Which Dental X-Ray Machine Is The Best For Your Hospital?

Like other health sectors, not all diagnosis in the dental practice is made by a mere physical examination of the oral cavity. When there is a need for in-depth diagnosis, the dental x-ray machine is a piece of essential equipment for every dentist. However, there are various models of dental x-ray machines on the market, so how do you choose the suitable model? 

Here, we’ll discuss the dental x-ray machine's types, advantages, disadvantages, and factors to guide purchase. Also, you’ll know where to buy dental x-ray machines in bulk at wholesale prices.

What is a Dental X-ray Machine?

Dentists use the dental x-ray machine to examine the teeth, jaw, and gum for fractures, decays, and oral diseases. Without the dental x-ray machine, dentists won’t be able to identify cavities, tumors, bone loss, oral abscesses, and abnormal tooth growth.

Like traditional x-rays, dental x-rays also involve illuminating the oral cavity with electromagnetic rays to diagnose conditions that are not visible to the naked eye.

The x-ray beam generated from the machine is directed towards the oral cavity and, upon hitting the bone or teeth, produces a white outline. The white image is due to the high absorbing power of the bones and teeth.

However, due to the low absorption power of soft tissues like the gum and tongue, x-ray images from these parts appear as dark spots. This distinction in the x-ray image enables dentists to diagnose diseases and fractures. Also, dental x-rays require patients to wear x-ray protective clothes like aprons and thyroid shields before the examination. 

The dental x-ray machine is essential in every dental hospital. Also, the x-ray machine is helpful in pre-operative examination to enable dentists to identify surgical targets. In addition,  dental x-rays can help identify foreign elements within soft tissue. After gaining inference from the dental x-ray results, dentists can provide lasting oral health solutions.

The dental x-ray machines are also called panoramic x-ray machines, teeth x-ray machines, and OPG machines.

Types of Dental X-ray Machines

There are different models of dental x-ray machines; however, they are classified based on the part of the mouth captured as intraoral and extraoral x-ray machines.

Intraoral X-ray

Intraoral x-ray is any radiographic technique that is performed inside the mouth. It is a machine of choice when there is a need to examine the teeth for cavities and general oral health. The intraoral x-rays have three sub-types depending on the desired target inside the mouth:

Bitewing x-rays

Bitewing x-rays focus on the dental crown for cavity checks. It captures up to three upper and lower teeth per image. Bitewing x-rays require the patient to bite a film or a wing to capture the teeth from the x-ray beam. The resulting image on the film covers the tooth crown to the supporting bone.

Periapical x-rays

Periapical x-rays give a complete image of one or two teeth from the crown to the root. It elaborates on diagnosis and provides greater detail of the tooth being analyzed. The exam ensures the dentist draws up a more detailed treatment plan, as it allows the identification of various oral diseases.

Occlusal x-rays

Occlusal x-rays allow you to obtain images of the maxilla ( incisors, canines, premolars and molars, among others) and elements of the mandible. Its main objective is to analyze cases of patients who have suffered tooth loss. When taking the radiograph, the dentist will place the radiographic film between the teeth of the upper jaw and those of the lower jaw.

Extraoral X-Rays

Extraoral x-rays capture the oral cavity from the outside, showing the condition of the teeth and jawbones. The types include:

Panoramic x-rays

A panoramic x-ray examines the state of the gums, joints and upper and lower teeth. The panoramic x-ray can also detect tumors and the position of emerging teeth. It works using a specific radiographic device that allows impressing a digital sensor positioned specularly to the source that rotates around the patient's head.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography X-Ray (CBCT)

CBCT provides dental structures in a three-dimensional (3D) format. It allows for examining the characteristics of the bone tissue when there is a need to fix an implant or a crown to make precise measurements. It also presents 3D images of fractures and tumors.

Cephalometric projections

Cephalometric projections examine a single side of the patient’s head, evaluating the teeth and jaw alignment and the dimension of the jaw bones. It helps specialists achieve a treatment approach for patients with maligned teeth, which may involve fixing braces, aligners, or other appropriate measures. Cephalometric projections do not detect tooth or gum decay.

