When you’re looking at buying used dental equipment, particularly used extraoral dental X-ray machines, there are many important considerations you will need to take and features you will need to evaluate in order to ensure that the purchase is made wisely. Much like any expensive equipment purchase, the philosophy to “measure twice, cut once,” is applicable here.
Given the initial purchase investment and how significantly the extraoral dental X-ray machine may affect your processes and capabilities, it is important to make the right decision the first time. When evaluating the purchase, you’ll have to consider certain aspects such as modality (i.e. panoramic, cephalometric and/or cone beam), special features you’d like to have (i.e. upgradeability, extraoral bitewings, etc.), and how much to budget. Naturally, you’ll also need to consider available space. Every practice has a set amount of floorspace and purchasing a system that is too big for your practice can be a costly mistake.
Replace with Similar Functionality or Upgrade
Before assessing the physical size and footprint of any used dental X-ray machine, you’ll want to start thinking about whether it makes sense to keep the same modality but perhaps select a newer model or a different brand, or if it’s time to upgrade the functionality altogether. Let’s say you are starting to place implants or perform more root canals; if so, it may be time to consider adding a dental cone beam system to your practice. Or, perhaps you have a visiting orthodontist working at your practice several days a week and they could benefit from a cephalometric attachment. These additional applications can make a big impact on your final dental equipment selection.
Whatever you decide to do, whether you intend to match the functionality of your current machine or upgrade to an advanced system with improved features and functionality, the easiest option, of course, is to match the model or size of your current machine.
Matching Your Current Machine Model
One of the best things about purchasing used dental equipment, especially used dental X-ray machines, is that you can often find the same model, and sometimes even the exact model year that you had installed previously. For example, let’s say that your Planmeca ProMax panoramic X-ray machine that you purchased 5-7 years ago needs to be replaced. The specifications and size of the Planmeca ProMax have not changed within this timeframe, so you can most likely find a pre-owned machine of the exact size and similar age from a reputable used equipment vendor or a referring doctor. Then, it is very easy to have this used dental equipment installed in the same area. Not only is this a benefit from a space perspective, but the machine will work identically to your current dental X-ray machine, so your staff members will not have to relearn how to position patients, capture images or change their current workflow. And, you should not have to make any adjustments to current electrical or regulatory standards, but it’s always better to double-check to be sure.
Matching the Size of Your Current Machine
Let’s say, however, that you want to make a change from your current panoramic dental X-ray machine model to something different. Perhaps you are upgrading to digital from an analog system, you didn’t like the features or functionality of your current dental X-ray machine, or your current X-ray is too rare or outdated to find an exact replacement. Then, the next best option is to find a used dental X-ray machine with a similar footprint, set up, and orientation as your current system. Dental X-ray machine manufacturers and used dental equipment resellers often publish both actual and recommended dimensions for their dental imaging equipment. This allows you to better determine not only if the machine can fit in your space, but also if it can also be safely and comfortably operated.
For example, if your office currently has a panoramic X-ray machine that occupies a 6-foot by 6-foot area, then a new panoramic X-ray machine with similar recommended dimensions should work for your space. However, space alone is not the only consideration you need to make, even when you intend to buy used dental equipment with similar published dimensions.
Take a panoramic X-ray machine like the Planmeca ProMax which has actual dimensions of 43 inches wide by 50 inches deep, but its recommended dimensions are 61 inches wide by 64 inches deep. The Planmeca ProMax panoramic X-ray machine should fit in that area, but dimensions are not the only thing you need to consider. In addition to the actual size and recommended space, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
- How will patients and staff interact with the machine?
One of the most important things to consider when selecting a panoramic dental X-ray machine for your practice is how patients will enter the machine. Do they enter from the right-hand or left-hand side of the unit, or do they go straight in? Where does my staff stand to program the images? Do they have enough room to properly position the patient? Does the patient face the operator or the unit itself? Can patients or staff with disabilities or in wheelchairs safely and comfortably access the unit?
