Dear Imaging & CAD/CAM Insider,
The increasing utilization of cone-beam CT for a range of indications in dentistry, coupled with growing concerns about radiation dose exposure, has prompted digital imaging vendors to develop new products that address evolving practitioner and patient needs.
One such product is the CS 9300-1 extraoral imaging system, introduced by Carestream Dental at the recent California Dental Association (CDA) spring meeting. The CS 9300-1 features up to seven selectable fields-of-view (FOVs), enabling practitioners to focus on a specific region of interest by collimating the FOV, and reducing radiation exposure in the process.
Read more about this new digital device, which also offers 2D imaging, in our latest Imaging & CAD/CAM Insider Exclusive.
Also new at the CDA meeting was the next generation of Cerec from Sirona. Cerec 4.0 represents more than an upgrade, according to the company -- "it's a major re-engineering" designed to enhance user friendliness and workflow. Read more.
In other recent technology developments in the Imaging & CAD/CAM Community:
A unique rectangular collimator being reintroduced to the dental market could help address growing concerns about exposure to unnecessary radiation. It also improves image quality, according to its developers. Read more.
Magnetic resonance imaging is showing promise as an alternative to cone-beam CT for locating the mandibular nerve prior to third-molar extraction, according to a study in Clinical Oral Implants Research.
A team of Canadian researchers is developing a diagnostic tool they say can enhance the early detection and monitoring of peri-implant inflammation and thereby reduce the number of implant failures.
In business news, despite significant increases in the price of x-ray film in the past year -- due primarily to the rising cost of oil and precious metals -- conventional x-rays are not likely to disappear from dentistry anytime soon. But digital imaging is still looming large. Read more.
And Align Technology has acquired Cadent, a provider of 3D digital scanning solutions for orthodontics and dentistry, for $190 million. The deal makes Align a new competitor in the intraoral scanning and digital impressioning market. Click here to read more.
Finally, in clinical research news, does loupes magnification strength affect treatment decision-making when evaluating caries lesions? A study presented at the 2011 International Association for Dental Research conference yielded some surprising results.
And while dental schools in the U.S., U.K., and Australia are beginning to adopt cone-beam CT technology into their curricula, few provide training to predoctoral and undergraduate students, according to research presented at the 2011 American Dental Education Association meeting. Read more.
