Blog

• Dr. Lou Shuman
• Dr. Kevin Aminzadeh
• Dr. Douglas Chenin
• Dr. Lou Graham
• Dr. Diwakar Kinra
• Dr. Lisa Koenig
• Christine Taxin
• Dr. Terry Work
• Dr. Gy Yatros
• Laura Howerton, RDH
• Art Curley

“Being the go-to partner for dentists means offering more than just a stellar product. 3DU is an expression of our commitment to the dental team, wanting them to be educated and empowered to use state-of-the-art technology in delivering optimal care and outcomes,” said Pankaj Jaggi, Senior Director, Marketing, for KaVo Kerr Imaging. “We are excited to present a program that will offer tips dentists can put into use right away, as well as concepts that will benefit them in long-term strategizing for the dental practice.”

This impressive line-up deserves a world-class stage, and the venue for 3DU will not disappoint. Located just 20 minutes north of downtown Dallas, the Omni Frisco Hotel is described as “a modern cornerstone of the city reflecting the culture and energy of the area.” Just outside is The Star, the new social hub of Frisco and Home of the Dallas Cowboys, where guests can easily access both entertainment and shopping. Make your hotel arrangements by August 31 to take advantage of the 3DU special rate.

Visit Dental3DU.com today to pre-register for the event and lock-in discounts for both dentists and dental team members.

About KaVo Kerr

KaVo Kerr is a cohesive organization comprised of two global leaders, united to provide dental excellence and serve as a single premier partner for the dental community. KaVo Kerr operates with a common vision inspiring and helping our customers, their patients and our own associates realize their potential. KaVo Kerr offers solutions for endodontics, restoratives, treatment units, infection prevention, imaging, rotary and instruments.

By Rachel Mahoney, DMD

In April 2013, all of my dreams came true — I opened Mahoney Family Dentistry and gave birth to my son, Keegan, just weeks apart. Caring for a newborn baby and nurturing a new practice both take patience, attention to detail, and a great support group. The caring and knowledgeable representatives from Gendex and Burkhart offered their expertise on every aspect of the practice, especially on my imaging needs. As a result, the GXDP-700™ series digital pan and 3D combination unit and GXS-700 digital sensors have become two of the most important assets for my new practice.

During my career, I have worked in many aspects of dentistry — starting as a dental assistant in my father’s pediatric practice in 1990, then studying to become a hygienist, continuing on to dental school at Boston University School of Dental Medicine, and finally completing a GPR residency at the University of Nevada School Of Medicine in Las Vegas. In 2008, I moved to Edmonds, Washington and worked in different dental practices with various levels of technology.

By the time I started my own practice, I had worked in the dental field for 20 years and had experience with a variety of software and x-ray equipment. So, I was very selective and knew exactly what I did and did not want. Burkhart representatives Jim Connor and Tami Lennox accompanied me at the Pacific Northwest Dental Convention to see my options. For imaging products, we visited multiple companies’ booths and kept returning to Gendex. For implant procedures, I wanted a user-friendly in-office CBCT that produced great images. After stopping by the Gendex booth, and seeing the excellent image quality and price of the GXDP-700, the decision was simple. As part of my imaging package, I also got both sizes of GXS-700 digital sensors.

From the time of the training, I knew that I had made the right choice. I am so pleased with the clarity of the images, and how simply I can move between 2D and 3D modes. During training, I had a cone beam and bitewings done on me because I was due for a checkup. The bitewing was so crystal clear that I found a cavity that I had suspected but that was missed with a different brand of digital imaging a year before.

3D imaging is important to different procedures in my practice. When planning implant cases, I need the most accurate and detailed information available. And 3D can help me to pinpoint precise nerve location for third molar wisdom tooth extraction cases. I can control the resolution for lower radiation exposure and still get very fine detail even at the low resolution setting. My goal is to start using guides on every case, and CBCT is an important part of that process. This will remove even more guesswork and allow me to keep more advanced cases in-house.

Another interesting feature helped out with a patient who had an extremely bad gag reflex. With the extraoral bitewing feature, we were able to get great quality images. The patient was so impressed and said that he didn’t even know a dentist could cater to his special needs.

The GXS-700 sensors have also proven to be very valuable. Almost all of our new patients get a full mouth series. During our training, my team quickly learned how to properly position the sensor to get the appropriate views. The sensors are comfortable, and we use the smaller size for children, or adults with a bad gag reflex. Patients appreciate that they get less radiation exposure with digital x-rays, and since I was an assistant cleaning the processor at the beginning of my career, I appreciate not having to waste space with a darkroom or use harsh developing chemicals.

The Gendex trainer Mary Johnson came from Portland, Oregon to get us up to speed with the VixWin Platinum and Anatomage software. I was relieved that both are easy to navigate. I love and want technology, but am not super tech savvy, so the fact that it is so user-friendly is very important. The touchscreen on the GXDP-700 makes it so simple, my assistants caught on very quickly. Also, if we need to share information, scans can easily and securely be sent electronically to referring dentists.