Using our Planmeca ProMax panorex example, patients enter from the right-hand side of the unit and patient images are programmed on a touchpad or GUI directly in front of the patient. On Gendex panoramic X-ray machines, however, patients enter forward into the machine and patient images are programmed by the operator on the control to the left of the patient. i-CAT cone beam systems are seated units, so patients are positioned in a chair when capturing images. Be sure to imagine your office space with the dental X-ray machine in place so you can make sure it’s a good fit without compromising patient care. Take a few moments to sketch out your space, adding in the X-ray unit, and then drawing arrows for patient and staff workflow. This exercise will help you visualize how your imaging area could be set up and used.
- Will you need a cephalometric attachment?
If you are considering adding a cephalometric attachment to the dental X-ray machine either now or in the future, it’s a good idea to start planning that now, as the unit will require significantly more room. Take the Planmeca ProMax panoramic X-ray from our previous example. The recommended dimensions for a panoramic-only system are 61 inches wide by 64 inches deep. But, if you want to add a ceph, the Planmeca ProMax panoramic + cephalometric X-ray has a recommended space of 85 inches wide by 64 inches deep. That is two extra feet you'll plan for later on.
- How will images be captured?
Extraoral X-ray images must be exposed to radiation as part of the imaging process. Some states require that the exposure station be mounted on a stationary wall, behind a barrier, and sometimes the station and/or operator must be located a certain distance from the edge of a barrier. Other states allow the use of a hand-held switch as long as it is stretched at least 6 feet from the radiation source. The location of the exposure station must be considered when planning the layout of the panoramic X-ray area. If you are replacing an X-ray that was previously installed many years ago, be sure to check your state guidelines for any changes to regulations since the original installation.
- How will you view the patient during image capture?
Most states also require that the operator maintain visual contact with the patient at all times during dental X-ray exposure. When thinking about where to position the dental X-ray machine, can you see the patient when standing at least 6 feet away? Do you need to add a viewing window in the door? Or, maybe placing a mirror in the corner would solve the problem? If the X-ray room is completely closed off with no way to add a window or mirror, you may be forced to use some other type of remote visualization device. Some dental offices use baby monitors for this purpose, believe it or not. Don’t forget this important requirement as you select used dental equipment for your imaging area.
Wide Range of Options
As the leading provider of certified pre-owned dental panoramic X-ray and cone beam systems, Renew Digital always has a wide selection of used dental equipment to choose from. Whether you are looking for a panoramic, cephalometric or cone beam system, or an upgradeable model that lets you invest now and upgrade later, we are sure to find a perfect match for your office, regardless of available space.
Top Quality Compact Dental X-ray Machines
Some dental offices are on the smaller side, especially in urban areas where office space is at a premium. If you don’t have a lot of space, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo adding an extraoral dental X-ray machine to your practice. Renew Digital offers several compact options within each modality. Take a look at just some of the examples below.
Compact Panoramic X-ray Machines
One of the smallest panoramic X-ray models in the market is the Gendex GXDP-300 panorex. At just 33 inches wide and 47 inches deep, this entry-level panoramic system is a great fit for extra tight spaces. It is a standard panoramic unit only, and cannot be upgraded to other modalities, but does include extraoral bitewings.
At just 48 inches wide and 50 inches deep, the Instrumentarium OP30 is another fairly compact panoramic X-ray machine whose slim design will make it relatively easy to fit into a wide range of settings, especially those with limited space. It also is only a basic panoramic system, and cannot be upgraded to ceph or cone beam. However, it often includes extraoral bitewings.
Another one of our smaller panoramic X-ray models is the Carestream CS 8100 panorex system, which is fully upgradeable to cephalometric and cone beam technology, and includes extraoral bitewings. With a slim 37 inch wide by 44-inch deep footprint, it’s actually one of the most compact systems Renew Digital offers.
