6 things to consider before buying a dental X-ray machine

Before you invest in a new dentist X-ray machine, make sure you consider the following points. They’ll not only minimise downtime, but they’ll save you a lot of money in the process too.  

Dental radiology has evolved incredibly since the first machine in 1896. The discovery of X-rays has enabled dentists to see what’s happening below the surface level of the mouth, with clearer results to detect and prevent oral health issues.

But with evolution comes complexities in the selection process. With more and more dental X-ray machines and equipment on the market, knowing what one to choose can feel like you’re looking for a needle in a haystack. With this in mind, we’ve created a complete guide to help make the all-important decision a lot easier.

Things to consider before buying a dentist X-ray machine

The ability to accurately diagnose dental patients starts with the best quality tools and equipment. And it shouldn’t be overlooked just how much an X-ray machine does in a dental practice. Dental radiography is important and relied-upon method to identify oral health risks. So, here are seven things to consider to make sure you buy the most dependable, safe, and quality equipment.

Cost

Before buying a dentist X-ray machine, there are a few different costs to consider, including:

• Upfront sale cost
• Maintenance, repairs, and spare parts.
• Site preparation and installation.
• Operator costs
• Energy usage

When purchasing dental radiology equipment, there are multiple costs and various things to think about when it comes to budget. If you spend too much, you might not have the budget for other scanners and long-term maintenance. But by spending too little, you might sacrifice performance and ability.

Try finding a middle ground to get the best quality machinery that is comprehensive and reliable but also within budget.

Ease of use

If you’re working in a dental practice, there’s a lot of responsibility and equipment to get used to. Therefore, it’s worth looking for equipment that’s easy to use and intuitive, with good reviews. A reputable company will also offer training, ongoing services and support on how to use it. So, always go for a company you can trust.

Quality of equipment

Selecting the best manufacturer and supplier of medical imaging equipment for dental care is fundamental. No one wants to buy a new piece of X-ray equipment for it to be out of service with maintenance issues.

X-ray equipment used in radiology treatment must be subject to strict quality controls, as high levels of radiation exposure can cause severe damage in humans. Malfunctioning machines can also hold up patient appointments and impact revenue over a shorter period.

When working with these types of products in dental care, monitoring the performance will guarantee safe and effective use. Looking at the reviews and identifying the best quality equipment will help you choose reliable, high-quality, and long-lasting products.

Image quality

One of the most important things to consider when selecting a dental X-ray machine is the quality of the images produced. The images should be accurate and precise to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment.

A low-quality image might be declined because of inaccurate readings, and the radiological procedure might need repeating in an attempt for X-ray imagery of diagnostic value. However, thanks to the advancement of technology and equipment, the quality of images is more ultra-modern and accurate than ever before.

Safety

The safety of patients and staff is of utmost importance when purchasing X-ray equipment, whether that’s for a dentist’s surgery or a hospital. Different machines will have varying levels of exposure to enable them to take an accurate and reliable image. For example, the OD 3D Pro machine has a very low radiation dose with Low Dose Technology.

Recent tech advancements in X-ray equipment, specifically film technology, allow for excellent X-ray images without using large amounts of radiation.

A typical dental X-ray image exposes you to roughly two or three millirems (mrem). All dental teams should be aware of radiation safety, and familiarise themselves with the Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray equipment.

Provider

Before purchasing X-ray equipment, it’s important to consider the provider and their credentials. A trustworthy X-ray provider will provide quality and value and have advanced knowledge of the equipment and what’s best for a practice. Take the time to research their reviews and case studies to make sure you’re using a dependable and efficient supplier.

Different types of X-ray machines

There are two main types of dental imaging machines for you to choose from – intraoral and extraoral X-rays.

Intraoral

Intraoral dental X-rays are taken with the receptor inside the patient’s mouth, and this is most used to examine teeth and supporting structures. To get an up-close and accurate image, the Intra-oral Radiographic System is easy to handle and light, with exceptional stability.

Extraoral

Extraoral X-rays are taken outside the mouth usually to look at the jaw, skull, and panoramic picture of the patient’s teeth.

The OP 3D Pro is an example of an extraoral X-ray machine. It’s designed so that all workflows are performed intuitively and in a matter of seconds. With Low Dose Technology and five-volume sizes, this X-ray machine for dentists captures optimised quality in 3D X-ray images with a lower dose of radiation.

The Orthoralix 9200 OPG is a panoramic and cephalometric system with varying advantages, a dependable exposure control system, effective patient positioning, and complete digital operation.

With versatile panoramic projections, and a full array of advanced programs to satisfy dental specialist needs, this extraoral piece of equipment is one to purchase.

Another simple, accurate and quick-to-use dental extraoral X-ray machine is the Orthoralix 9200 OPG. This dependable X-ray exposure system has multi-motorised rotation for better diagnostic imaging and complete flexibility and versatility for the operator. With quick and easy access to images from any network PC within the practice, this dental radiography machine is an effective and reliable product.

Find the best Dental X-ray machine for your practice

If you’re in the market for X-ray equipment for your dental practice, we’re here to help. At Wolverson X-Ray Ltd, we’ve been leading the way in innovative imaging equipment and associated healthcare products for the past 85 years. And we want our customers to have the best products and solutions available on the market with our high-quality radiology machines.

Get in touch for further advice or a free quote.

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