Imaging

Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) in CBCT

MPR uses the isotropic 3D volume from a CBCT to generate any plane — axial, coronal, sagittal, oblique or curved — in real time, without re-acquiring the patient.

Why isotropic voxels matter

Many medical CT protocols have anisotropic voxels — say, 0.6 mm in plane and 1.5 mm slice thickness. Reformatting in another plane visibly degrades resolution along the thicker axis.

CBCT is acquired as a true 3D volume from the start, with isotropic voxels (often 0.1–0.4 mm). Any plane you generate is at the same resolution as the original axial.

When to use which view

Axial: cross-section, useful for anatomy at a single height (sinuses, mandible body). Sagittal: side view, used for nasal anatomy and lateral mandibular pathology. Coronal: front view, useful for symmetry and palate anatomy. Oblique: any tilted plane, used for implant axis along the ridge or oblique TMJ. Curved (panoramic curve): unfolds the dental arch to a flat strip.

FAQ

Does MPR add radiation dose?

No. It's a software reconstruction from data already acquired. Patient receives no additional exposure.

Can I do MPR in a browser?

Yes. CBCTHub does MPR client-side using WebGL — no server round-trip per slice.

Why does my oblique slice look pixelated?

Either the voxel was anisotropic (rare in CBCT) or the rendering quality is set low. Most viewers have a quality toggle.

MPR in your browser, instantly

Open a CBCT and scrub through axial, coronal, sagittal and oblique simultaneously — no install.

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