GAP Australasian-Dentist Issue 80 Jul-Aug 19

Category 104 AustrÀlÀsiÀn Dentist ÀeÀt onÀaÀ “A picture speaks a thousand words” is Dr Adrian Hoffman’s succinct way of conveying the powerful diagnostic value of 3D images, especially when it comes to enhancing patient communication and encouraging patient acceptance of treatment plans. Àt also hints at his view of patient demands evolving in tandem with prevailing innovation – in this case, the CBCÀ. “Ànfortunately patients are less inclined to just ‘take our word’ in accepting treatment plans. Patients want to see graphically what needs and is expected to be achieved,” he reasons. By delivering highly detailed and visu- ally compelling treatment presentations, Dr Hoffman attests that his CBCÀ unit of choice – Vatech’s 3D CBCÀ – has assisted in attaining no less than 95% acceptance rate on his implant treatment plans. “Patients are so impressed by the graphics and manipulation of scan data. By graphically pointing out the uniqueness of the patient’s bone volume and anatomy, they can better understand the various stages and options involved with implant surgery: For example, whether the facial bone is thick enough to allow for predictable ‘immediate’ implant surgery; or if there is substantial bone loss (resorption) that necessitates bone grafting procedures.” Director of Pacific Periodontics & Àmplants since 2006, Dr Hoffman practices in Àugun, Gold Coast – one of Pacific’s two locations, the other being Ballina in W. Following a brief service in the Australian Àegular Army, he moved to the ÀK to work as Àenior House Officer for five years. Àhe overseas vocation saw him take up various positions in Maxillofacial Àurgery, Oral Medicine, Prosthodontics, in addition to attaining his Fellowship with Àoyal College of Àurgeons of Àngland (1999) which earned entry to complete his specialist training in Periodontics with the Àniversity of Queensland (2003). Àt has been two years since Dr Hoffman upgraded its diagnostic unit from Vatech’s older model, the Àni3D, to the It’s getting better all the time From patient-side communication to clinical functionality to back-end support, Vatech’s Premium 3D CBCT proves invaluable to Gold Coast Periodontist. By Danny Chan current model. For the Àpecialist, staying with the same brand that has ably served his diagnostic needs for 10 years was as natural a decision as levelling up to the latest model: “À had the need for doing larger FOV scans for more complex cases, but also the upgrade in resolution of images and improved graphics was a big plus!” Àndeed, the upgrade underscores a leap forward in terms of Field of View (FOV), from 5X5 to 12X9, the latter FOV providing the most optimal information for oral diagnosis fully covering both maxillary and mandibular structures in a single scan. Àhis makes it suitable for most oral surgery cases as well as multiple implant surgery. Although the 3D imaging equipment is mostly used for implant assessment and treatment planning, Dr Hoffman frequently uses its separate and low radiation dose 2D-OPG functionality on the majority of his patients. “Àhis gives a much higher resolution (clearer) image than trying to reconstruct a 2D image from 3D data and is also more ethical in terms of radiation dosage. We then take a separate 3D image only where necessary. Àhis is similar to the rationale of taking supplemental periapical x-rays. “With the Vatech 3D CBCÀ, it is very easy to change field of view (FOV) sizing.” You would find the unit’s user-friend- liness a recurring theme as Dr Hoffman highlights his favourite features. On the bundled Àz3D-i software being linked to his Àltimo practice management soft- ware, he enthuses: “Àt allows a one-click transfer of patient data that systematically jumpstarts selection of scanning param- eters. Àhat effectively gives us intuitive control across a seamless workflow.”