Why this practice says the Gendex GXDP-700 has upped its level of care

Dr. Norberto Velazquez and his wife Dr. Laura Davila specialize in different types of care, but both agree they could not practice at their current level without their GXDP-700™ Series.

Drs. Laura Davila and Norberto Velazquez, P.A., purchased their dental practice from retiring Dr. D. Harper Taylor in March 2007. The practice has been in the same Greenville, N.C. location since the late 1970s and offers a wide variety of services to patients of all ages.

They expanded the office in the fall of 2010 and now have four new operatories. That same year, the practice added the Gendex GXDP-700™ Series cone beam imaging system that allows the staff to perform a CBCT scan of the oral cavity.

Here, Dr. Velazquez answers questions about how and why he loves to use the Gendex system.

DPR: When did you first decide to add this technology, and how did you choose the GXDP-700?

NV: I did plenty of research when I decided to move forward with a CBCT scanning unit. By the time I took my comprehensive, second year-long implant course, I decided, “This is where the technology is going; this is where the standard of care is moving.”

It was during this last course that I became aware of this new technology from Gendex that offered a more controlled and smaller field of view, which is awesome. You can leave out all those areas that you do not need for a scan. I was very happy to evaluate the Gendex system and then decided to move on with the purchase (of the GXDP-700). This is one investment I will never regret.

It’s as basic for my practice as my explorer and mirror. I don’t even really calculate a return on investment on this machine because it’s also a panoramic and ceph machine-we use it daily.

DPR: What do you like most about this imaging system?

NV: The most important thing is the value I get out of the three-dimensional images. The reconstruction software actually allows me to do so much more pre-operatively for my implants.

I don’t have the guesswork as with 2D imaging. Before 3D, the implant surgeon or the implant dentist had to have an arsenal of implants on hand, because you really didn’t know exactly what you were going to use until you actually began the surgery. With this machine, you basically can see exactly what’s beneath the gum, and you can take accurate measurements. You know precisely where your anatomical landmarks are, where the nerve is located, where the blood vessels are located-it’s full planning before you even begin surgery.

DPR: So the GXDP-700 really helps with implant cases?

NV: With the planning software included with this machine, you can pretty much simulate the complete implant placement.

You know what kind and size of implant you’re going to use for that particular case before the patient’s even in the chair. Also, before 3D, in surgery you might uncover the ridge and realize that it was not the size that you were estimating. All of a sudden, the plan has to change-now, with the flap open you have to tell the patient you cannot do the implant today, that you actually have to go through an extra procedure to re-grow or regenerate bone so you end up with a positive bone architecture to place the implant.

That’s a disappointment for the patient and for the doctor.

DPR: How have your patients reacted to this technology?

NV: Patients are just astonished when you present this technology, and they can see themselves in 3D. You reach them better-you can better explain treatments so they have a more accurate understanding of what is going to happen. For me it’s easier to tell them, “You do not have enough bone; you have to go through additional procedures before you can even think about implants. You see on the screen we have this many millimeters of bone? We need this much.” Again, the patients feel totally confident of my skills, my knowledge, and my good use of technology for the treatments that I propose to them.

DPR: Was the purchase a tough decision?

NV: Deciding on getting into this technology was not an impediment or an obstacle that I had to overcome. The biggest obstacle is the initial investment, but once you obtain the technology and you use it, you forget about the cost of the machine. I’ve taken two year-long courses as well as additional continuing education every year. So I’ve invested in my education-why not in the technology?

Implant dentistry is definitely the future of single as well as multiple tooth restoration. A well-done implant will last … but to achieve a predictable outcome with an implant, you need the right diagnostic tools. CBCT is one of these tools. To be honest with you, I couldn’t practice at the level that I do now without my Gendex GXDP-700.

Sponsored by Gendex

Get more on the Gendex GXDP-700 series with this continued reading material ...

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Why this practice says the Gendex GXDP-700 has upped its level of care

Dr. Norberto Velazquez and his wife Dr. Laura Davila specialize in different types of care, but both agree they could not practice at their current level without their GXDP-700™ Series. Written by: Dental Products Report Gendex GXDP-700™ Series Date published: 05/07/2013 5 / 5 stars