Setting up this office has been an interesting, and often hectic experience. In the span of a few weeks, my husband, Glenn (who is in emergency medicine and helps monitor my in-office IV sedation), and I got a loan, designed our space, signed a 10-year lease, and discovered that we were going to have a baby. Troy Schmidt from Gendex, Jim Connor and Tami Lennox from Burkhart helped to reduce this potentially stressful situation. Jim and Tami went above and beyond to help me set up my practice with the hallmark integrity that Burkhart has always shown. Troy kept in touch and answered all of my questions, ensuring that I was happy with my decisions. Mary, the Gendex trainer, was patient and kind. They became my support group and gave me tips on everything from equipment to parenting. I returned to my new practice after three weeks of maternity leave, and my dreams continue to come true as I watch my baby and my practice grow.

Dr. Mahoney began her dental career in Arizona in 1990 as a pediatric dental assistant, working for her father. After 8 years of general and pediatric dental assisting, she went to college to become a dental hygienist and graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas, in 1998. After graduation, a job opportunity took her to Luzern, Switzerland, where she practiced dental hygiene for 3 years.

After moving back to the states for dental school, she graduated, with honors, from Boston University School of Dental Medicine. She went on to complete a competitive residency at The University of Nevada School of Medicine. During her residency, she received intensive training in general dentistry, hospital dentistry, implant dentistry and sedation. Upon completion of residency, she and her husband, who works in emergency medicine, moved to Washington to be close to family. 

Washington is her final home, but through her many moves and travels she has gained life experiences. She feels that these experiences make her able to communicate and work with patients of all ages and backgrounds. Besides her work in private practice, Dr. Mahoney is also affiliate faculty at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She says that she loves being a dentist because it allows her to help improve a person’s health and smile. She finds it rewarding to get to know her patients and really understand their individual expectations and desires in regards to their oral health. 

More info at Mahoney Family Dentistry

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With the advent of any new technology, it’s important for dental professionals to consider not only cost and risks, but also the benefits of switching. In the case of 3D dental imaging, the advantages are clear, granting practitioners and patients alike a better clinical experience.

A dental 3D scan allows clinicians to view dental anatomy from different angles. A 3D scan can help gain a better view of bone structures, such as adjacent root positions, in order to locate canals and root fractures, as well as provide the ability to more accurately measure anatomical structures. These scans also support a wide range of diagnosis and treatment planning, making them extremely flexible. Further, they increase the possibility of treatment success, granting practitioners greater predictability and confidence in preparing for extractions, performing root evaluations, and placing implants.

3D dental imaging also delivers the power of repeatability, providing fast and accurate imaging that’s consistent—and thus, reliable. Using a 3D dental scanner equips dental professionals with a comprehensive view, letting them see specific conditions in the region of interest to determine whether a treatment is necessary. Because details show up so clearly, patients can be more confident in a dentist’s decision. In addition, the use of dental imaging technology often creates a more comfortable and engaging dental visit for the patient.

The Gendex GXDP-700 Series features the pinnacle of 3D dental imaging technology, allowing dentists to plan for more predictable treatment outcomes by taking advantage of powerful 3D software analysis and simulation tools. Plus, dental practitioners can control the exposure and the size of scanned areas using the system’s flexible field-of-view (FOV) to meet individual patient and clinical needs. As a practice grows to offer additional imaging capabilities, the GXDP-700 imaging solution can be upgraded within your own timeline and budget. 

X-ray imaging, including dental 3D (CBCT), provides a fast, non-invasive way of answering a number of clinical questions. Dental CBCT images provide three-dimensional (3D) information, rather than the two-dimensional (2D) information provided by a conventional X-ray image. This may help with the diagnosis, treatment planning and evaluation of certain conditions. Dental CBCT should be performed only when necessary to provide clinical information that cannot be provided using other imaging modalities. Concerns about radiation exposure are greater for younger patients because they are more sensitive to radiation. For more information about the use, benefits, and risks of CBCT, visit blog.gendex.com/risk-and-benefits-of-CBCT

A new, powerful version of 3D imaging software is shipping with our award-winning Cone Beam 3D systems: Anatomage Invivo 5.2.

This software seamlessly integrates with the Gendex VixWin Platinum 3.x imaging application, bringing 3D imaging just a single click away and making all 2D images from digital sensors, panoramic, digital cameras and 3D scans conveniently available in one single patient imaging management system. 

Here is a list of new key features and improvements available with the all-new version of the Invivo software.

1. Sharper Image Quality

• Significantly sharper and clearer images for better diagnosis.
• Better bone boundary for improved implant planning.

 2. Improved Implant Planning Features

• Ability to check for surgical interference before sending the case reduces treatment time.
• Real-time implant angle control.
• Flexible restoration positioning.

Figure 1. The enhanced implant planning simulation tool of Invivo 5.2

3. Sharing Made Easy

• Wrap image data with the Invivo Viewer and burn to a CD to easily share scans.
• Export 3D/2D images with a work-up as a single-file in DICOM format.

4. New Radiology Tools

• Quick slice review. 
• New flexible custom section tools.
• New lightbox layouts.

