I initially came across Vatech at a dental exhibition. I was impressed that the company seemed to be providing several benefits that others were not. For one, the financial arrangement they offer is somewhat unique. I originally had some concerns about the high cost of a CBCT machine, which could have prohibited my desire to introduce the equipment into the practice. The 3D Rental Scheme from Vatech provided a solution. Instead of needing to secure funding for the technology for years to come, or coming up with the substantial capital myself, the scheme took care of everything. It made the CBCT much more affordable for me – as it would for many practices – and made it possible for me to use the best equipment on the market. It was very straightforward and easy to set up and gave me the confidence I needed to take my practice forwards.
The 3D Rental Scheme also provides an opportunity to either pay the difference and purchase the machine outright at the end of three years, or to choose an upgrade. I will most likely take the second option as the machine has proved its usefulness. In addition, I expect the technology to evolve over the coming years, so this will enable me to continue operating at the cutting-edge of the profession.
It was the payment scheme, as well as the very approachable and friendly team from Vatech that ultimately led to my going ahead with the PaX-i3D Smart. Both the service and the product itself are very good.
INDICATIONS
In practice, I have found the CBCT to be very useful for endodontics, as well as for dental implants and other surgery cases like difficult wisdom tooth extractions. I think these scans are a mandatory element of implant dentistry and it’s a huge plus for other procedures such as root canals to be able to plan in 3D. The technology certainly improves success rates in a wide range of treatment procedures.
Our machine is used every week, as there is always a case that requires the level of detail afforded by a CBCT scan. In time, as the cost of taking radiographs reduces industry-wide, it will be even more popular and affordable for more patients.
FEATURES
This equipment also comes with more software features than others on the market, which make it easier to manage the images and communicate with patients.
Many people find it difficult to visualise the problem, but with the 3D Pan feature, I am able to simplify and rotate the images so as to better educate my patients. They therefore develop a greater understanding of the clinical procedure for improved consent and they are more informed with regards to what they can expect in the future. It’s amazing that I can put the 3D rendering right in front of them.
The PaX-i3D Smart is also very intuitive and it’s definitely easy to use. Plus, the ability to select between different fields of view means I can further minimise the already low radiation exposure for each patient.
‘CBCT scans are a mandatory element of implant dentistry and it’s a huge plus for other procedures such as root canals to be able to plan in 3D’
BENEFITS
As we didn’t have the technology in the practice before, we used to refer patients out for CBCT scans. The treatment workflow is certainly quicker with an in-house machine, which enhances the patient experience. This is further improved by the fact that they don’t need to travel elsewhere for a scan – it’s much more convenient to have everything done in one place.
The in-house CBCT also means that the clinical team is much more involved with the patient’s care for every step of the process. This enables us to provide improved treatment planning and general care.
Another benefit is experienced when caring for patients who have previously had treatment performed in another practice. For example, a patient may present with a failing implant that is causing them problems or the dental hygienist may identify an issue with discharge around an implant. With a quick CBCT scan, I am able to accurately investigate the situation to find any causative factors of the resulting infections that require attention. The scan also enables the treatment planning process for managing such cases. Similarly, a scan of a patient who has undergone endodontic treatment – whether at our practice or elsewhere – can quickly determine any issues with failed treatment.
As such, the PaX-i3D Smart is an excellent tool when identifying and treating clinical failures.
In the same way that CBCT images provide clarification and accurate planning, they also offer the practitioner legal protection against possible complaints. They form the foundation of effective records as well as treatment planning and can be used to reduce risk and future failures. This is a great tool for all practitioners, even for those who don’t place dental implants. We all have a duty of care and responsibility to these patients regarding implant maintenance.
CONSIDER 3D
To any practitioners who don’t already have an in-house CBCT machine, I would suggest they consider investing in something that will benefit both them and their patients, which is affordable for most surgeries. I have been very happy with the 3D Rental Scheme from Vatech, which is an all-inclusive deal that covers everything I need. The installation of the PaX-i3D Smart was easy and effective training was provided at our practice. I have certainly experienced the benefits of CBCT scanning equipment and I would therefore recommend it to other practices.
| PUBLISHED IN: | Private Dentistry March 2019 |
| DENTIST: | Dr. Jonathan Tan |
| EQUIPMENT: | PaX-i 3D Smart |
| DENTAL PRACTICE: | Guildford Dental Centre |
| ADDRESS: | 26 Farnham Road, Guildford GU2 4JN |
| TELEPHONE: | 01483 535220 |
| WEBSITE : | guildforddentalcentre.co.uk |
