Orthopantograms, or OPGs, have many benefits and a huge number of uses. They are especially useful in the treatment and care of elderly patients, who will be a huge proportion of your caseload if not now, but in the future.
 

OPGs are a powerful tool to have at your disposal. They can give you information on periodontal bone loss, help find the source of pain, assist with the correct placement of implants and much more. Digital OPGs mean fewer repeat scans are needed, so less time and cost required, and also less exposure to radiation. Patients can usually understand a panoramic image more easily and they can be emailed to colleagues effortlessly.

These images are also invaluable when dealing with challenging cases, such as elderly patients. The number of older patients you will be treating in the future is growing – and fast. In 2012, the BDA published a review of its 2003 Oral Healthcare for Older People report[1] which concluded that the ageing population was growing faster than had been originally predicted.

OPG scans are quick and comfortable. The detail means that you will be able to anticipate future complications.  Caries, periodontal disease and recession of the gingiva can have devastating consequences as a patient gets older and can lead to life-threatening complications, such as cardiovascular problems and diabetes. Type-2 diabetes generally affects people over the age of 40, and oral health is a key component of diabetes management, so it’s a two-way relationship. If a patient has type-2 diabetes, they are also more likely to develop gingivitis, caries and xerostomia, too.[2]

Setting up an OPG scan is quick, and OPGs can be used comfortably for elderly people who cannot open their mouths wide. Patients are usually asked to bite down on a spatula for about a minute while the machine moves around the head. A detailed, informative scan that won’t have to repeated and is easily explained will help you move forward with implementing an effective treatment plan with confidence.

If you do not have OPG technology, look carefully for the right referral partner. Work with a practice that not only has the latest OPG equipment in place, but that employs clinicians who can be trusted to work sensitively with older people and other vulnerable groups. The London Smile Clinic takes referrals, for example, and will meet all of these needs with ease and professionalism.

OPGs will help you deal with the enormous challenges ahead as you treat more elderly and vulnerable people. With a saturated market, and expensive technology that is developing fast, you don’t have to invest in new equipment. Referring out can be the perfect solution to provide the highest-quality care for these patient groups now, and in the future.
 

For more information, please contact The London Smile Clinic on 020 7255 2559 or visit www.londonsmile.co.uk.

Communication forms a huge part of dentistry, allowing practitioners to provide effective care to patients. From the initial encounter with new patients through to the final treatment, providing an empathetic, understanding and interactive service can reduce dental anxiety and heighten treatment adherence[1].

Successful communication is fundamental to good clinical practice, allowing people to inform, be informed and to exchange information effectively. This is crucial to understanding the patient’s reason for attendance, their medical history, to explain treatment needs, gain consent and provide appropriate preventative advice[2].

There are three main elements of communication: words, tone of voice and body language. Verbal interaction accounts for just 7% of transmission, while tone of voice is estimated to convey 33% and non-verbal elements 60%². Practitioners must provide patients with clear, jargon-free messages, explaining problems and procedures effectively and precisely. Understanding the issue and treatment protocol can enhance compliance, as well as minimise the risk of complaints².

Research has shown that there is often a substantial gap between patients’ expectations and dentists’ understanding of those expectations[3]. It is suggested that dentists sometimes believe they know what patients should want, rather than finding out what they do want. According to one survey, problems with dissatisfaction were attributed to issues regarding the information patients receive and the ‘responsiveness’ of the practitioner[4]. In another, individuals complained of being excluded from treatment decision-making[5]. Bad experiences with previous dentists and perceptions based on media reports of dental malpractice can also contribute to a patient’s lack of trust³.

Clear and concise communication is therefore crucial to avoid any discrepancies or misunderstandings in the information exchange. This is particularly true with nervous patients, as anxiety can impact on the complex process of communication, making it more difficult to hear, retain and comprehend information. Utilising modern technology to provide images of the problem can help to enhance communication and relay messages to patients. It is also beneficial to provide written material or reports that can be taken away and read at home.

The CS 3500 intraoral scanner from Carestream Dental takes communication to a whole new level. Available as a stand-alone solution, or as part of the integrated CS Solutions CAD/CAM restoration portfolio, the CS 3500 provides practitioners with precise true colour 2D and 3D digital impressions. From realistic digital models to printable reports, the CS 3500 teamed with CS Model software makes it easy to communicate and share information with patients.

Relaying information clearly and effectively enhances understanding, treatment adherence and the overall patient experience. Utilising the latest in innovative technology helps make patients feel more involved in their treatment and provides an effective means to convey information, even when patients are suffering from dental anxiety.

For more information please contact Carestream Dental on

0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

For all the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter @CarestreamDentl and Facebook

The CS 3500 intraoral scanner from Carestream Dental has been very well received throughout the dental profession. Users have described the innovative scanner as “really easy to use, compact, flexible and intuitive”, offering “exceptional portability, excellent ergonomics and ease of use” as well as “an enhanced margin of detail” compared to previously used techniques.

Designed as an open system, the CS 3500 also enables “seamless integration with existing technologies” encouraging a smooth and efficient workflow.

Delivering 2D and 3D images in high resolution and true colour, the innovative system improves diagnostics and treatment planning in various clinical situations.

