It is a phrase oft-repeated in dentistry and business – but which is no less true for all that, ‘If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backwards.’ That’s how Dr Robin Beveridge knew that if his London practice was to stay ahead of the competition and remain a leading image-focused practice, an upgrade to a 3D X-ray machine was in order. Having used film X-rays and pano-only 2D machines, his City Dental Clinic has now moved forward in the best way possible – by bringing in the Vatech PaX-i3D CBCT machine.
Dr Beveridge first became acquainted with Vatech at a dental exhibition, where he noticed the superior image quality of both the 2D and 3D images, along with the enthusiasm of its team, competitive pricing and not forgetting the sophisticated look of the machines.
The new PaX-i3D machine was installed last year and has since attracted members of various dental specialities needing imaging sessions to be carried out at the practice.
‘When other specialists realise we have a Vatech 3D machine, they know the practice has all the right equipment in order for work to be effectively and efficiently carried out,’ says Dr Beveridge. Making a name as an imaging centre has allowed City Dental Clinic to offer a complete range of services, creating a broader field of patient care.
Dr Beveridge comments, ‘City patients are time-poor, therefore want their treatments to be slick and efficient.’
The practice has expanded to meet this demand, having seen a host of specialists join the team over the years. It is a truly multidisciplinary practice, hosting implant dentists as well as specialists in restorative dentistry, endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics.
In 2015, the decision was made to install the latest Vatech cone beam 3D X-ray machine and train the relevant staff in its use. It’s a decision that’s made a huge difference to the way the practice operates.
Before the PaX-i3D X-ray was installed, patients were referred to London’s West End to have 3D X-rays taken. Now, all procedures are treated inhouse. Furthermore, for cases where the requirement of a CT scan was ambiguous, 3D images have made the decision easier.
PAX-I3D FOR YOU AND I
A first-class dental practice requires first-class dental equipment. Dr Beveridge needed to be competitive with the market and up to date with the most modern technology. ‘This is what city patients want,’ he says. From the image quality displayed on the large 55-inch high-resolution white clinical monitor and the presentation of the 3D software, to the design of the machine, and even the music that it plays, patients appreciate all the touches the technology offers to assure them that they are receiving high-quality treatment. The benefits of having the PaX-i3D machine – for both clinicians and patients – are numerous.
As part of City Dental Clinic’s philosophy to maximise patient-dentist communication, the team informs patients as much as possible, meaning that they are fully involved and understand treatment plans so that they can make informed decisions. And, as Dr Beveridge agrees, clear 2D/3D imaging plays a major part in that.
The PaX-i3D CBCT machine and its versatile applications are becoming increasingly necessary for practices in providing the advancements to paramount treatments. Dr Beveridge explains how his colleagues have found using CBCT images in addition to standard panoramic images.
‘In adult orthodontics, with increasing problems due to moving anterior teeth, CBCT imaging has proven very useful, in a dentolegal aspect, to show that you have monitored and investigated the labial bone prior to starting any treatment.
‘For periodontics and endodontics, the 3D images provide more detail than 2D images for extensively investigating any abnormal pathology, such as cysts or root morphology.
‘Within implant dentistry, where it is now becoming the benchmark to use 3D imaging, the implant dentist is able to quickly adapt to the Vatech machine and software due to its user friendliness and substantially good image quality… It’s an impressive piece of technology, let’s face it!’
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Dr Beveridge was also happy to find there was very little reason to contact Vatech again for any support services after it was installed – but when it was necessary, he was even happier to find that support was far better than his previous experiences. What’s more, after comprehensive training, users were fully competent to use the machine to its optimum.
‘I see CBCT 3D imaging similar to how digital X-rays have progressed from film X-rays. To think that we used films seems crazy now, due to the leap in image quality in digital X-rays. From a dentolegal point of view, it’s going to be more difficult to defend cases that have not worked out if you haven’t backed it up with a CT image.
‘Obviously there is the matter of radiation dose with CBCT machines, but one has to be practical; the diagnostic advantages outweigh the small risks. 3D is here to stay and digital dentistry is the future. We will continue to use the Vatech product.’
| PUBLISHED IN: | Private Dentistry, July 2016 |
| DENTIST: | Dr. Robin Beveridge |
| EQUIPMENT: | PaX-i3D (8x8cm) |
| DENTAL PRACTICE: | City Dental Clinic |
| ADDRESS: | Ground Floor, 35 Chiswell Street, London EC1Y 4SE |
| TELEPHONE: | 020 7638 0870 |
| WEBSITE: | citydental.co.uk |
