- 3Scroll cross-sections over the third molar — from mesial to distal.
- 4Trace the canal and measure the shortest distance to each apex.
- 5Note high-risk signs (canal diversion, root darkening).
- 6Pin the clinical finding and send the link to the referring dentist.
Frequently asked questions
When is CBCT really necessary for a third molar?
When the panoramic shows a sign of close relationship with the IAN canal (darkening, diversion, interruption of the cortical line) or when there is neurosensory risk that justifies modifying the technique (coronectomy, changed approach). Do not use CBCT routinely — only when it changes the decision.
Can I measure the distance to the canal in millimeters?
Yes. The viewer uses the pixel spacing from the DICOM header — the measurements come out in true millimeters without manual calibration.
Does it show the lingual cortical plate?
Yes. The bucco-lingual cross-sections allow evaluation of the thickness and integrity of the lingual cortical plate, important to anticipate intra-surgical perforation.
Can I share the case with the referring dentist?
Yes. You send a link. The referrer opens it in their browser — no login, no install — and sees your annotations directly on the relevant slices.
Other CBCT use cases
Implant planning
Plan implants in the browser with sub-millimeter measurements, bone-density estimation, and cross-sections anywhere along the arch — then share the plan with the surgeon via link.
Orthodontics
Assess airway, impacted canines, root proximity, and skeletal asymmetry in any browser — then share cephalometric findings with the orthodontist or lab instantly.
Endodontics
Spot extra canals, peri-apical lesions, vertical root fractures, and resorption in any browser. Share findings with the referring dentist in seconds — not days.
Oral surgery
Plan third-molar extractions, bone grafts, TMJ assessments, and pathology workups in the browser. Share the plan with the referring dentist or the anesthesia team in seconds.
TMJ disorders
Evaluate both TMJs in sagittal and coronal planes: condylar flattening, osteophytes, subchondral cysts, erosions, and joint-space changes. All from the browser — share findings with the rehab team in seconds.
Works with every major CBCT scanner
Carestream, Planmeca, Vatech, Sirona, Morita, NewTom, Instrumentarium, PreXion, DENTSPLY and KaVo — any scanner that exports standard DICOM.
See the full compatibility list →Open your first CBCT in under a minute
Free plan, no credit card, no install.
Open your next third molar free