Add “a WOW factor” to your practice with the CS 3500 intraoral scanner from Carestream Dental.

For more information, contact Carestream Dental on 0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

Providing you with all the information and skills you need to maximise your investment in cutting-edge digital technologies, Carestream Dental is running FREE seminar sessions for the CS 3500 intraoral scanner.

Giving you practical tips and ensuring you get the very most out of your equipment, the sessions will cover everything from benefits of digital impressioning to ensuring consistency of image quality and practical techniques when using the handheld scanner.

You’ll even have the opportunity to get hands-on with the scanner and experience the advantages first-hand.

Ideal for you and your whole team, the CS 3500 seminar evenings are completely free to attend. The CS 3500 intraoral scanner comes with a dedicated laptop and software, and there is even now 0% interest-free credit available, so you’ll have everything you need to get started!

The autumn / winter meetings will be held 6.30pm – 9.00pm on:

• 17th Sept - Jersey
• 22nd Sept – Derby
• 6th Oct - Cheltenham
• 7th Oct - Haydock
• 8th Oct - Oxford
• 28th Oct - Norwich
• 29th Oct - Kent
• 11th Nov - Bath

To book your free place please call 0800 169 9692.

For more information please contact Carestream Dental on

0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

For all the latest news and updates, follow us on Twitter @CarestreamDentl and Facebook 

Don’t be daunted by dental microphotography. It can be invaluable for improving the examination and treatment of your patients and also enables you to produce high resolution, vibrant, clear images extremely easily.

The Carl Zeiss OPMI Pico dental microscope combines maximum functionality and high specification with user-friendly operational features.

The OPMI Pico makes fine details clearly visible, and provides solid support for the most challenging treatments whether in restoration, endodontics, implantology or periodontics.

The OPMI Pico dental microscope offers fine focusing and a five-step magnification changer for quality vision and it is exactly tailored to the needs of dentistry. Objective lenses with focal lengths of 200mm, 250mm 300mm and 350mm are available to match the microscope to the dentist’s preferred position. Alternatively Varioskop technology can be incorporated to allow a variable working distance, enhancing posture an ease of use.

Practitioners can integrate a digital or video camera with the OPMI Pico dental microscope to produce brilliant images bringing benefits to the patient and improving the quality of examinations and treatment available.

A high performance dental microscope with integrated camera equipment will produce fast, efficient results adding value to the dental practice.

For more information please call Nuview on 01453 872266, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.nuview.co

Combining sophisticated technology with simple user interactions, the CS 8100 imaging system pushes the boundaries of panoramic imaging.

Brought to you by Carestream Dental, the intuitive CS 8100 features automated processes to enable a smooth and efficient workflow. Images produced are crystal clear with minimal spinal column shadows for accurate and reliable diagnostics.

Its compact design provides versatile installation possibilities and it can be adjusted to suit patients of all heights, shapes and sizes, enabling image acquisition in just 10 seconds.

Connecting to your network vie Ethernet, the CS 8100 excels both on its own and when integrated within your existing practice management software, enhancing the image sharing and communications processes with patients and other team members.

Giving you even more peace of mind, the team at Carestream Dental are committed to the eXceed customer service programme, ensuring you have easy access to all the information and support you could need, whenever you need it.

Discover the CS 8100 panoramic imaging system from Carestream Dental today.

For more information, contact Carestream Dental on 0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

A great piece of technology - The CS 3500 intraoral scanner from Carestream Dental enables acquisition of high-resolution, true-colour 2D and 3D images.

Utilising state-of-the-start technology, the scanner is designed to significantly enhance diagnostics and treatment planning for a more accurate and efficient process.

The lightweight portable handpiece also features an innovative light guidance system to aid positioning in the mouth.

Tom Lamont is the Principle Dentist at The Lamont Clinic in Glasgow, and has been using the CS 3500 intraoral scanner for around 6 months.

“Carestream Dental arranged for me to visit a very experienced user of the CS 3500 a few months ago so that I could learn from one of the best and see exactly how the scanner could be used effectively in practice.

“Since then, I have really enjoyed using the CS 3500 – it is a great piece of technology that’s very cost-effective.”

To discover the CS 3500 intraoral scanner for yourself and find out more about Carestream Dental’s commitment to excellent customer service, contact the team today.

For more information, contact Carestream Dental on 0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk

The CS 8100 OPG unit from Carestream Dental offers a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Designed to produce the highest quality images in the shortest amount of time, the CS 8100 delivers crystal clear, optimally exposed images in seconds.

Dr Robert Watson of Dollar Street Dental uses the CS8100 in his practice, he says:

“Our new CS81003D has really transformed the way we diagnose and treat our patients. 

“We are a general practice with a special interest in implants and endodontics. Both procedures are transformed by having the ability to view the proposed treatment in a 3D image. There is no steep learning curve when using the machine and the huge benefits are instantly available for both clinician and patients. Well done Carestream for bringing quality panoral and CT scanning to the general practitioner at a cost that makes sense.”

If you are looking to advance your treatment workflows with cutting-edge imaging technologies, contact Carestream Dental today.

For more information, contact Carestream Dental on 0800 169 9692 or visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk