Top 10 Tips and Tricks When Using Vatech CBCT Systems

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In keeping with our initiative of providing continued support for customers that have purchased certified pre-owned dental X-ray systems, Renew Digital often offers suggestions and advice in response to frequently asked questions. They compiled the guide below to help answer the top 10 common questions often asked by both new and experienced Vatech CBCT system users alike.

1. How to burn a cone beam scan to a CD/DVD from a 3D viewer?
One of the most asked questions about Vatech CBCT systems that Renew Digital’s team receives is how to burn a cone beam scan from a Vatech CBCT system to a CD or DVD from a 3D viewer. Burning a scan as viewed with the 3D viewer makes it easy to share with patients, referrals, and other interested parties.

To burn a scan to a CD or DVD, simply:
– Insert the CD or DVD into the optical drive.
– Open the 3D scan you wish to burn.
– Select “Main Menu,” then “Export.”
– At the top of the window, in the “Save Type” section, select CD/DVD.
– Select the “File Compression” of your choice, either â…›, 1/16, 1/32 or 1/64.
– When this process is complete, the “Disk Burner” window will appear, prompting you to insert a CD or DVD if you have not yet done so.
– Select “Burn” to burn the scan to the disk.

2. How to export scans from the EzDent-i software?
Occasionally practices need to export 3D scans to share cone beam images with patients, colleagues, insurance companies, referring doctors and others. The file sizes of these scans are too large to be shared via email, so instead they must be exported and saved either to a flash drive, CD, DVD or external hard drive.

To export a 3D cone beam scan from EzDent-i:

– Click on the “Patient” tab.
– Right click on the image you want to export, then click “Export.”
– After you have selected “Export,” an Uncompress Files progress bar will display; do not close this window until it is completed.
– In the “Export” window, you can choose to export the scan to a CD/DVD or to a Local Disk such as a USB drive.
– Name the file appropriately and click save, and export will begin; do not disconnect power or turn off the computer until the process is complete.

3. How to export 2D images, such as panoramic or cephalometric images, from the EzDent-i software?
Practices often need to share 2D scans, such as panoramic or cephalometric images, with patients, other dental specialists, insurance companies, etc. as well. While 2D images are often small enough to be emailed, they can also be saved and shared via CDs, DVDs, local drives and other media.

To export a 2D panoramic or cephalometric image from EzDent-i:
– Open the “Patient” to access your patient images.
– Right click on the image in question and then choose “Export.”
– In the “Export” window, choose the CD, DVD or Local Disk where you wish to save the image.
– In the “File Name Field” of the export location you have chosen, name the file appropriately.
– Click “Save” to begin the exporting process; do not disconnect power or turn off the computer while the process is underway.

4. How to recover a lost image that was captured but not saved?
Some common Vatech CBCT models (such as PaX-i, PaX-i 3D, Green, and other P1-equipped units) use New Capture Software (NCS) which can retrieve images that were captured but not saved. While Legacy Vatech models do not offer this functionality, it is a useful feature for recovering patient images that otherwise would be lost in newer systems.

To recover lost images that were captured but not saved by select Vatech CBCT imaging systems with NCS:
From EzDent-i:
– Open the “Patient” chart.
– Hit the “Acquisitions” tab.
– Verify all the patient information is correct.
– Select the proper modality.
– Choose the “Reconstruction” button in the upper right-hand corner.
– Hit “Search,” and the screen will populate with recently captured images. The first image displayed will be the last that was processed; select the desired image.
– Once you have found the image you wish to reconstruct, click the reconstruction button.
– You will be prompted to confirm to proceed by clicking “Ok.”
– For CBCT and cephalometric scans, save the image as you would normally. For Panoramic scans, either save normally, or select your favorite image from among those displayed if you have the Autofocusing feature.

From Twain or SDK:
– Click on the “Patient” tab.
– Once you launch the capture program, verify all patient information is correct.
– Select the proper modality for the captured image.
– Click the reconstruction button in the upper right-hand corner, then select “Search.” This will display all recently captured scans. The first image will be the most recently processed.
– Select the image, click the reconstruction button, then click “Ok.”
– Save the image normally if it is a CBCT or Ceph scan; for Panoramic scans, select your preferred image from among the 5 captured using the Autofocusing feature if applicable, otherwise save as normal.

5. What should be used to clean and sanitize the Vatech CBCT system?
The implementation of proper sanitation procedures and protocols are more important today than ever. Some of the most common questions fielded by Renew Digital’s Support team include how to clean and sanitize Vatech panoramic and cone beam systems.

While neither Vatech America nor Renew Digital officially recommend or endorse any specific type or brand of cleaning product, they have noted that many of their customers have had success with Clorox Hydrogen Peroxide Wipes, or wipes that do not contain bleaching agents.

They do, however, caution their customers against the use of Cavicide wipes and others that contain alcohol. The alcohol present in these wipes can cause desiccation in plastics, leading to brittleness, cracking, or yellowing.

6. Why do panoramic images look “washed out?”
Most issues associated with panoramic imaging quality are not attributable to hardware, but rather to poor patient positioning. Proper patient positioning is the most important step that can be taken to ensure that your dental imaging system will capture the highest quality images.

Start by programming the desired images. Select the imaging mode, quality, patient’s arch type, pano examination, and other patient specifics. When the patient setting is completed, the equipment will set in its programmed positioning mode. When the equipment stops moving, install the chin support and bite block. Adjust the Canine and Frankfurt Plane Laser Beams to the initial position.

