Deciding Between a Panorex X-Ray Machine and Dental Cone Beam System

As the leading provider of certified pre-owned digital dental equipment from premier manufacturers, we are constantly fielding questions from our valued customers about which type and/or model of dental X-ray machine to purchase. One of the most common questions we get is whether a digital panorex X-ray machine or a dental cone beam system is the best choice when upgrading to a new extraoral imaging system. Here are some of the considerations we offer when advising our current and prospective customers.

Budgetary Considerations

Allocated budget is probably the most important factor to weigh in the decision to purchase a new or certified pre-owned dental X-ray machine, whether you end up selecting a standard 2D panorex X-ray system or a dental CBCT machine.

Once you’ve developed a budget, be sure to check current pricing on our website before making a decision, particularly in our flash sale section. At the current time, we have panorex X-ray systems as low as $11,995 and dental CBCT scan machines starting at $24,995. Use these relative figures as a benchmark to see which products fall within your price range.

Once you’ve set a budget, you can start to consider features, keeping in mind that price usually increases based on the types of advanced features a system offers. For example, panorex X-ray systems that are upgradeable to a cephalometric and/or cone beam modality are typically more expensive than standard models that cannot be upgraded. Similarly, cone beam systems that offer unique features like low dose settings and larger FOV sizes usually cost more as well. Purchasing a used dental X-ray system may enable you to afford a dental panoramic X-ray or cone beam scan machine with more features than purchasing a similar system brand new.

In addition to saving you anywhere from 30% to 50% off the list price for new dental X-ray machines, buying used dental imaging equipment may be able to save you in other ways, as well.

• Used dental equipment qualifies for Section 179 deduction tax savings. Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code enables businesses to invest in themselves with qualifying equipment and software and deduct the cost as an expense.
• You may be eligible to trade in your current system to help you save even more on a certified, pre-owned replacement.
• We offer special financing options to help our customers afford digital dental equipment. For example, through December 2021, we are running special financing at 6 months, no payments, no interest with a low 2.99% rate.

Before you rule anything out from a cost perspective, remember that a more advanced dental imaging system, such as a dental CT scan machine, will most likely enable you to expand the capabilities of your practice and bill for additional procedures, helping offset your initial imaging investment. 

Before selecting an extraoral imaging system for your practice, you need to define the services that you would like to offer to your patients now. In addition, you should think about what other procedures you may also wish to provide in the future.

For example, if you don’t plan to expand your patient services past the capabilities afforded by standard, entry level 2D panoramic dental X-ray systems, then a newer digital panoramic imaging system that only provides 2D panoramic imaging capabilities may serve you well. It’s also likely to be more affordable.

If you are planning on expanding the capabilities of your dental practice by offering dental implants, orthodontics, endodontics, oral or maxillofacial surgery or other specialties, then a more advanced digital dental X-ray machine can help you expand your services. In fact, a dental CBCT machine may be necessary to best support these applications. Many CBCT systems offer a dedicated 2D setting for standard panoramic scans as well, so upgrading won’t limit your abilities. This flexibility enables you to keep to the principle of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) while administering dental X-rays to your patients.

It’s important to keep in mind that you may be able to offer a higher standard of care with a dental CBCT system. If you only have a standard panorex machine but want to offer a higher degree of care, an upgrade may be in order. In a situation like this, the cost of a CBCT system might very well be justified.

If you are experiencing an increase in local dental practice competition, then you need to consider matching, or exceeding it. The internet has made modern patients better informed than ever about dental imaging options and other dental services, and it has also made it easier for consumers to read reviews and search for local practices.

If all of your local competitors offer advanced imaging options and a greater list of dental services, it may benefit your practice to offer the same or better. Also, consider the referrals that come to your office. If many of them are referred for services that require the exceptional imaging quality and expanded capabilities of a cone beam system, it may be in your best interest to invest in a dental ct scan machine for your practice, as well.

One more thing to keep in mind is that if you are outfitting a secondary office location and already have a cone beam system at your main office, then you might only need 2D functionality at the second location. You can always send patients to the main location if a 3D scan is necessary.

Just make sure to keep your decisions relevant to the needs of your patients and to keep competitive abilities in mind, as it will help guide you toward the proper purchase.

Contact Us!

Although we’ve covered most of the main considerations most practices need to make when deciding whether a 2D panorex X-ray machine or a dental CBCT system will serve their needs best, our sales team is still here to help.

Our team is brand-neutral and only interested in providing your practice with an extraoral digital imaging system that will meet your unique clinical needs and budget. We sell used dental equipment only from the best brands in the business, so whatever you decide, you can rest assured it is representative of the highest possible quality.

The purchase of all certified pre-owned equipment from Renew Digital includes installation, training, as well as a comprehensive warranty that includes both replacement parts and onsite service. Every purchase is backed by our 5-star service and support as well. We know that colleague referrals are important; check out the feedback from hundreds of our happy customers. With over 10 years in business, Renew Digital has the industry and product experience to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Contact us today at 888-246-5611 or via our contact form to learn more about how we can help find the perfect panoramic X-ray or dental cone beam system for you and your practice. We’re happy to help!