14
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CERECDOCTORS.COM
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QUARTER 2
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2015
C A S E S T U D Y
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B Y A N T H O N Y R A M I R E Z D . D . S . , M . A . G . D .
could a 14-second galileos scan dramatically impact one’s practice?
The answer is a resounding YES.
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is state-of-the-art technology that, when integrated into a dental practice,
elevates one’s understanding of maxillofacial anatomy, advances dental diagnostics and improves treatment planning and the
overall health of patients.
GALILEOS, CEREC and Success
in Modern Digital Dental Practice
Enhancing Diagnosis, Improving Planning, and Increasing Case Acceptance
Galileos CBCT 3-D imaging is the foundation of my complete
dental examination. Galileos is a groundbreaking system with
sophisticated yet easy-to-use software that navigates a 3-D maxillo-
facial radiographic volume in an efficiently streamlined manner.
The diagnostic information is useful in all dental disciplines.
What’s more, it serves to aid patients in understanding their
dental problems and becoming partners in their own dental care.
This is the concept of co-diagnosis, an innovation that has been
well received by my patients. The in-office Galileos unit allows me
to present patients with a treatment plan during their initial visit,
thereby making a second treatment consultation unnecessary.
THE ROLE OF 3-D IN THE 21ST-CENTURY PRACTICE
I utilize this technology to reveal, identify, educate, treatment
plan, case present and inform — all in one visit. “Scan, Plan
and Case Present” is how I engage the patient in an interactive
conversation and review the dental and maxillofacial 3-D images.
It captures their attention and improves case acceptance, as visual
images trump words when explaining dental issues to patients.
Non-distorted 3-D and cross sectional views overcome the
inherent limitations of 2-D radiographs. Breaking down barriers
to case acceptance is something that dentists struggle with daily
when presenting treatment plans without the benefit of Sirona’s
Galileos and CEREC technologies. When patients experience a
complete dental examination that effectively communicates their
conditions via 3-D representation, they canmake better choices as
to what treatment they are willing to accept. I can make a differ-
ence in my patient’s life when given the opportunity to provide
optimal dental treatment. In short, with Galileos I maintain a
higher standard of dental excellence.
CBCT 3-D imaging allows me to observe bone anatomy, boney
defects and nerves in their exact locations, which improves diag-
nosis and clinical decisions. As a result, my patients benefit from a
customized treatment schedule and a faster resolution to their dental
issues. Pathologies that cannot beseen in2-DX-rays arerevealedwith
CBCT, thereby leading to better treatment planning and improved
outcomes. The results are used to confirm or alter prescribed treat-
ment, may help avoid unnecessary treatment, and create safer proce-
dures altogether. This allows me to make the proper diagnosis on
whether to restore a tooth or replace it with a dental implant. I have
found that the more complex the problemmay be, the more import-
ant it becomes to use the superior technology of Galileos.
MAKING THE JUMP FROM 2-D TO 3-D
2009was a landmark year forme. That was the year Imade the leap
and purchased a Galileos CBCT in-office unit. I came to the real-
ization that 2-D imaging was not capable of meeting my diagnostic
needs. My purchase of a digital panoramic unit left me completely
unsatisfied with high resolution 2-D pans and limited diagnostic
information. I collaborated with Mark Hahn and 3-D specialist Gil
Frellick, my Sirona representatives, who made it possible for me to
upgrade to a Galileos. They have provided me with unparalleled
support and I consider them to be partners in my success.
CBCT imaging is the most significant advancement in dental
imaging that I have seen in my 30-plus years of practice. It has
elevated my diagnostic and treatment-planning skills immeasur-
ably as I began placing implants only after the introduction of
Galileos to my office. Today I place and restore dental implants
routinely, thanks to the experience I have gained from utilizing
Galileos and surgical guides.
The use of SICAT surgical guides and computer-assisted implant-
ology has significantly progressed patient safety. The advanced
diagnostic information obtained from navigating through CBCT
3-D images helps avoid potential complications with vital anatomy,
natural teeth and poor implant positioning. CBCT 3-D imaging
is the standard of care in my practice for pre-surgical implant
