While some dentists may have a colleague they admire as an exceptionally skilled diagnostician, that colleague’s valuable skill set is likely complemented by an investment in advanced 3D imaging technology.
One of Dentsply Sirona’s innovative diagnostic tools is the Orthophos S-3D, a state-of-the-art hybrid 2D/3D x-ray unit designed with a full range of capabilities to maximize consistency and reproducibility in virtually all 2D and 3D tasks. Equipped with multiple innovative technologies to provide clinicians with exceptionally clear images, the Orthophos S-3D assists with diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care while enhancing the practice workflow.
Describing the Orthophos S-3D as “a sleek machine with a relatively small footprint that can fit in the same space as a traditional panoramic,” Dr. Ross Isbell takes 3D images of bone and root canals and appreciates the “great image quality and simple-to-learn measuring and planning tools that integrate with my existing CEREC workflow.” He called the implant planning software “quick and straight-forward” and said, “I use it regularly for implant consults instead of referring those out. It allows me to be more active with the surgical treatment planning process from day 1 instead of waiting on a consult with a surgeon to confirm my plan.”
Image Acquisition & Quality
With a very low patient radiation dose, the Orthophos S-3D captures high-quality images, including HD images with up to 80-µm resolution. The 2D CsI sensor with autofocus ensures clear, sharp images even in anatomically difficult cases. Ten-point automatic positioning and a patented occlusal bite block allow for easy and efficient patient positioning while limiting unnecessary correction scans and enhancing patient and user comfort.
“I can see and diagnose pathology with 3D that I could not diagnose accurately with a periapical radiograph,” shared Dr. Melissa Welty, who called the Orthophos “a great 3D machine that integrates with other software and works with other equipment to fabricate implant guides.” The unit provides “great and fast 3D imaging with very low radiation,” said Dr. Krista Kappus, and Dr. Irene Renieris praised “the amount of information you obtain” from a 3D image. When asked to recommend improvements, Dr. Renieris suggested, “It would be nice if it synced with [our practice management software] so that I can view images on more than 2 machines.”
Diagnosis & Treatment Planning
A variety of analysis tools enable simplified diagnostics for multiple applications and specialties, including orthodontics, for which an optional left- or right-sided ceph arm is available.
With her Orthophos S-3D, Dr. Rachel Anne Day said she can “collect appropriate diagnostic data for fabrication of implant surgical guides.” In addition, the unit allowed her practice to add aligner treatment and is expanding into airway treatment. The Orthophos S-3D has improved diagnostics for Dr. Welty, who explained that “the 3D image showed pathology,” even after an area looked normal with a periapical radiograph.
“Each individual has unique anatomy, and the Orthophos S-3D helps take the guessing game out of each tooth,” said Dr. Renieris, who has patients with numerous root canals and several sources of pain. Explaining that “a 2D image was not quite enough to tell me if there was a periapical radiolucency around a root,” she said, “Having a 3D image improves my ability to detect lesions.”
“Placing implants is much more seamless and predictable with this technology,” said Dr. Azadeh Shahab, and Dr. Kappus describes the unit as “great at helping find canals for endo and for planning implants.” Reporting “greater success finding canals when I know exactly where to look,” Dr. Isbell said the 3D views give him “confidence that canals converge apically if I’m unable to locate an orifice.” Calling the unit easy to use, Dr. Mike Micallef shared, “Orthophos S-3D provides additional diagnostic abilities for a practitioner.”
Specialist Communication and Patient Education
Rather than automatically referring a patient to a specialist, the Orthophos S-3D allows Dr. Renieris to “take the image myself, email it to the endodontist, and save the patient a trip.” Dr. Welty can “explain and show easily understandable images to patients,” which helps improve case acceptance. “I can showcase the process to patients, who clearly see the problem and how the treatment could be done more precisely,” explained Dr. Shahab. Dr. Isbell said he likes to generate a PDF of the treatment plan with screenshots for the patient to take home.
