I Just Invested in a Dental Cone Beam…Now What?

Dental Cone Beam Systems: Pitfalls to Avoid

Before really diving into the ways you should begin integrating your CBCT, we find it’s often best to address some of the common pitfalls doctors encounter that prevent them from getting the most from their CBCT system right out of the gate. The last thing anyone wants is for your dental cone beam system to wind up like that unused treadmill - collecting clothes hangers.

From what we’ve seen and heard from other doctors, here are the biggest hurdles preventing them from properly getting started using their CBCT (and potentially delaying their use for years):

PROBLEM: Long Learning Curve. Some doctors we speak with share concerns about how long it will take them to train their staff on the new technology. After all, running a dental practice can mean long hours and valuable time.

SOLUTION: Start using your CBCT as soon as possible after your training. No, seriously! The fresher the training is in your mind, the better chance you will have at retaining the information and getting started.

If you purchased from Renew Digital, every CBCT machine we sell comes with on-site training. This training is available for a reason, so be present for the training. Do not schedule patients during this time; we’ll ask for 2 hours of uninterrupted time to be fully devoted to your ROI-generating investment.

Then, after our certified technician conducts your training, we recommend getting started scanning patients right away - even as soon as the next Monday morning.

PROBLEM: Learning to read and interpret 3D images. Some doctors are concerned it will be difficult when adjusting to the nuances of interpreting a 3D volume when they’re most familiar with reading 2D radiographs.

SOLUTION: Integrate learning into your daily routine. Did you know that most 3D or dental cone beam CT imaging is read in a two-dimensional format? For many just getting started, the learning curve for reading and diagnosing from a 3D scan can sound intimidating when you are already busy running your practice. But in reality, you already know the anatomy of the oral cavity. CBCT enables you to see coronal, axial, and sagittal views in a 2D format, thus, shortening the learning curve!

In addition to getting started early after your initial on-site training, one effective way to learn quickly and begin full-time adoption of CBCT imaging is by gathering 3D scans.

We recommend requesting to take scans from staff, friends, and family to give you as much data to study and work with. After all, practice makes perfect!

And, there are many in-person and online CE courses that you may find extremely beneficial in learning to read CBCT volumes.

PROBLEM: 3D imaging software will be overly complex. 3D images acquired by a CBCT system require a separate image management software, with additional functionality not found in a typical 2D imaging program. Manipulating a 3D volume for treatment planning is definitely a new ballgame when compared to 2D.

SOLUTION: Ask your dealer for manufacturer information about your software. Each CBCT brand utilizes its own 3D image management software, with a range of features and applications. If you purchased your CBCT from Renew Digital, your system will come with the latest version of imaging software from your respective manufacturer - so if you have questions about software, come to us!

Fortunately for dental professionals today, 3D imaging software has evolved over time to be much more intuitive and user-friendly, even for those that aren’t extremely technology savvy. Many, like Tx Studio by Anatomage used with i-CAT models, or Romexis for Planmeca CBCT, offer a rich toolset of standard and optional specialist modules for diagnostics, modeling, and advanced treatment planning.

PROBLEM: Handling the IT portion. This includes getting PC specs, arranging computers needed, configuring network and possibly electrical components, etc.

SOLUTION: Your dealer should be able to provide guidance directly from the manufacturer, including spec sheets, so you can be prepared with the right equipment post-install. For the most efficient route from install to scanning, make sure your dealer/install technician can get in touch with your IT support. Getting your install team in touch with your IT is the best thing you can do for long-term setup and support. 

PROBLEM: Handling additional liability. Occasionally, we’ll hear from doctors expressing concerns about handling additional liability associated with CBCT scanning. There are governing regulations to be aware of when using a CBCT, particularly related to radiation dose and a responsibility to recognize unrelated medical issues that may show up in a CBCT scan.

SOLUTION: Know the rules, document cases and explain to patients. The best way to ensure you’re covered from a liability standpoint is to know the governing rules around CBCT scans as they relate to your staff and patients. In dentistry, professionals are bound by the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, limiting radiation exposure to the patient to only the absolutely necessary amount. This helps to mitigate the potential for future health concerns for your patients.