Guide the patient to the Vatech CBCT unit; remove all jewelry and glasses, and situate the lead apron, ensuring that the apron does not extend above the neck. Adjust the chin rest to the patient’s chin height. Protect the bite block with a hygienic cover and instruct the patient to grasp the patient handles.

Ensure that the patient’s right and left shoulders are parallel and instruct the patient to relax. Instruct the patient to bite the bite block, so that the upper and lower incisors engage the grooves on the upper and lower surfaces. Ask the patient to bring his or her chest close to the handle frame. Raise the chin support so that the patient’s spine is properly straightened and stretched.

Match the patient’s Frankfurt plane to level using the Frankfurt plane laser beam by adjusting the height of the chinrest. If the Frankfurt plane beam is not parallel to the Frankfurt plane, the occlusal plane of the image will be distorted.

Ensure also that the mid-sagittal plane laser beam is positioned at the center of the patient’s face. Match the Canine laser beam at the center of the patient’s canine teeth; incisor images will be distorted or magnified if the laser beam is not aligned correctly.

Stabilize the patient using the temple support wheel to tighten the temple supports. Ask the patient to close his or her eyes and place the tongue at the hard palate. Instruct the patient not to move until the scan has been completed. Ensure that the mid-sagittal, Frankfurt plane and Canine laser beams are properly oriented as described here before proceeding with the scan.

7. How long do I wait to use a Vatech CBCT machine after turning it on?
You should allow your Vatech CBCT machine to “warm up” after turning it on before attempting to run a scan. Using the machine before it has warmed up properly can have a detrimental effect on the hardware and can result in producing poor quality images. Turn the machine on and wait 10 to 15 minutes for the system to warm up and stabilize before attempting to capture patient images.

8. What if my Vatech CBCT system will not turn on?
It’s a harrowing and frightening experience when any machine fails to turn on, but even more concerning when patients are waiting for a scan. Fortunately, in most instances this is not a huge cause for concern, as the most common reason that a Vatech CBCT machine will not power on is if the Emergency Stop Switch has been accidentally engaged.

To check the status of the Emergency Stop Switch:
– First, locate the switch, which is typically found under the handle frame underneath the chin rest.
– Rotate the switch in the direction indicated by the arrows.
– If it is engaged, typically it will either light up red or pop out. If the power is in the “on” position, the machine should begin to initialize.
If it does not begin to power on, you will want to power cycle the unit to ensure that there is no movement when attempting to turn on the device.
– When cycling the power, check the on off switch. If it is illuminated with a green light, there is power supplied to the system.
– If it is not illuminated with green light, check to ensure that the machine is plugged in. If the switch is in the “off” position, return it to the “on” position.
If you are still not able to power on the machine, contact Renew Digital Support or a Vatech-certified technician to help you further troubleshoot the issue or perform an onsite evaluation.

9. What type of routine or preventative maintenance does Vatech recommend?
Providing proper, routine maintenance to keep your Vatech CBCT machine in good working order will help ensure that your system can capture high-quality images consistently and will enjoy a long, serviceable lifespan. Both Renew Digital and Vatech recommend that you contact an authorized Vatech service provider to conduct routine inspections and service according to the schedule outlined by the specific system’s User’s Manual.

In keeping with the routine maintenance schedule outlined for your system, an authorized Vatech service provider will visually inspect the unit and test the following:

– General operation and modality of the system.
– The belts and drives of the system, inspecting for wear.
– Cables for wear or damage.
– Clean and service all moving parts, including the rail guides and worm gears, removing all dust and debris and lubricating all moving parts with white lithium grease.
– Any other proprietary, manufacturer-specific, and state-specific performance testing.

Both Vatech and Renew Digital recommend that quality tests and calibrations be completed according to modality and pursuant to the following specifications and timeframes.

Panoramic and cephalometric systems should be tested annually for:
– X-ray alignment
– Line pair resolution
– Panoramic layer
Cone beam systems should be tested annually for:
– Slice thickness
– CT noise
– Mean CT number
– Low/high contrast resolution
– Image uniformity

In addition to following these manufacturer recommendations, be sure to check your state or local X-ray authority to ensure compliance with state testing and timeline requirements as well. Keep all inspection, quality tests, and calibration records on file for state and local inspectors, where applicable.

10. How often should data and images be backed up?
Losing critical patient data or image captures is a terrifying prospect, and backups are crucial to preventing catastrophic data loss. Both Renew Digital and the manufacturer recommend involving your IT professional in your backup planning.

While Vatech does not recommend a specific program or method for backing up customer data, they do advise setting up daily backups with your certified IT professional. Your IT professional should be able to help you set up redundant backups to ensure that your captured images and other customer data is backed up routinely and completely.

Visit Renew Digital for Help with Certified Pre-Owned Vatech CBCT Systems

With the largest selection of certified pre-owned Vatech panoramic and CBCT systems in the industry, Renew Digital is both an authority and a helpful resource. For those of you that have purchased a pre-owned Vatech CBCT system from Renew Digital, have an active support contract and need help with your Vatech cone beam system or the Ez3D-i software, contact Renew Digital Support at 888-246-5611 or visit their Support page online. Their knowledgeable staff of support professionals will help you troubleshoot your system issues so you can focus on what matters most: your patients.

If you’re considering purchasing a certified pre-owned Vatech CBCT system from Renew Digital, you’ll be glad to know that you can save up to 30-50% off the cost of new Vatech cone beam units. Best of all, with the purchase price comes installation, training for your staff, and a comprehensive warranty that includes replacement parts and on-site service. To learn more or see what Vatech CBCT systems are currently available at Renew Digital, contact their sales team at 888-246-5611 or contact them online. We are happy to help find the ideal Vatech CBCT system for you and your practice.

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