As an endodontist, staying ahead in the field means embracing cutting-edge technology like Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). This blog highlights the top three benefits of CBCT in endodontic practice and illustrates how its advantages contribute to a remarkable return on investment (ROI). A CBCT purchase is reviewed from the investment side of the coin after looking at the clinical benefits. Images that were taken with the J.Morita X800 F40 CBCT are also compared to traditional 2D radiographs to see the difference in the amount of meaningful data related to the diagnosis and treatment.
I recently received this email from one of Dental TI's endo clients after posting a previous blog on CBCT in General Practice:
"Hey Dave, hope you are doing well. I just read your article on the ROI for CBCT. I've had so many conversations with my wife about how the CBCT has changed my life in the endodontic world. It has made a dramatic impact on how I practice. I now have less stress about "missing canals" and have been able to diagnose root fractures without even having to look in a patient's mouth. It's made practicing dentistry so much easier and has taken a lot of the guesswork out of diagnosing. Patients love seeing the scans and knowing what's going on and I know I can do better dentistry with the CBCT. I don't even need to talk about the financial aspects of the technology, the benefits of being able to see better alone is worth it. Just my two cents. Thanks again for hooking me up with the technology!"
In this blog, we will explore the top three benefits of CBCT in endodontic dental practice. Then we will look at the potential return on investment in incorporating the top-rated X800 F40 and billing a very conservative rate for scans. Most endodontists who use CBCT find that using the technology on EVERY patient increases the odds of successful treatment. And, when treatment fails, full documentation with a CBCT scan proves that every consideration was taken into account.
Look at how the CBCT below catches the missed canal.
Benefit 1: Enhanced Diagnosis and Treatment Planning with CBCT
CBCT technology takes dental imaging to a whole new level, producing high-resolution, 3D images that provide unparalleled insight into teeth, roots, and surrounding structures. Being able to see multiple views, rather than one view as in a 2D radiograph, allows for a more confident and efficient approach to treatment.
With CBCT, endodontists can detect periapical lesions, root fractures, and resorption that might be missed using conventional radiographs. With 3D imaging, you will visualize the procedure and challenges that may be encountered, like an MB2. The increased precision in diagnosis reduces the chances of misdiagnosis or unnecessary procedures, ultimately enhancing patient satisfaction and confidence in their care.
Check out the following case with a 2D PA vs a CBCT of the same tooth. Which one would you prefer to start an endo procedure?
2D X-Ray
CBCT X-Ray
Benefit 2: Optimizing Root Canal and Surgical Endodontic Treatments with CBCT:
CBCT technology plays a crucial role in improving the success rates of both root canal and surgical endodontic treatments. By visualizing complex root canal anatomy, endodontists can navigate challenging cases with ease, minimize procedural errors, and reduce the need for retreatments.
In surgical endodontic applications, CBCT helps endodontists assess bone quality, determine lesion locations, and evaluate the proximity of vital structures like nerves and blood vessels. This invaluable information paves the way for safer, more predictable surgical outcomes.
Look at this 2D Xray of #19 Distal
What you do not see in the 2D is the Anatomical Ridge
Benefit 3: Elevating Patient Communication and Education with CBCT:
CBCT images serve as a powerful tool for educating and engaging patients in their dental care. By presenting detailed, three-dimensional visuals of their teeth and surrounding structures, you can effectively communicate complex dental conditions and treatment options to your patients. This level of transparency fosters trust and helps patients make informed decisions about their treatment plan.
Improved patient understanding and involvement lead to higher satisfaction rates, as patients feel more confident in their dental care and the expertise of their endodontist. This enhanced satisfaction translates into positive word-of-mouth referrals, as happy patients are more likely to share their experiences with friends and family.
Look at the 2D image on #15 below
Now look at the 3D of #15
The 3D image clearly shows the tooth is fractured and cannot be saved by endo but must be extracted. Which one do you think would be easier to show the patient why an extraction is recommended?
How to Maximize Your ROI Using CBCT in Your Endo Practice.
CBCT not only helps endodontists diagnose complications more accurately, but it also offers a great ROI when used frequently and billed at a very reasonable rate. Let's look at an investment in a top-of-the-line J.Morita X800 F40 which is perfect for endodontic applications.
The calculations for monthly payments, daily costs, daily income, daily profit, annual profit, annual tax savings, adjusted annual profit, and total 5-year profit are based on these assumptions and parameters. The table is designed to provide an easy-to-understand overview of the ROI for different usage scenarios, helping you make informed decisions about integrating the CBCT technology into your endodontic practice.
The assumptions and parameters for the ROI table are as follows:
CBCT Unit Cost: $68,000