Imaging Sciences International is pleased to announce the release of Tx STUDIO, now fully integrated into i-CAT® Next Generation™ and i-CAT® Precise™ systems. This powerful software creates the opportunity for general dentists and specialists alike to take advantage of i-CAT’s award-winning 3D imaging with comprehensive treatment planning tools for implants, airway, TMD, orthodontics, and a myriad of surgical procedures. It is the only software to be bundled with a CBCT system that does everything from diagnostics to implant and orthodontic treatment planning.

Designed by clinicians for clinicians, Tx STUDIO delivers uniquely comprehensive tools covering treatments from Implants to Orthodontics. With its wide selection of treatment-planning features, Tx STUDIO is an excellent addition to i-CAT cone beam 3D systems which are known for their unparalleled clinical and dose control, as well as the industry’s fastest workflow.

Click here to READ MORE about implant, abutment, and restoration planning, virtual TAD placement, 3D Cephalometric Analysis, face-MATCH photo-wrapping, virtual study models, airway analysis, TMJ visualization tools, Diagnostic Reports Tool, full 3D visualization, and video capture.

For both general dentists and specialists who place and restore implants and perform surgical procedures, the i-CAT Precise 3D + panoramic imaging solution offers confidence and efficiency in diagnosis and treatment. The exclusive Tx STUDIO treatment planning software is a valuable asset when placing and restoring implants; performing guided surgery and complex extractions; and treating endodontic cases, as well as facilitating patient education and treatment acceptance.

The honor by Dr. Bicuspid was announced while Team i-CAT was still reveling over winning the Townie Choice Award for the Best Cone Beam 3D scanner for the fifth year in a row! We know that all of our i-CAT-powered products give dentists the opportunity to offer more precise treatment planning and implementation, but it is always great to hear that dentists across the nation share our pride and commitment to individualized patient care. Thank you all for your support and validation.

Ashok Shah, general manager of DrBicuspid.com , notes “This is an exciting time in the field of oral healthcare, and the DrBicuspid Dental Excellence Awards provide a wonderful opportunity for the dental community to acknowledge those individuals, products, services, and events that are contributing to many of the historical changes taking place.” Imaging Sciences is proud to receive this acknowledgement—and other accolades—for our achievements as we continue to release new advanced products into the i-CAT line.

For more information on i-CAT Precise featuring Tx STUDIO software, please click here.

Oral Surgeon, Dr. Steven Koos, owner of ORA® Oral Surgery & Implant Studio explained his reasons for investing in i-CAT. “For one, it allows us to more thoroughly analyze a patient’s anatomy to determine the best course of treatment. The technology also affords us the opportunity to visually show a patient what we see and more easily explain treatment. This increases confidence levels in patients and makes them feel more comfortable with their treatment.” Dr. Koos also is proud of the fact that he operates a “green oral surgery practice, promoting eco-friendly dentistry,” and i-CAT fits right into that niche, as well. He explains, “As a Chicago oral surgery practice focused on environmental responsibility that spans all aspects of how we operate our practice, the fact that the i-CAT scanner is digital, forgoing toxic x-ray chemicals and film manufacturing and emits dramatically lower radiation compared to other CT scanners was of supreme importance to us.” See Dr. Koos’ press release.

At i-CAT, we are honored to be able to help Dr. Koos and his team to accomplish his clinical and environmental goals and be an integral part of his marketing efforts. Dentists who utilize i-CAT technology should spread the good news through social media, blogs, press releases and websites. Potential patients want to know about technology that can provide better diagnostics and treatment planning. The next time someone does an Internet search searching for a dentist with the latest in 3D CBCT imaging, take the steps so that the practice that they discover is yours. See you on the web!

The Townie Choice Awards are “determined by true dental professionals who are aided and served by the items in each category on a day-to-day basis,” according to Dentaltown. Peer evaluation is a valuable factor in determining products that have consistently shown effectiveness, predictability, and practice-building benefits.

“Customer loyalty plays an important part in our role as a leader in cone beam 3D dental imaging,” states Mark Hillebrandt, Director of Marketing for Imaging Sciences. “It’s an amazing feeling to know that our products are making a difference in dental offices throughout the nation.”

This recognition follows numerous past accolades that i-CAT has garnered, including Pride Institute’s “Best of Class,” and multiple awards from Lorne Lavine’s Dental Equipment and Technology Guide.

The highly utilized i-CAT cone beam 3D technology is embodied in two powerful imaging solutions, the i-CAT® Next Generation with full and extended scan sizes ideal for orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, implant and restorations, and i-CAT® Precise™ with scan sizes up to 8 cm in height well-suited for implants and oral surgery. Both systems feature the comprehensive treatment tools of the exclusive Tx STUDIO®, the fastest 3D workflow, and more clinical and dose control with i-Collimator’s adjustable scan size options and low-dose scan settings.

For more information on the benefits of i-CAT’s family of products, visit www.i-cat.com.

Studies such as these help dentists take a closer look at established protocols regarding diagnosis and treatment. Each in its own way allows the doctor to obtain more detailed information that makes healing faster and avoids possible complications.

The same is true for CBCT imaging. A scan before procedures such as implants, restorations, and oral and maxillofacial or TMJ surgery, can determine precise tooth position to view tooth location, proximity to adjacent teeth and vital structures, nerve and sinus involvement and other conditions that will effect treatment. In some cases, a 3D view can help dentists to avoid unnecessary surgeries, resulting in procedures with less tissue trauma and speedier healing.  In orthodontics, a high-definition, low-dose scan can be used not only for thorough diagnosis; it can be used to create a 3D cephalometric analysis and produce virtual study models for impressionless dentistry.

With all of the innovative studies going on at research centers, we are excited to know that i-CAT is capturing 3D scans at NYU, and leading to possible new breakthroughs in dentistry and less invasive procedures. Whether the focus is biological, regarding antibiotic therapies, or anatomical, such as new options for implants, knowledge and cutting-edge technology are the ingredients to improved dental health and patient care. We are proud to add that extra dimension to research, diagnosis, and treatment.

Innocent has been the administrator of operations and staffing at Sudbrink Oral Surgery Associates, PC, for seven years and is vice president and operational advisor for Practice Concepts, LLC. She is also a certified professional coder (CPC) through the American Academy of Professional Coders. She and Dr. Sudbrink will discuss how to manage necessary calls and verify the requirements for a seamless reimbursement process. For example, understanding description codes and making sure documentation supports the scan’s medical necessity are key determining factors for insurance companies deciding on reimbursement. Without including those, the insurance companies are left to read the doctor’s mind, and those psychic messages don’t always connect efficiently.

Adding i-CAT cone beam 3D technology to an existing insurance contract can take 5 minutes, with the right information at hand. An office shouldn’t need to call James Bond to break the insurance company code. No secret agents, or special tools are needed for this adventure—be prepared to learn the facts, and the strategies to become a hero to your billing team at this eye-opening session!

To view the previously recorded webinar, visit the Training Page.

Technology also has brought innovation to the dental office, with new and improved treatment options for better dental care. CBCT imaging has become an integral part of the innovative dental office. 3D imaging expands choices in implant placement, endodontic treatment, orthodontic planning, surgical procedures, airway and TMJ analysis, giving dentists more confidence in the process, and patients peace-of-mind that that their dentist was armed with all of the facts possible without a surgical view.

3D imaging brings a new level of communication to doctors and patients, with the scans speaking volumes that 2D images cannot. With all of the clinical advantages of CBCT in for the dental practice, dentists recognize and pay careful attention to exposing their patients to the least amount of radiation possible. i-CAT combines technological expertise with responsible radiation dose, with a variety of options for adjusting radiation exposure. The opportunity to narrow the area of the anatomy that is exposed through collimation, and customize each scan by adjusting resolution and scan times to suit the patient and the procedure give i-CAT doctors confidence that they are doing everything possible to meet their ALARA goals.

Dr. Sean Carlson has discussed this interesting topic on his free podcasts. To make some “smart” choices on new technology, click to hear what he has to say about CBCT technology, dosimetry, and data resolution, for a better understanding of the technical basics of dental radiation exposure.

Dr. Carlson will be a featured speaker at the 5th International Congress on 3D Dental Imaging coming up November 4-5, 2011, in Dallas, Texas. His talk, one of many break-out sessions specifically targeted issues that affect orthodontic and implant-focused practices, will cover the topic, “Debunking the Myths of Cone Beam Imaging: Applying the Science in the Everyday Orthodontic Practice.”

To join Dr. Carlson and other leading industry speakers at this event, click here.

Event provides 16 CE credits!

Click here to DOWNLOAD PODCAST

CAD/CAM can be utilized in many ways, from digital impression scanning to milling of surgical guides and restorations. Blending the information from the 3D scans with CAD/CAM can make the implant planning process quicker and more comprehensive. Integrating information from i-CAT with E4D Compass Software helps dentists to design the ideal restorative plan and for ideal implant positioning.

Dr. Michael Wing, speaker at the 5th International Congress on 3D Dental Imaging, tells of his success with 3D and CAD/CAM. “I can do a guided implant placement, place am abutment, mill the crown, and actually place the crown in the same day. 3D is such a predictable treatment planning situation. You can predict what kind of abutment you are going to use, and be able to carry the case forward with CAD/CAM after you place the implant.” His session, entitled, “Cone Beam and CAD/CAM for the General Dentist,” illustrates how to make the most of 3D data, resulting in a safer and more precise implant experience.

At the Congress, Dr. Wing will be joined by many other experienced speakers who have hands-on experience with 3D imaging. Network with colleagues from all over the world and learn more about the latest techniques, related software and products from leading technology experts.

Check out this and other lecture topics by clicking here.

But DON’T WAIT, the Congress is in just 10 days!

While you’re trying to remember all of the details to make the end of the year successful, it’s never too early to start thinking about investing in new technology and taking advantage of the Section 179 of the IRS tax code tax deduction that allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment from your gross income.

For 2011, the deduction limit is $500,000, for new and used equipment, including new software purchased or financed during the tax year—that’s up from $250,000 last time! The incentive was created by the U.S. Government to encourage businesses to buy equipment. Think of it as a boost for your practice to become more successful. Don’t let the time fly by because to take advantage of this deduction, the equipment needs to be in service by December 31, 2011. What better time to add a new dimension to your practice with an i-CAT Next Generation or i-CAT Precise? That’s a nice holiday season present from Uncle Sam himself. As we start to fill our shopping carts with pumpkins, turkey and tinsel, consider an investment that is never out of season–and is going to improve your practice potential all year round—3D technology, powered by i-CAT.

With all of the changes occurring in the federal government now, it makes sense to take advantage of a tax benefit to buy equipment that enhances the practice, quality of care, and the staff and the patient experience. Those who wait risk paying more of their hard-earned money to the IRS.

Happy Holidays (all of them) from i-CAT, and together with the 179 deduction, let’s make ‘economic recovery’ a part of your own financial success!

Want to calculate your savings? Check out Henry Schein Dental’s Section 179 calculation flyer.