Essentially, in practice, this means reducing the cone beam radiation level and field of view (FOV) to the minimum required for the diagnostic region. For example, when placing a single implant, a large FOV capturing the full craniofacial region would rarely be required.

SOLUTION #2: Implement a disclosure form.  This means, when something is out of place or ordinary or appears as an anomaly in the CBCT taken, offer the patients an option to have the scan/CBCT read by a radiologist. After educating the patient on the abnormal anatomy, give them the option to have it read by a radiologist or sign a disclosure stating they have decided against said X-ray interpretation. Protect yourself, your patients and potentially save someone’s life!

Don't Just Take Our Word On It, Hear From a Doctor Who's Done It

Dr. Chris Godfrey, DMD is a General Practitioner and practice owner of Lifetime Family Dental in Utah. When it was time to upgrade his film pano machine to CBCT, he called on our expertise to help get him and his staff ready for 3D imaging technology. 

"I was surprised the Renew Digital staff were so familiar with my equipment, even though they use and service many different brands of cone beams." - Dr. Chris Godfrey

See what Dr. Godfrey had to say to us in his interview, below:

Getting Started: Taking the Shortcut to Success

Now that you know how to overcome some of the most common barriers to getting started with CBCT, you’re well on your way to seeing ROI on your purchase. As you get more familiar with 3D scanning and its software, you’ll likely want to think of where else you can use your dental cone beam system - to maximize its value for your practice.

For over a decade, your friends at Renew Digital have helped thousands of dental practices take the leap and upgrade to CBCT. As a refurbished dental imaging equipment dealer, we feel a responsibility to our customer’s success, to help ensure they’ll see the most value from their CBCT purchase.

As part of this commitment, we’re sharing our top tip (a “shortcut” to faster ROI) for any practice just getting started with CBCT: consider other services you can offer or retain in-house with the help of your CBCT.

For example, many doctors we speak with invest in CBCT for placing dental implants. In terms of revenue, this makes financial sense - even a single additional implant case per month could be very fruitful for your ROI. And, many doctors we speak with see an additional increase in the overall value of their practices long-term by integrating their investment in CBCT.

And, from a diagnostic lens, while implants were placed for many years without CBCT scans, treatment planning becomes much easier with CBCT, allowing for precise measurements, angulation and clearly showing the spatial relationship of adjacent anatomical structures.

While implant planning is commonly associated with CBCT, your ability to take 3D scans in-house could potentially have an even greater impact on your practice - and help you achieve ROI even faster.

A reasonable jump, based on your doctoral training, would most notably include third molar extractions and endodontics. For third molar extractions, nerve proximity to the roots of teeth can be easily determined using a CBCT image. In endodontic cases, CBCT will show periapical lesions far more clearly than traditional radiographs, especially around the maxillary sinus. It can also be used to navigate root canal anatomy and evaluate previously treated canals.

General practitioners could also consider bringing on full or part-time specialists such as orthodontists, maxillofacial/oral surgeons, sleep/airway specialists, and endodontists to further utilize their in-house CBCT.

Wondering how to get the word out about your investment in advanced technologies and added services? We wrote this article specifically to help you: How to Attract and Retain Patients: Marketing Your Dental CT Scan Machine.

More Questions? Reach Out!

Trust us, we know, making the decision to invest in an in-house CBCT takes considerable planning and resources. Upgrading from 2D to 3D imaging has great potential to benefit your patients, staff, and practice as a whole. Following the tips from this article can help you reach that coveted value quicker than you may expect!

Hey, are you still waiting to pull the trigger on an imaging upgrade?

Reach out to the leaders in certified pre-owned dental imaging equipment. For over 10 years, we’ve helped our customers save up to 50% off new list prices. And, because we have deep expertise in dental imaging systems and a wide inventory to choose from, we can help match you with the model and features that will drive the best value from your investment.

Plus, any CBCT you buy from us comes with our comprehensive warranty and five-star customer service. And, if you’re making the upgrade to CBCT, we can speak to you about trading in your current 2D X-ray equipment towards your purchase.

Give us a call today at (888) 246-5611 to speak to your dedicated Sales Representative and start putting together your CBCT purchase plan.