I have a high-tech dental office with many of the latest digital and CAD/CAM advances and I was wondering if I should also purchase a cone beam scanner. Could you please describe the benefits of a general dentist owning one?

Cone Beam scanners are the latest in technological advances in dental radiology. They produce 3-D imaging of the mandible and maxilla quickly with minimal radiation exposure and are similar in size to a panoramic x-ray machine. They provide critical three-dimensional information with nerve and sinus locations, etc., that is critical in implant planning and 3rd molar extraction procedures. However, they are  costly, which can be difficult for the general dentist. First, if you place many implants and/or perform difficult extractions, you may want to purchase one so you can have immediate information at your fingertips. If, however, the volume of your work does not justify purchasing your own machine, you may want to join with several dentists and split the cost of the unit, if there is an easy central location available, or charge other dentists (or their patients) for imaging done in your office. There are leasing options as well. Many specialists are beginning to purchase cone beam scanners, so that patients can have imaging done in their offices. This type of three-dimensional imaging is quickly becoming the future of dental imaging and may very well be worth considering as an adjunct to your high-tech office.