What is a Voxel?

Back in early 2016, we founded our company under the name Voxel Dental. It's a name we're very proud of, as it resembles the root of our mission to dentists.. evolutionary technology! In fact, we've hidden a "voxel" our logo (look carefully 😉)

But, it occurred to us, some of you reading this today may not be familiar with the term "voxel".. so today we're going to help define it!

In this modern age of digital dental tech, particularly 3D imaging, the term "voxel" comes up frequently—but what exactly is a voxel, and why is it so important?

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Voxel?

A voxel, short for “volumetric pixel” or “volume element”, is the 3D equivalent of a pixel. While a pixel represents a single point in a 2D image, a voxel represents a value in a three-dimensional space. You can think of a voxel as a tiny cube or box that holds data about a specific volume of space—such as density, color, or material composition.

In simpler terms:

• Pixel = 2D (X and Y coordinates)

• Voxel = 3D (X, Y, and Z coordinates)

Where Do You Encounter Voxels?

Voxels are used in any digital technology that captures or renders three-dimensional data, including:

• Medical imaging: CT, CBCT, MRI, and PET scans all use voxels to represent tissue and structures inside the body.

• Dental imaging: CBCT scanners reconstruct 3D images of teeth, bone, and surrounding tissues using voxels.

• 3D printing and modeling: Digital models are often built from voxel-based datasets.

Why Voxels Matter in Dentistry

In dental CBCT imaging, the voxel is the smallest unit of measurement used to reconstruct 3D images of the mouth and jaw. Each voxel stores information about the X-ray absorption at a specific point in 3D space. These millions of tiny data cubes are processed together to render a high-resolution 3D volume of the patient’s anatomy.

The Role of Voxel Size

Voxel size determines the resolution and detail of the image:

• Smaller voxel size = Higher resolution = More anatomical detail

• Larger voxel size = Lower resolution = Faster scanning and lower radiation dose

For example:

• 0.08 mm voxel size is often used for endodontic imaging (fine root canal details)

• 0.3 mm voxel size might be used for broader diagnostic views like airway analysis

Clinicians choose voxel size based on the diagnostic need, balancing detail with dose and scan time.

Voxel vs. Pixel: What’s the Difference?

Why Understanding Voxels Helps Clinicians

Knowing what a voxel is helps dental professionals:

• Interpret CBCT scans with more clarity

• Choose the right settings (field of view, voxel size) for each clinical case

• Understand image resolution and limitations

• Communicate with labs and radiologists more effectively in a digital workflow

Whether you're evaluating root fractures, assessing implant sites, or planning complex surgeries, it’s the precision of voxel data that allows you to see clearly, plan confidently, and treat predictably.

So... Why Do we call ourselves Voxel Dental?

3D imaging technology created a fundamental shift in the way we can do dentistry. Voxels now provide us with enhanced diagnostic tools to offer more precision and accuracy in our work.

And, just like this, we here at Voxel Dental embrace what the "voxel" has done for dentistry. We want to be your consultative team to introduce, guide and train you and your team on the enhanced digital technologies and workflows that are making a big impact on the world of dentistry.

And, we consult not only 3D imaging, but also the cutting-edge 3D printing, intraoral scanning, aligners/retainers, milling, robotics, lasers and much more! 

See for yourself how getting to know Voxel can help you. Our team of dental technology experts are ready to help you find the right equipment for your practice.

We’ve worked with thousands of dentists across the US. We know what it takes to get up and running quickly, especially with new technology.

That’s why we back all of our products with a comprehensive warranty, 24/7 product support, installation, and perhaps, most importantly, online and on-site training to help get you and your staff started with your new technology as quickly as possible.

Give us a call at (281) 789-7270 or fill out an online inquiry form here. We look forward to earning your business.