Tomograms

Tomograms are essential for diagnosing tumors in the mouth. Tomogram x-ray focuses on the part of the mouth of interest and produces a clear image. It helps blur obstacles that may hinder examining the site of interest.

The Advantage and Disadvantages of Dental X-Ray Machine

Advantages

The dental x-ray machine gives a clear view of the oral cavity helping the dentist observe and identify oral health defects. Some of the defects that the device helps to identify are tooth cavities, decays, gum abscesses, jaw bone defects, and tumors.

In addition, while eating, some foreign matter may be stuck between the teeth, gums or tongue, which may be uncomfortable. Thanks to the x-ray machine, dentists can locate the position of these foreign matters and offer solutions.

The dental x-ray machine is also a vital pre-operative tool that guides surgical interventions and fixing of implants. For example, cephalometric projections provide an insight to guide teeth realignment. Also, in pediatric patients, the x-ray machine helps to examine the position and direction of emerging permanent teeth.

Disadvantages

A significant downside of the dental x-ray machine is its high purchase and operation cost. As a result, the x-ray services for patients are expensive. The reason is that the x-ray machine requires expert operation and maintenance and contributes to a high load on electricity bills.

Also, while the x-ray machine seems safe for pediatric and adult patients, they are not safe for pregnant patients. Although the machine emits low radiations, it can cause congenital defects in the fetus.

Despite the low radiation dose, consistent exposure to x-rays can pose a risk of burns, thyroid defects, and cancer.

Things to Consider before Buying the Dental X-ray Machine

The x-ray machine types

The different types of dental x-ray machines serve specific purposes. For example, the intraoral model examines the oral cavity inside the mouth while the extraoral type does the same outside. Also, intraoral and extraoral X-rays have subtypes that can focus on a single tooth from crown to root or set of teeth. Hence, when choosing a dental x-ray machine, define the target area of the mouth to examine to guide your decision.

The size of the machine

Space is vital in any medical facility. Therefore when choosing a dental x-ray machine, compare it with your office space for comfort. Also, ensure the machine is easy to access.

Image quality

The quality of the x-ray result depends on the quality of the film. The x-ray film is available in different resolutions, which produces varying image quality. Therefore, when buying a dental x-ray machine, check the film and opt for one with the highest resolution.

Installation

The dental x-ray machine should be easy to use, from installation to operation. Some brands usually send a registered installer to fix the machine. However, check for user manuals, including installation guides, when buying.

Price / Budget

Dental x-ray machines are generally expensive. However, the price differences on the market are due to a model's extra features, so your decision lies on your budget. Therefore to ensure you get value for your money, compare the machine's features to be sure it's worth the price.

Dental X-Ray Machine Price Guide

There are various models of dental x-ray machines online with varying prices according to their brands. Some are listed below:

• The Mobile Dental X-Ray System Unit KD-DYS-M costs about $1,268.
• The 3D Panorama Dental CT MDE-3D costs about $59,643.
• The FSTJ-001 Dental Portable X-ray Machine costs about $1,286.
• The SOREDEX CRANEX D costs about $8,850.
• The Vatech Ezray Air Plus Portable X-Ray Machine costs about $4,300.
• The Carestream (Kodak) Wall Mounted Dental X-Ray Machine costs about $880.

Where to buy dental x-ray machine at wholesale pricing

Medwish is an online B2B vendor that deals in bulk sales of dental x-ray machines, including other medical and laboratory equipment. Medwish offers her services to private hospitals, laboratories, and international agents.

If you find it challenging to select a suitable dental x-ray machine for your clinic, Medwish has a vast catalog of these machines for you to compare. You can order x-ray machines in bulk online on medwish.com at wholesale prices, and your product will be delivered via secure supply channels with insurance and logistics in check.  Also, medwish offers multiple payment options, including West Union, Paypal, credit cards, etc., and financing options that allow you to pay in installments.

Conclusion

The dental x-ray machine is a piece of vital equipment in a dental clinic. With the x-ray machine, dentists can examine the oral cavity to guide the diagnosis of tumors, cavities, and oral diseases. When buying a dental x-ray machine, consider the price, types, installation, image quality, and size to guide your decision.

Contact Medwish today for your dental x-ray machine and other medical equipment.