Sidekick - Autumn 2013 - (Page 8)
Spectra's Digital Explorer Benefits Your
Patients and Your Practice
The diagnosis of caries has been an
inexact science for many years, and
the vast majority of practitioners
around the world have made this
diagnosis by utilizing their eyes and
explorers. The common perception has been
PARAG R. KACHALIA
DDS
Patients today
want tangible
evidence that
that if an explorer sticks into a pit or groove then
the tooth must have caries. Thankfully, the vast
majority of time that an explorer sticks into a
pit or fissure, clinical decay is present; however,
studies have documented that explorer detection
alone can miss early areas of decay. Unfortunately, when these areas are missed on clinical
examination, patients are forced to have larger
restorations placed at a later date. In today's
world, caries detection technology can identify
caries non-invasively at an early stage and
allow practitioners to actively manage the
disease process through surgical or chemical
intervention. One such technology is Spectra
by Air Techniques.
issues indeed
exist, and the
Spectra caries
detection
technology
allows for this
to occur.
Spectra is essentially the Doppler radar of
dentistry. The technology emits has a high-energy
blue violet light that stimulates the metabolites
of cariogenic bacteria. Once the tooth is scanned
an image appears showing both areas of health
as well as areas in which caries may be present.
The severity of the issue is depicted both in a
numerical as well as a color scale. Areas of green
and low numbers represent health, and areas that
appear red to yellow and have a higher number
represent areas where issues are present. This
scale is simple, and patients easily understand
that green is good and the color of fire means
there is an issue. The technology offers an
objective medium to aid in diagnosis and almost
acts like a second opinion.
Our practice began using Spectra nearly two
years ago and this technology has had a clear
return on investment. In a co-diagnosis model,
8
Sidekick | Autumn 2013
our hygienist will scan our patients towards the
end of a hygiene appointment when the surfaces
are free of debris. Any images that show
concern are placed on the monitor for the doctor
to review with the patient, and a course of active
management is presented. In the first 30 days we
experienced roughly a 12% increase in treatment
acceptance relative to traditional intraoral images.
In a relatively small practice, this has translated
to three additional direct restorations per week
or roughly $2,500 a month in additional revenue.
Equally important, when a patient chooses not
to pursue treatment, the areas can be tracked
and growth can be monitored digitally. Most
recently, our practice has engaged in a customized
recall program where the patient's image(s) is/
are e-mailed to them if they have not scheduled
treatment within a reasonable time frame. This
personalized message has been far more effective
compared to traditional generic recall postcards.
Patients today want tangible evidence that issues
indeed exist, and the Spectra caries detection
technology allows for this to occur. It allows the
doctor to present conservative treatment
options, yet maintain profitability for the practice.
About the Author: Dr. Parag R. Kachalia of San
Ramon, California, is an Associate Professor and
the Vice Chair of Simulation, Technology and
Research, and is a team leader within the
University of the Pacific's prestigious complex and
aesthetic rehabilitation program. He is a fellow
of the American Dental Education Association's
Leadership Institute, researcher, as well as a
published author in the areas of dental technology, digital diagnostics, contemporary fixed
prosthodontics, and financial management.
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sidekick - Autumn 2013
Sidekick - Autumn 2013
Contents
Spectra’s Digital Explorer Bene ts Your Patients and Your Production
Dramatic Growth by Putting Patient Care First, Advance Dentistry
Privileges
Section 179 and Digital X-ray: Professional Perspectives
Featured Designs
Digital Dentistry Success Story: Integrating CAD CAM
The Cavity in American Health Care
Driven to Excellence: A Dental Practice Design Experience
TechCentral
Wi-Fi for Your Waiting Room and Beyond
Precise SHP Diode Laser and iPod touch® Pair to Make Care More Effective
Henry Schein In-Office Service
A Lifetime of Dental Experience Guides “New” Doctor in Build Out, Williams Family Dentistry, Denver, Colorado
ProRepair
3D Cone Beam: Where This Multi-Disciplinary Imaging Modality Can Fit Into Your Practice
Acree & Isenhower Family Dentistry
Henry Schein Financial Services
Professional Practice Transitions
Sidekick - Autumn 2013
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