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
Financing Interest Rate: 6.99%
Amortization Schedule: 5 years (60 months)
CBCT Fee per Patient: Table 1 - $50 per scan Table 2 - $100 per scan
Income Tax Bracket: 35%
The usage scenarios: 4, 8, and 12 procedures daily and 4 - 5 days per week
4 days per week = 208 days annually/ 5 days per week 260 days annually
Endodontists who are unsure whether CBCT is worth the investment should take a look at the tables above. The key to getting this kind of return is regular use and employing a very reasonable fee for the scan. Too many practices feel that they have to charge high prices for a CBCT scan to get a positive return on investment. However, you can see from the chart above that even modest scan prices can result in an exceptionally profitable ROI. The other benefits such as more predictable outcomes, better visualization of anatomy, and an easier patient education process are all of the main reasons that most endo practices invest in CBCT. As an endodontist, it is good to know that even with the high investment cost of CBCT, the technology quickly justifies the investment with a high multiple ROI.
If you're an endodontist or a general dentist conducting endo procedures, CBCT can be an invaluable asset that enhances your practice by increasing the efficiency and success of your endodontic treatments. Patients will value the state-of-the-art technology and its ability to help them grasp the rationale behind your recommended treatments. For endodontists, sharing CBCT images with referring dentists showcases the high-quality endo procedures performed on their referred patients. Moreover, utilizing CBCT demonstrates your commitment to providing the highest standard of care in your diagnosis and treatment
The J.Morita X800 F40 is widely considered the best CBCT for endodontic scans. Check out our comparative video between the JMorita X800 F40 and the previous generation X700 F40. You will see what makes the J.Morita X800 F40 the CBCT for endodontic procedures.
If you want to get the best pricing of the year on the J.Morita X800 F40 for endo, click on the button below to submit your information for a consult. As a reader of this blog, you will be entitled to Dental TI's AAE show special without having to attend the meeting! Contact us today to get started on your path to exceptional ROI by adding CBCT to your practice. Do not delay, the best CBCT for Endo is now at the best price ever!