Dr Dan Gruenfeld quickly adopted the PaX-Flex3D Panoral/CBCT imaging system at Smiles Dental Waterloo Road in Ireland to his routine practice, and after Vatech ticked all the boxes for him, it’s a decision he couldn’t be happier with. And as a specialist in periodontology and restorative dentistry with a special interest in implant dentistry, he knows what he’s talking about.
Dr Gruenfeld is an active member of the Irish Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry, where he lectures on a regular basis, and is also a member of the German Society for Dental Implantology. He graduated with first class honours postgraduate qualification in periodontology and peri-implant therapy in 2015, and strives to continue developing professionally at all times. In addition to attending national and international courses on implantology, he has a passion for the surgical aspects of dentistry.
So when Dr Gruenfeld explains that without the new technology of digital dentistry, his work would be greatly staggered, it’s worth listening. The Vatech PaX-Flex3D X-ray machine gives him the 2D and 3D CBCT images that are essential in providing the efficiency and fluency required by his patients and his work. Before using such a system, his patients were referred to another practice to gain the X-ray images required, which resulted in longer treatment plans. Now, all aspects of the treatment can be done in-house, reducing time, and increasing patient-dentist communication.
PAX-FLEX3D: SIMPLE AND FLEXIBLE
The PaX-Flex3D is the Vatech three-in-one machine that offers simple and flexible system upgrades. By attaching the CBCT sensor to the sensor holder of the X-ray unit, a 3D image becomes available instantly, with further flexibility on FOV sizes for the ultimate in convenience and specialised patient care.
For Dr Gruenfeld the CBCT machine plays a crucial role in his work, where a standard panoramic image can be inadequate at times. For wisdom tooth extractions, the teeth and their roots (in relation to the ID nerve) can be fully assessed using the CBCT X-ray machine and its software, making the surgery more predictable, significantly lower in risk, and improving patient-dentist communication.
In implant dentistry and restorative dentistry, Dr Gruenfeld describes how the use of a 3D CT image has become paramount in implementing the gold standard procedure, backward treatment planning. Backward treatment planning includes:
- Taking a CT scan of the patient
- Taking an impression of the patient’s mouth for assessment of spacing and planning of tooth in the ideal position
- Obtaining a virtual scan of the model from the impression with the subject tooth positioned correctly
- Merging the virtual model scan with the CT scan
- Using the CT scan to accurately plan the implant in its ideal position and assess bone quantity and quality
- If required, planning augmentative measures to compensate for any insufficient bone
- Surgical guides can be made if necessary for accurately placing implants into their planned positions.
This means all the planning can be done before the implant is placed. In addition, with the use of the CBCT image, immediate placements and immediate restorations can be planned and executed with accuracy, efficiency, and more predictability.
These procedures spare any extra surgery for the patient and clinician, making the treatment plan the least invasive. For multiple implant cases, these steps significantly improve efficiency in his workflows and, of course, create better care for his patients too.
SOFTWARE BENEFITS
‘The Ez3D software lets me do all that I require. The layout is beautiful and is very easy to use,’ says Dr Gruenfeld.
With extensive tools built in to the software – from tracing the ID nerve canal and viewing panoramic curve sections, to measuring bone height/density and simulating implants and assessments thereafter, the software ‘basically gives all the information required’.
As the name suggests, all these tools are simple to access, thanks to a purposely designed user-friendly interface. But it’s not just easy to use – in terms of the image quality, Dr Gruenfeld is very content too, scoring the machine a five out of five!
PIONEERS
Well-known for being a market leader, one pioneering aspect of Vatech’s business plan is the level of customer service the company provides. Vatech focuses on four aspects: service, training, support, and reliability. For Dr Gruenfeld, all four boxes have been ticked.
He explains: ‘The after-service is excellent. From the installation and all the instructions given on how to use the machine to the service provided – even when problems arose that were not directly related to Vatech’s machine but IT issues themselves – Vatech has far outshone the other companies out there.’
| PUBLISHED IN: | Irish Dentistry, June 2016 |
| DENTIST: | Dr. Dan Gruenfeld |
| EQUIPMENT: | PaX-Flex3D (8x8cm) |
| DENTAL PRACTICE: | Smiles Dental Waterloo Road |
| ADDRESS: | St. Martins House, Waterloo Road, Ballsbridge, Co. Dublin |
| TELEPHONE: | +353 1614 0440 |
| WEBSITE: | smiles.ie |
