Calling all CBCT buyers! If you’re upgrading from 2D to 3D imaging for the first time, or perhaps your needs have changed and you’re re-evaluating your options for dental cone beam, we have compiled the ultimate starting guide for you.
Many doctors looking to upgrade their equipment evaluate the technology based on potential ROI, and how quickly it may take to recoup the investment cost.
Owning a CBCT is a proven formula for helping increase revenue by increasing the specialty procedures and service offerings you keep in-house. And, in some cases doctors accomplish this by incorporating an OMS, Periodontist, Endodontist or Orthodontist that travels in and out of their office on a routine basis - retaining more patients rather than referring specialty cases.
So, let’s get started by understanding one of the most important specifications when comparing CBCT brands and models: field of view (FOV).
The field of view indicates the anatomical area captured by the scan, typically measured in centimeters (cm). Each manufacturer sets their own field of view sizes, so they can differ greatly by brand and model. Yet, regardless of manufacturer, dental cone beam systems are typically categorized by three FOV groups: small, medium, and large.
When you speak to an authorized CBCT dealer, the first question they’ll typically ask you about your upgrade is what procedures do you offer/plan to offer?
Today, we’ll review the three common FOV sizes and the clinical applications/procedures which typically match each option.
And, keep in mind, with most manufacturers the medium and large FOV cone beam dental systems can collimate down to achieve smaller FOV sizes, when needed. Look for CBCT brands with multi-FOV selections, so you can achieve minimal radiation exposure, limited just to the region of focus.
Small FOV
Small FOV CBCT typically captures a 5 x 5 cm scan to capture fine details. A small FOV dental cone beam system is the right choice for you if you only need to view one or two teeth at a time and is best suited for endodontics and single implant treatments.
Medium/Mid FOV
Medium FOV CBCT typically captures an 8 x 8 cm scan or similar for single or dual arch applications, and is the most common CBCT size based on its versatility. These systems are often the best choice for most general dentists, are ideal for surgical guides, viewing impacted teeth, and other applications requiring one or more full dental arches.
Large FOV
Large FOV CBCT scans start around 13-15 cm and can go as large as 17-23 cm. Large FOV cone beam systems are necessary for evaluating trauma cases, TMJ disorders, airway and sleep apnea studies, ectopic and impacted teeth and third molars, orthognathic surgery, and assessing skeletal symmetry. Doctors in oral surgery, orthodontics, and sleep medicine will find this size to be the most helpful.
General Purchasing Guidelines
When deciding which dental cone beam system to purchase, you’ll want to consider your overall treatment objectives, both now and in the future.
If you currently refer out for CBCT imaging more than four times per month, you may want to consider adding a dental cone beam system to your practice to capture these images in-house. This can increase ROI from receiving referrals from other doctors, performing more complex cases in-house, and increased treatment acceptance and continuation rates.
If you are not yet ready for cone beam, but have considered expanding your practice in the future, whether through offering additional services or bringing in a doctor with other areas of expertise, you might want to look at digital panoramic dental X-ray machines that are easily upgradeable to cone beam dental functionality in the future.
Ready to Get Started?
Get to know Voxel! We have a team of dental technology experts ready to help you find the right equipment for your practice. And, because we’re an authorized dealer of many top technology brands, including Vatech, Carestream, PreXion, Acteon, Rayscan and more, we’ll be able to help you find the best solutions for your practice at the best value.
Need something other than 3D imaging? Voxel also has a wide inventory of 2D pan/ceph X-rays as well, and also hand-held X-rays, 3D printers, intraoral scanners, intraoral sensors and more, all from the brands doctors choose most!
We back all of our products with a comprehensive warranty, 24/7 product support, installation, and perhaps most importantly online and on-site training to help get you and your staff started with your new technology as quickly as possible.
Ready to begin? Give us a call at (281) 789-7270 or fill out an online inquiry form here. We look forward to earning your business.
