NewTom GO wall-mounted CBCT unit perfect for Bexley North practice

Cone beam CT systems have been growing in popularity in dentistry as practitioners discover the myriad benefits access to 3D radiographic imagery offers in diagnosis and treatment planning as well as delivering the WOW factor when educating patients.

Once large, expensive and complex, the latest generation of CBCT systems have evolved to be more affordable, easier to use, more versatile and smaller in size. The latter was a key driver for Dr Craig Swift to go 3D for his small suburban practice in Sydney's Bexley North.

Dr Swift has practised from the same location for 31 years and has never even had an OPG unit, instead using a nearby radiology centre for his imaging requirements. That is, until now.

"We've recently installed a NewTom GO CBCT system from Inline Medical and Dental and we couldn't be happier," Dr Swift said. "My practice is physically quite small, with one treatment room and we never had space for an OPG unit, let alone a CBCT system. The NewTom GO, however, changed that. It's compact and wall-mounted and fits perfectly in the surgery.

"Initially, I was only looking at the 2D version of the system, but the 3D model is so affordable and once you see the difference in the diagnostic value of the imagery, it's an easy choice."

Dr Swift is now finding applications for 3D imaging in all aspects of his dentistry.

"The NewTom Go is particularly valuable for implant planning," he said. "Having the system in the practice streamlines the diagnosis and treatment planning process because we're not having to refer patients offsite for a scan and then waiting to receive it back in the practice any more.

"Patients not only appreciate that we can now perform the 3D scan in-house and diagnose in the same appointment, they're also amazed by what the technology can do. It certainly has the WOW factor and I think it elevates their perception of the practice overall as being far more state-of-the art.

"I've also found being able to take a CBCT scan mid-treatment to check the placement of an implant, for example, is very beneficial. That's simply not practical when you're referring patients offsite for scanning.

"The CBCT scan clearly shows the position of the nerve and you can gauge the quality and quantity of the bone at the implant site. There have been several cases lately where I would have been concerned to proceed without a scan and now it is such a simple process. Within seconds, you have the 3D image."

Dr Swift is increasingly using guided surgery to take full advantage of the 3D cone beam images from the NewTom GO.

"I'm also starting to see the great benefits guided surgery offers and it makes treatment more predictable and less stressful. I can export a DICOM file from the NewTom's NNT software and import it into BlueSkyBio's free implant planning software. I can then send the guide to Fabdent in Sydney to produce the Implaguide drill guide using 3D printing. It's straightforward and cost-effective and I receive the guides in the practice in a few days.

"Apart from implants, the NewTom GO has also been very helpful in endodontic cases. It is a relatively simple process to locate extra canals on a 3D image that you never see on a PA.

"If a patient needs their wisdom teeth extracted, I refer them to an oral surgeon and now send the 3D scan with them. Even with perio cases, the cone beam scan gives you a better overall picture."

Dr Swift purchased the NewTom GO from Inline Medical and Dental who also installed the system in his practice.

"I've previously purchased a Global microscope and Surgitel loupes from Inline Medical and Dental, so there was no hesitation to buy the NewTom Go from them as well. Their level of service and support is legendary in the industry and they never fail to deliver. Any issues are dealt with immediately.

"Overall, the NewTom GO gives me a greater level of treatment predictability and ensures every case is done right. It helps me to do a better job and having it in the practice is very convenient. Now that I have it, I wouldn't want to practice dentistry without it."