Cosmic Smile Imaging now available on the lower north shore

Dentists and specialists on Sydney's lower north shore looking to take advantage of the latest in digital imaging technology can now refer patients to Cosmic Smile Imaging in Neutral Bay for OPGs, Cephs and cone beam imagery.

"With dental implants increasing in popularity, there's a growing need for CT imaging as it gives you the true relationship of the structures and the quantity of hard tissue in the area of interest," said Dr Jason Pang, the owner of the new facility. "Being calibrated 1:1, you can take accurate measurements for predictable results. As a dentist, I can immediately see the value of having access to this type of technology, though the cost of having a system for your personal use must be carefully weighed up.

"My dental practice is located in Neutral Bay on Sydney's lower north shore and when I looked at all the 50+ practices in the area, there was a distinct absence of extraoral imaging across the board. I saw an opportunity to fill a niche in the market and I believed that by investing in a high quality digital imaging system that could deliver panoramic, cephalometric and cone beam images, it would be possible to develop an active referral base."

Dr Pang purchased a Vatech E-Woo PaX Uni-3D imaging system from IntegraDent as the centrepiece of the new facility. The PaX Uni-3D can capture traditional panoramic and lateral cephalometric images and also offers a 50x50mm three dimensional image utilising the latest cone beam technology.

"The pan and ceph images are outstanding," Dr Pang said. "The ceph uses the one-shot method, capturing an image in 0.9 seconds with no moving parts, which produces an incredibly sharp result as there are no movement artefacts.

"The 3D computed tomography image, being a 50x50mm area, uses far less radiation than a scan of the complete maxilla and mandible yet is still adequate for 90% of dental applications, like implant planning and locating the position of the inferior alveolar nerve prior to third molar extraction. It can also be used in implant planning software like Simplant and Med3D.

"I first saw the Vatech E-Woo range at ADX 2008 in Sydney and was amazed at the quality of the imagery. I looked at everything else and kept coming back to this. I was also impressed by the choice of models available from IntegraDent. There are several models in the Vatech E-Woo range which allow you to select the volume of the 3D computed tomography image you need based on various price points and dose levels."

Cosmic Smile Imaging is located next to Dr Pang's dental practice with a separate entrance to provide complete segregation. Following installation of the system, he received comprehensive training in Suwon, Korea to be able to take the entire range of x-ray views available. A radiographer is also working part time from the practice. Apart from referrals from local dentists, the system is regularly used by the medical centre located on the ground floor of the building.