Two months into the day-to-day use of the new CBCT Scanner in the practice and time to begin to tell the story.
Having used the CS 900 CBCT Scanner since 2009 there was always going to be a ‘j-curve’ as we changed to a new machine and new software. The CS 9000 was running fine and had changed my practising life when it first arrived but I was very keen to enter into the world of CAD Cam technology and digital pathway with CBCT and in-practice milling.
Sirona offer the only viable solution for this at the present time, which is the XG 3D linked to Cerec and this is the package we went for. An extraordinary investment as we tied it in with an IT infrastructure within the practice so, all told over £150,000!
The inevitable dip begins when such a new and innovative product is built into the practice and everyone decides that the previous software and machine was better or easier to use. I am delighted to say we came through that dip very quickly (there were only 2 CBCTs that were difficult to read due to poor positioning) and the images are now superb.
The software for Sirona is perhaps less intuitive than the Carstream software but is much more detailed and takes interpretation of CBCT to another level. The nerve tracing facility, diagnosis facility and implant placement facility is superb with the ability to place abutments and numerous tools to assist in implant planning. In particular, the customisable safety zone associated with the implant is fantastic for viewing potential problems during placement and we have extended our safety zone to 4mm a ‘la Tara Renton.
The ability to plan surgical cases and link these to Cerec scans will be a complete game changer in our practice. We are just about to produce our first Cerec guide which is a milled, guided surgery stent and are planning cases with a view to restoration with Cerec crowns.
Positioning of the machines is very straightforward and this was essential as most of the CBCT scans in the practice are taken by my staff. This machine also has a dual sensor set up for Panoramic and 3D and the sensor in the Sirona unit is the same as the sensor in the Morita unit, which is well accepted as the best machine in the world (£350,000)
The 2D facility on this machine is acceptable with multiple programmes and huge dose reduction capabilities. The variable field of view in the 3D elements give an exceptional opportunity for dose reduction also.
The training from Graham at Sirona was high-level. It is essential to use the machine for a whole before the high-level training occurs but all told, one of the best investments I have ever made and a machine to see us through the next five years.
