Cliff's Notes

Dental Practice Enhancements Digital Imaging Without Radiation, Good or Bad?

About 15 years ago I heard of a new camera that was an intraoral trans-illuminator that converted it’s images into a digital format, the system was called Difoti. At the time digital dentistry was just being introduced. Less than 10% of the industry had digital radiography. By the time my company (big companies move slow) made the decision to contact Difoti the company had closed and the product taken off the market. The company and patents were acquired by the Kavo/Gendex organization, and never heard from again. Until 2009 when Difoti re-appeared under the Kavo brand in Europe, but it was still un-known in the United States & Canada. Then, in 2012, Dexis Corp. introduced the new enhanced Difoti System under the Dexis brand and called it Carivu.

First you need to understand that Dexis, Kavo/Gendexx, and about 15 other major manufacturers are owned by the same people, The Danaher Group (http://www.danaher.com/our-businesses/business-directory). This is another thing to consider when integrating new technology, seamless integration between brands. Anyway, Carivu by Dexis hit the U.S. market in the exact same way that digital radiography did 20 years ago. Every practice that installed digital radiography in the last 10 years will say “if I knew then what I know now” and in my opinion Carivu will be the same. However, unlike digital radiography, Carivu’s ROI can be less than 90 days not 12 months.

Carivu utilizes autoclavable tips that transmit high intensity light from both the distal and lingual sides and has a high resolution mirror that reflects the occlusal surface to a UHD video camera in the handpiece. This allows the clinician and patient to actually see inside the tooth without radiation (http://www.dexis.com/dexis-carivu-training-video). Trans illumination will also detect interproximal decay that cannot be seen with conventional x-rays.

The clinical advantages when used along with traditional radiograph images is a proven fact and for those patients that refuse x-rays it can be a diagnostic tool. The procedure code is D0425 and is now covered by some insurances (15%) but if not, the recommended fee is $45.00-$65.00. However, there is a downside you need to be prepared for. If a patient knows that you can see inside teeth without radiation, they may be inclined to refuse x-rays. Now you, or a team member, needs to explain that this wonderful technology cannot see below the gum line and that is where some real bad stuff can happen. That conversation should be scripted & practiced.

For pediatrics, this is a no-brainer! Small children have difficulty with sensors, don’t sit still with phosphorous plates and parents don’t like seeing their kids un-comfortable. But, Parents LOVE the Carivu and can see exactly what you see in real time.

The bottom line is that the Carivu technology needs to be on your wish list and added to your diagnostic arsenal. Your hygiene department will go wild with this and you will recap your investment in a very short amount of time. Live patient demo’s are always available.

Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions or concerns.

January 10, 2016 - Posted by Cliff's Notes Blog | Uncategorized