If you’re short on space, you may want to also take a look at the KaVo OP 3D Pro panorex. At just 38 inches wide and 57 inches deep, this dental X-ray machine works well in more narrow areas. Plus, it’s upgradeable to ceph and cone-beam and features extraoral bitewings as well.
Compact Cephalometric X-ray Machines
Due to the affixed cephalometric arm and ceph head, cephalometric X-ray machines are substantially larger than panoramic systems. However, Renew Digital offers a wide range of pan ceph combination units with a relatively compact design.
A very good option for tight spaces is the Carestream CS 8100 Panorex + Ceph, with a sleek footprint of just 73 inches wide by 45 deep. This compact pan ceph machine can also be upgraded to cone-beam whenever your practice is ready.
The Sirona XG series panoramic + cephalometric systems are also good options for smaller imaging areas. The Sirona XG5 and Sirona XG 3D Ready models are just 77 inches wide and 54 inches deep. And, what’s more, the Sirona XG 3D Ready pan ceph machine can be upgraded to medium field of view cone beam imaging, as well.
If you prefer Vatech systems, you may want to take a look at our Vatech PaX-i SC panorex and cephalometric system. At just 77 inches wide and 59 inches deep, this 3D upgradeable unit can accommodate smaller areas, as well.
Compact Dental Cone Beam Machines
Dental cone beam systems are typically panoramic X-ray units outfitted with a 3D digital sensor instead of (or in addition to) a 2D sensor counterpart, generally taking up the same amount of space as an equivalent 2D model. There are a few exceptions, however. If your current machine has dimensions similar to any of the following CBCT options, they’re certainly worth an investigation as an upgrade.
Many offices are surprised to learn that the i-CAT family of cone beam systems, such as i-CAT FLX v17,i-CAT FLX MV,i-CAT Next Generation,i-CAT Precise and Gendex CB-500 HD are all fairly compact units and adapt very well to small spaces. With a footprint of just 48 inches wide and 53 inches deep, they take up very little room. And, since patients are seated in the front of the device, patient positioning is fairly straightforward. i-CAT and Gendex CB-500 cone beam systems range in 3D field of view (FOV) size from 8 x 8 cm up to 23 x 17 cm, depending on model, and capture standard 2D panoramic X-rays as well.
Like all other modalities in the Carestream 8100 portfolio, the Carestream CS 8100 panorex and cone beam system is a great choice for smaller practices. With a footprint of just 37 inches wide and 44 inches deep, this combination unit captures small and medium 3D FOV scans up to 8 x 9 cm as well as dedicated 2D panoramic images.
If you only need a small 3D FOV unit to capture a single tooth, quadrant or arch, then you may want to consider the Gendex GXDP-700 panorex and cone beam system for a smaller sized imaging area. This compact unit is just 46 inches wide and 56 inches deep and produces 3D scans up to 6 x 8 cm and standard 2D panoramic X-rays, as well. A similar unit is the Instrumentarium OP300 panorex and cone beam, which also features a 6 x 8 cm FOV scan and 2D panorex X-rays. The OP300 3D system takes up just 38 inches width and 57 inches in depth, so is ideal for more narrow spaces.
Contact Renew Digital
For any dental practice for which space is a prime concern, many of these more compact systems we reviewed may work for you. If you have any questions about any of our certified pre-owned panoramic, cephalometric or cone beam systems and if they will fit within your particular practice configuration, you can reach us at 888-246-5611 or through our online contact form.
Also remember that with every purchase you get installation, training, and a comprehensive warranty. Our project coordinators will help manage the installation from start to finish, our onsite technicians will train you on the use of the new system, and everything is covered by our warranty including onsite service, replacement parts, and unlimited remote support.
Contact Renew Digital today to find the used dental equipment that works for your office space and needs of your practice - and save up to 30%-50% off the price of new equipment at the same time.
