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ePaper created 2017-08-25, 17:58:13 | version 1.38.0
| cone beam supplement business European dental imaging equipment market in a state of change Authors: Sasha Stephanian & Jeffrey Wong, USA cently made the switch to digital technology, typically opt for PSP systems due to the affordability of PSP plates and the similarity in equipment handling com- pared to conventional analogue film. In countries such as France and Italy, which are largely dominated by smaller clinics with only a single examination room, dentists often opt to use digital sensors instead. Although the split between PSP systems and digital sensors is quite even, the PSP market has shown strong signs of growth, particularly in countries that were traditionally dominated by sensors, such as Spain, and will continue to be one of the main drivers in a rather stagnant market for imaging equipment as a whole. Part of this trend can be attributed to the fact that the thickness and rigidity of sensors are a greater nuisance when it comes to patient comfort, as well as the frail- ness of these sensors compared to PSP scanners. Fur- thermore, digital sensors are much more expensive than PSP scanners, and include parts that are prone to wear, such as cords that can be easily damaged, which further argues the case to switch to PSP systems. 2-D extraoral X-ray imaging vs 3-D CBCT scanners Extraoral X-ray imaging systems are predomi- nantly used for viewing a patient’s teeth relative to his or her jaw and skull. They aid in monitoring impacted teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder, and possi- ble tumours in and around the intraoral cavity. These specific uses of extraoral X-ray systems are limited to procedures performed by orthodontists, prosthodon- tists and oral surgeons, resulting in a relatively small market. Most professionals prefer working with a CBCT scanner, which has 3-D imaging capabilities and can perform at a much greater capacity than tradi- tional 2-D extraoral imaging systems, but are limited by the high acquisition cost of these systems. Re- cently, however, not only have prices of CBCT scan- ners dropped significantly, but it is now standard for Fig. 1 Fig. 1: Intraoral X-ray system market breakdown, Europe, 2023. 44 CAD/CAM 3 2017 The market for dental imaging equipment in Europe is quite saturated and has not experienced any sig- nificant growth over the past several years. However, in recent years cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners have increasingly begun incorporat- ing 2-D capabilities into their systems, as well as of- fering a broad range of fields of view to provide greater flexibility. Clinical applications of CBCT sys- tems include implant planning, root configuration, sinus augmentation, root-canal procedures and bony defect detection. As several of these applications are expected to increase in number, the demand and need for CBCT scanners will continue to grow consid- erably throughout Europe over the next decade. