Digital Imaging at Lynnwood Periodontics and Implants

A sharper image

DEXIS OP 3D™ cone beam technology is also instrumental to building his patient base, according to Brancheau. “It’s perfect for a periodontics practice. I couldn’t run this type of practice without a 3D scanner. It just wouldn’t be possible.”
 
He further explains, “The 3D is important for the patient to visualize what you’re seeing, that they’re going to be safe. It’s a reassurance to let them know that ‘here’s what’s going on, this is what we need to do.’ They can’t really see anything on an X-ray; it’s not clear to them. It’s definitely clearer when you see it on the 3D scan.”

That acute level of resolution and clarity is imperative, he relates, especially when a patient has never received an implant. “It’s mostly the fear of the unknown. They just don’t know what it’s going to be like. We try and ease their fears and answer all their questions. Once we’ve done that and they’re able to see that it’s going to be okay, then they feel more reassured about it.” For his patients, a pre-op walk-through in the chair can make all the difference. “We can show them exactly how it’s going to go beforehand and that helps them understand and feel more comfortable about the procedure.”

3D ease

Designed for maximum efficiency and equipped with four resolution options, OP 3D fits the bill, Brancheau says. “It can take a local scan, a quad, an arch, a full mouth; so it’s versatile and it’s easy to use and plan out implants on it. The technology is very user-friendly, and easy to show patients what’s going on immediately without it being too complex. You can also then send those splices to their dentists, so they can see, too.”
 
Plus, he adds, OP 3D scanning technology is simple to implement in the operatory. “It’s pretty easy to train staff on the scan. All of our assistants can do it. You have the ability to send DICOM files to labs if they need to do guides or if you need to send CDs to a patient or another office. All the implant software is in the program, so it has all of the exact specifications of the implant brand that you’re using.”

A picture of true success

Beyond the internal office benefits, he says the technology supports and extends that invaluable trust his team so diligently fosters among patients. “We’re honest with people, so there’s a lot of trust with our referrals that they’re going to receive high-level care. It’s the combination of the friendly, outgoing staff and the fact that we only see one patient at a time, and they have our dedicated attention. Our work speaks for itself.” As do his patients by way of online reviews and spoken praise.
 
“Every day, absolutely, we’ve had people be more thankful than I could have expected, so it has been incredibly rewarding in that regard,” he says. “We have people tell us every day that it went smoother than they thought, or it was painless, or they are extremely happy. It’s great!”