Chris Moore discusses what clinicians are looking for in digital X-ray systems
Excitingly, the latest X-ray systems deliver everything clinicians need – including excellent image quality, easy to use software, low dose modes and the ability to integrate with CAD/CAM systems.
When considering investing in a digital X-ray system, the things clinicians talk about most often range from the flexibility to control volume sizes to the ease of use of the software for implant planning on the one hand, to the practical problem of finding enough surgery space.
Digital X-ray systems, such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners, are one of the most significant financial investments a clinician will make during their career, yet these systems are integral to the practice’s implant, endodontic and orthodontic needs. The team at Henry Schein Dental can support each clinician to find the right system for their needs.
One size does not fit all
Henry Schein Dental supplies systems from all the leading manufacturers and is able to offer customers a wide choice of features, so hopefully there is something to suit everyone.
Some dentists are interested in a 2D system, whereas some want to start with a 2D system, but be able to easily upgrade to 3D in the future; while others prefer to go for the full 3D system straightaway.
The right system is not only chosen based on personal preference, but also depends on the existing equipment in the practice and consideration of future purchases. For instance, if a practice is already using or looking to purchase an intraoral scanner, an X-ray imaging system will significantly enhance and complement the digital workflow.
What every X-ray system should offer
There are two versatile, market-leading systems that offer all the features our customers most often request: the X-mind Trium from Acteon and the Orthophos range from Dentsply Sirona.
The Acteon X-mind Trium is an extremely versatile, hybrid 2D/3D system. It was one of the first systems to offer a low dose setting for 3D and offers a specific software feature – based on the Hounsfield unit scale – for the assessment of bone density. If space is an issue, then Acteon also has the Prime system, which is wall-mounted and has one of the smallest footprints on the market. This system also offers fantastic image quality and flexible field of views, just like the Trium.
There are three options available in Dentsply Sirona’s Orthophos range, starting with the 2D OPG scanner: the Orthophos E. There are then two hybrid 2D/3D scanners: the Orthophos S and Orthophos SL. The Orthophos SL offers the largest range of features, but both options can be bought as 2D systems and upgraded to 3D.
The X-mind Trium and the Orthophos ranges offer a wide choice of fields of view, which is absolutely essential to ensure the scan is targeted at the exact area required and the patient is not exposed to more radiation than necessary. To the same end, both systems offer low radiation dose options for both 2D and 3D.
User-friendly hardware and software
It’s important that all equipment in the surgery is user-friendly and X-ray systems are no different, particularly as achieving the required image first time is a matter of patient safety.
The X-mind Trium and the Orthophos ranges were designed with the operator and patient in mind. Each has specific functions to make patient positioning easy, and simple aids to minimise the field of view dimensions – both horizontally and vertically. With these functions, the operator has the best chance of achieving a sharp image at the lowest possible radiation dose.
After image capture, it’s essential the accompanying diagnosis and treatment planning software is user-friendly and intuitive, so clinician can accurately report on the image, diagnose the issues and plan the treatment effectively. The ability to merge the scan with other data, such as surface scans from intraoral scanners, is also essential, especially for implant clinicians who need to see subgingivally and supragingivally for implant planning and the creation of surgical guides.
The X-mind Trium and the Orthophos ranges fulfil all these criteria and can produce DICOM files that can be exported and sent to digital laboratories or to other software systems.
Fully supported
The length of warranty speaks volumes about the faith a manufacturer has in its product. Both these systems come with a five-year warranty, which is a measure of confidence in the components and manufacturing process.
Dentists often ask about training to ensure they are using the new equipment optimally and safely, and are also keen to be able to report correctly on the 3D X-rays created. All purchases come with CBCT training as part of the package, and the Henry Schein Dental team installs the equipment and trains the clinical team on how to use the chosen system. This includes positioning the patient, operating the controls and making the most of all the software functions.
After-sales support is always important with equipment purchases and dentists want to be assured that help is at hand if anything goes wrong. Henry chein Dental has a large support team, available to help with telephone queries and its network of mobile specialist engineers is among the biggest in the country. This coverage provides peace-of-mind for customers when making a significant investment.
The team is also able to show them feedback from clinicians who have already invested in in-house CBCT scanning. The majority report positive feedback from patients who appreciate no longer having the inconvenience and delay of being referred elsewhere for CBCT scans. They also commonly report increases in treatment acceptance, as patients can more easily visualise and understand their treatment plan when shown on screen.
Henry Schein Dental is committed to providing the best possible solutions to dental professionals so they can operate a more efficient practice and concentrate on providing provide high-quality patient care. These systems from Dentsply Sirona and Acteon have been chosen because these companies invest significantly in research and development, and constantly strive to push the boundaries of technology to deliver exactly what clinicians need.
They have done their job by providing the market with industry-leading equipment that fulfils requirements. It’s Henry Schein Dental’s job to do the same for its customers – and by helping them through the process of selecting, installing and learning how to use their ideal digital X-ray system, the team hopes to do that.