There is no doubt that sensors are still the most dominant type of digital radiography system on the market in terms of units sold. However, over the past few years, another form of digital radiography, phosphor plates, has become increasingly popular. While Denoptix was the first player in this field, there are now systems from many major companies, such as the Scan-X from Air Techniques, the CS 7600 from Carestream, and the Optime from Soredex. In this article, we will examine the reasons why these systems may be an ideal fit for many dental practices.
Ease of Use
For both dentists and staff, the transition to phosphor plates is typically much easier than sensor-based systems. The plates, which are often thinner than film, can be used in the existing RINN kit holders. The process of taking images is very similar to film: The assistant will take an image on a plate. The plates are thin and comfortable and unlike sensors, there are no wires or cables that must be accounted for during image acquisition. When she is done, the plates are carried over to a machine that resembles a processor, although in reality, it is a laser scanner. Depending on the system, the plates are either inserted into a slot or placed onto a drum and then the machine is run. Once the images appear, it is a simple matter to “mount” the images by clicking and dragging them in the software to their appropriate location on a template. While this entire process is significantly slower than the immediate images of sensors, there are still often time savings as compared to film, and many offices do not need the images in 2-3 seconds.
Image Quality
At the highest settings, many phosphor plate systems are capable of 15-20 line pairs per mm (lp/mm). While not as high as some sensors which are close to 25 lp/mm, this is usually more of a marketing tactic. The human eye will have trouble differentiating anything beyond 12 lp/mm. Phosphor plates are capable of producing a diagnostic image; as we discussed in past columns, the computer monitor will have a much greater effect on what we see.
Replacement
Sensors are still very expensive to purchase and maintain. Sensors cost anywhere from $5000 to $10,000 each, and extended warranties add around $1000 to $2000 per sensor per year to the overall system price. The phosphor plates, on the other hand, cost about $25 each. According to the manufacturers, the plates will lose their ability to capture a diagnostic image after 750 to 1000 uses. In reality, few offices will see these results. The plates are easier to scratch and damage, and most offices will be lucky to get 500 uses out of each plate. However, for such a minor replacement cost, the ongoing maintenance costs are not a factor.
System Cost and The Panorex Factor
The cost of an intra-oral only phosphor plate system is around $10,000. This is equal in cost to what many sensor vendors will charge for a combination #1/#2 sensor package. However, as previously noted, maintenance cost for sensors will be higher over the life of the sensor (around 5 years is average). Larger practices will need more than just two sensors, whereas a single phosphor plate system can accommodate a large group practice. Finally, a practice that wants a digital Panorex will find a huge cost difference between the two systems. Adding a pano plate and capabilities to a phosphor plate system will only drive the price up to about $20,000; the plate itself runs $800 from most vendors. A digital Panorex, on the other hand, adds $30,000-$50,000 to the cost of the sensors.
While sensors will continue to dominate the market for many years, practices should evaluate the phosphor plate systems to be used instead of, or in conjunction with sensors. They are easy to use, are comfortable, require minimal staff training, and in the long run, will be more cost-effective than sensors. While they aren’t right for everyone, phosphor plate systems should be considered by any dentist that is looking to add digital radiography to the office.
