.jpeg?width=45&name=1602006034309%20(2).jpeg){kind=small}
Here at Renew Digital, we hear a variety of questions related to purchasing a 3D cone beam dental system - particularly from those who are just getting started with 3D imaging for the first time. We’ve helped thousands of doctors, like you, find the right system, regardless of brand - based on the unique needs of your practice. And, because we carry a wide inventory of certified pre-owned dental CBCT systems, we’re able to accommodate the specific needs of any dental practice - particularly practice layout/space constraints, treatment offerings, and especially budget.
Whether or not you buy a used dental CT scan machine, one big consideration ahead in your 3D cone beam purchase is your desired field of view (FOV). On a CBCT system, regardless of age or manufacturer, the price you pay is directly related to the FOV you need. The larger the FOV, the greater the cost.
Regardless of manufacturer, dental cone beam systems are typically categorized by three FOV groups: small, medium, and large. The FOV size is largely determined by the applications or procedures for which it will be used. Most medium and large FOV cone beam dental systems can often collimate down to achieve smaller FOV sizes, if needed. Each manufacturer sets their own field of view sizes, so they can differ greatly by model. FOV sizes are typically measured in centimeters (cm).
Here’s everything you may need to factor in when selecting the right FOV size for your needs:
Clinical Applications
When we advise practices on a CBCT purchase, one of the first questions your sales rep will ask you is “What treatments are you currently offering?” 3D cone beam systems can help improve your ability to accurately provide diagnoses for a variety of clinical procedures.
The FOV you need should match the area of interest and the diagnostic information required. For example, if the scan is intended for evaluating a specific tooth or a localized area, a smaller FOV may be sufficient. On the other hand, if a comprehensive assessment of the entire oral and maxillofacial region is needed, a larger FOV would be more appropriate. Keep in mind, most large and medium FOV systems can be collimated down to the specific region of focus when only a small FOV size is required - limiting the exposure on a per-patient basis.
Anatomical Coverage
Consider the anatomical structures that need to be included in the scan. The FOV should encompass the region of interest while minimizing unnecessary exposure to radiation. It's crucial to select an FOV that adequately covers the area of concern, such as the entire dental arch, sinuses, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or a quadrant.
Radiation Dose
Minimizing radiation dose is a crucial consideration in dental imaging. Larger FOVs generally result in higher radiation exposure. It's important to balance the diagnostic needs with patient safety and select the smallest FOV that provides the necessary diagnostic information. ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principles help guide doctors to limit the radiation dose per patient to the minimum achievable.
Future Needs and Flexibility
Anticipate potential future needs when selecting the FOV. It may be beneficial to choose an imaging system that offers multiple FOV options to accommodate a wide range of diagnostic scenarios.
Reviewing the Three FOV Categories
Small FOV: Small FOV dental cone beam systems typically captures up to a 5 x 5 cm field of view or similar. Often, these smaller scans are equipped with a high-definition mode to capture fine details, as needed for endodontics and some implant procedures. A small FOV dental cone beam system is the right choice for you if you only need to view one or two teeth at a time and is best suited for endodontics and single implant treatments.
Medium FOV: A medium FOV dental cone beam system typically captures up to an 8 x 8 cm scan or similar. Medium FOV cone beam dental machines are ideal for single or dual arch applications, as well as guided implant surgery. Medium field of view CBCT systems, often the best choice for most general dentists, are ideal for surgical guides, viewing impacted teeth, and other applications requiring one or both dental arches. Most medium FOV systems will allow you to also capture small FOV scans to minimize patient dose for more localized procedures.
Large FOV: The largest FOVs start around 13 x15 cm and can go as large as 17 x 23 cm. Large FOV cone beam systems are necessary for evaluating trauma cases, TMJ disorders, airway and sleep apnea studies, ectopic and impacted teeth and third molars, orthognathic surgery, and assessing skeletal symmetry. Most large FOV systems also collimate down to capture smaller FOVs to help you adhere to the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle when prescribing CBCT radiographs. Doctors in oral surgery, orthodontics, and sleep medicine will find this size to be the most helpful.
Ready to Get Started with 3D Cone Beam Dental Systems? Get in Touch
Did You Know You Can Save 30-50% on 3D cone beam dental equipment from today’s leading brands? For over 10 years, Renew Digital has been the leader in certified pre-owned dental imaging equipment. Our inventory includes a wide variety of panoramic, pan/ceph and CBCT systems, all from the brands doctors choose most. This allows us to offer our customers the leading brands at a fraction of the cost of a new system.
We offer small FOV CBCT systems starting at only $24,995, as well as a wide inventory of medium and large FOV options as well. We can speak with you about the current and previous generation models of a variety of brands to fit your unique practice needs.
Plus, we’re unique from other dealers because we can often talk to you about trading in your existing equipment towards your purchase price.
What are you waiting for? There’s never been a better time to find affordable dental imaging equipment and start making that investment to improve your profitability. Give us a call, we’ll connect you to your dedicated sales rep at (888) 246-5611, or you may complete an online form here.
