The world of dental imaging has evolved considerably over the past two decades. Previously, when dental professionals wanted to add panoramic dental X-ray machines to their practice, they could select from a finite number of panoramic film X-ray brands. Today’s digital dental X-ray equipment can help dentists diagnose their patients faster and more accurately than ever before. But, newer technology can introduce other challenges. Now, dental professionals are presented with myriad models of panoramic dental X-ray equipment that have flooded the market today, at a variety of prices. Sometimes all of the different options can be overwhelming, making the buying decision more difficult and confusing.
When selecting a panoramic dental X-ray unit for your practice, follow the guidelines below to help streamline the decision-making process.
Match Your Treatment Goals
When choosing panoramic dental X-ray equipment, you should think about the diagnostics that you perform and the treatment you provide, and you should opt for equipment that matches your practice requirements. For instance, if you are general dentist, a standard panorex such as a Planmeca ProOne, Sirona XG3, or Instrumentarium OP30 panoramic dental X-ray will likely meet all of your imaging needs.
However, if you eventually want to start placing dental implants or treating endodontic conditions, you may want to invest in a 3D-upgradeable panoramic X-ray system such as a Planmeca ProMax, Sirona XG 3D Ready, or Carestream CS 8100. Likewise, if you plan on adding an orthodontist to your practice or placing clear aligners, then you may want to consider a cephalometric-upgradeable system such as the Planmeca ProMax, Sirona XG5, or Gendex GXDP-700 dental panoramic X-ray.
Panoramic Dental X-Ray Equipment Features
In addition to your treatment goals, you should also consider the specific features of the dental X-ray equipment that best meet the needs of your patients. For instance, some panoramic X-rays such as the Instrumentarium OP30 , Sirona XG3, and Planmeca ProOne dental X-ray units allow you to capture extraoral bitewing images. Many patients find intraoral bitewings uncomfortable. When you can alleviate this discomfort, you make the dental experience more pleasant for your patients. Ultimately, offering extraoral bitewings can then become a selling point to attract more patients to your practice.
Panoramic dental X-ray equipment models are all different shapes and sizes. Some are designed with a much smaller footprint than others. Consider your practice size and the room or area in which the X-ray is intended. Is there enough space for a patient and staff member to move around comfortably? Can it accommodate a wheelchair?If space is a concern, you may want to consider a more compact unit such as the Carestream CS 8100, Instrumentarium OP30 , or Planmeca ProOne, dental panoramic X-ray.
Also, sometimes patient positioning is important. For example, some panoramic X-ray equipment has the patient facing the X-ray, with their back to the operator. This can be uncomfortable for some patients -- especially for children-- and this problem can be eliminated by a choosing a dental X-ray machine that allows the operator to face the patient. Patient-facing X-ray machines also tend to reduce the risk of patient movement, resulting in retakes.
When selecting a panoramic X-ray machine, it’s also important to consider compatible imaging software. If your office is already using imaging software for intraoral X-rays, it may make sense for you to select a dental panoramic X-ray from the same manufacturer. Or, if you are adding a panoramic X-ray system for a second location, you may want to stick with the same dental X-ray model and imaging software as installed in your primary location to minimize training time for your staff.
Panoramic Dental X-Ray Equipment Budget
One of the most important things to consider is your budget. If money is no object, and you want the latest and greatest features regardless of the price, then a new panoramic X-ray machine with all of the bells and whistles may be a perfect fit. But, if your practice is on a budget or you just want to save those capital expense dollars to purchase other dental equipment, then you may want to consider a certified pre-owned panoramic dental X-ray machine. Used dental panoramic X-ray systems from Renew Digital can save practices up to 50% off new list prices of the exact same dental equipment.
At Renew Digital, we are committed to providing our customers with the very best certified pre-owned panoramic dental X-ray equipment from leading manufacturers at extremely affordable prices. All of our used dental equipment is fully tested against manufacturer specifications, and every panoramic dental X-ray machine comes with installation, training, and a comprehensive parts and onsite labor warranty that includes unlimited telephone support. Contact us directly to learn more.