Figure 2. Invivo 5.2 offers the ability to quickly review x-ray slices

 

For more information about Anatomage software, please visit anatomage.com.

 

Over the last few years, Cone Beam 3D imaging has become more widely adopted in dental offices. The information delivered by this technology creates invaluable data for the treatment and implant planning process.

3D scans used in conjunction with 3D implant planning software represent an optimal method for presurgical assessment of dental implant sites. Specifically the use of 3D technology during any augmentation or implant procedure allows clinicians to examine cross-sectional views of the site of interest. 3D imaging provides an extensive amount of information for the clinician, such as bone structure, bone density, root positioning, fractures, and clear measurements of the anatomical structure. Both doctors and patients alike can visibly understand the precise diagnosis, method of entry, treatment and recovery.

Dr. Norberto Velázquez in Greenville, NC shares his experience with the Gendex GXDP-700 Pan/3D imaging system and talks about why 3D Imaging makes implant planning more predictable.

Implant Planning with 3D/CBCT

The case presented represents a typical instance where an implant is required in the area of the first or second premolar. A three-dimensional scan is used to accurately locate the exact position of important anatomic structures or landmarks. The 3D scan and software allow moving, slicing, and viewing the anatomy from any direction.

Dr. Velázquez’s Conclusion

The GXDP-700 system offers several functionalities that benefit my patients. The advantage of the extra dimension to both implant patients for me, and orthodontic patients for my wife, is incalculable. This machine has become a basic part of the diagnostic process for implants — like my explorer and mirror. It allows me to see the location of important anatomical structures and landmarks so I can avoid additional or unnecessary invasive procedures.

With the scan, I can inform patients of my implant treatment plan, and show them how the surgery will proceed. They gain confidence in my knowledge of their dental anatomy even before surgery begins. Before 3D, a surprise could pop up during surgery. Then, the patient would be disappointed that he or she was not going to get an implant immediately, but needed an additional procedure first, such as grafting. My patients understand that I have implemented this technology for the sake of their dental health.

For a dentist, the opportunity for improved diagnostic capabilities is always a benefit to the patient. While they are not always directly aware of all the advantages, the information that I obtain from these pans and scans is beneficial for their care. I witness these benefits every day, in increased patient communication and more successful treatment outcomes.  

Your clear path for growth begins with the GXDP-700™ Series. This dynamic system starts with a digital panoramic with sophisticated styling and an ergonomic design including an advanced touchscreen interface. The GXDP-700 is a modular system, upgradeable from 2D panoramic to Cephalometrics or 3D Cone Beam with flexible field-of-view, or both. 

Over the last few years, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), also known as dental 3D imaging, has become more widely adopted in the dental offices. The information delivered by this technology creates invaluable data for the treatment and implant planning process.

Recently, the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR) updated its guidelines for dental imaging in implant treatment, suggesting cone beam CT as the preferred method for presurgical assessment of dental implant sites. Their recommendations are not mandatory; however, their goal is to give dental professionals the qualified opinion on imaging while reducing radiation risks to the patient.

AAOMR advises dentists to use a cone beam CT scanner during any augmentation or implant procedure in order to include cross-sectional imaging orthogonal to the site of interest. CBCT imaging provides an extensive amount of information for the clinician, such as bone structure, bone density, root positioning, fractures, and clear measurements of the anatomical structure. Both doctors and patients alike can now visibly understand the precise diagnosis, method of entry, treatment and recovery.

The AAOMR is continually researching the best methods for dental procedures. The current updated guidelines support the benefits of cross-sectional imaging for implants, which is best achieved with CBCT.

The Gendex GXDP-700 Panoramic 3D imaging system provides the necessary valuable information required for these types of diagnostic procedures while limiting the exposed are to a targeted 4x6cm or 6x8cm volume. This COMBO x-ray system captures both advanced panoramic projections and 3D scans with the touch of a button. The PerfectScout™ system enables 3D scans to zone for the exact area of interest. The GXDP-700™ offers 33 panoramic options — 11 projections for three patient sizes, two 3D volume sizes plus a dose-saving scout view, and the ability to add cephalometrics — 15 options, 5 projections for three patient sizes.

A recent article in Dental Traumatology noted that 3D is a beneficial tool for diagnosing vertical root fractures (VRFs). Since the diagnosis is based on clinical and radiographic presentations, the study notes, “It might be difficult to detect VRFs in non-endodontically treated molars by conventional radiographs in certain situations because of the limitations of 2D images and many others factors such as the VRFs being in their early stages.”  Variations in root shapes and the position of the VRF can affect detection on conventional radiographic methods, and in turn, may lead to a misinterpretation of a radiolucent fracture line. The study presents four case reports to illustrate how CBCT was utilized to gather more information of the presence of VRFs, and “successfully diagnose VRFs based on direct visualization of radiolucent lines, especially those suspected from routine conventional radiographs, as well as their symptoms and clinical findings.”

To get to the root of the matter, or at least the fracture on the root, CBCT scans provide high definition diagnostic images for efficient treatment planning.