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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.

As the leading provider of certified pre-owned digital imaging equipment, we often speak with dentists and dental specialists who are ready to upgrade their extraoral imaging to support the needs of their practices. For many practices, this means proactively upgrading a panorex X-ray machine to CBCT (cone beam computed tomography), as a means of increasing their diagnostic and treatment planning capabilities.

Digital  dental X-ray machines have been around for more than two decades at this point, and digital radiography is now widespread throughout the dental market. In fact, some studies have shown that up to 70% of all dental practices now use digital dental X-ray machines. However, despite the widespread use of digital radiography, there are still many dental practices that hold on to the old tradition of using film panoramic X-rays. Perhaps your practice is one of them.

For over 40 years, Planmeca has consistently ranked as one of the leading manufacturers in the industry for digital dental imaging, providing a comprehensive line of panoramic, cephalometric and cone beam imaging systems. Planmeca’s technologies routinely receive high marks for image quality, dependability, and ease of use.

Is it time to replace or upgrade your existing dental X-ray machine, or are you building a new general dental or dental specialty office and want to add an X-ray machine? Either way, here are some important things to consider when planning your space and selecting the correct dental X-ray machine to ensure the best (and safest) patient experience.

In our previous article, we reviewed the top 5 medium Field of View (FOV) CBCT systems that deliver a great value for your dental practice. This week, we're reviewing the top large FOV systems for:

As the most common type of dental X-ray, the bitewing provides significant information for dentists to diagnose common dental conditions and aid in customized treatment planning for each patient. Besides showing clear images of the teeth and roots, a bitewing X-ray also shows occlusal positioning. Performing bitewing X-rays typically involves taking up to four images with a digital sensor or dental film to isolate certain areas. With the extraoral bitewing feature common in modern panorex X-ray systems, these concerns are a thing of the past.

There are many benefits to using digital dental X-ray machines. They allow dentists and patients to instantly view images on the computer with high resolution. Specialized tools allow you to filter, zoom, plan treatment, and predict outcomes more efficiently and effectively. With all this data available to patients as well, they can make better, more well-informed decisions about their dental health.

As dental and dental specialists expand the types and level of services they provide to their patients, they often look for ways to help streamline their practice workflow and improve patient care. Some of the more recent technological advancements in dental CBCT and intraoral scanning, plus the ability to merge the two dental imaging technologies together, can help practitioners realize even greater efficiency, productivity, and patient satisfaction.

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.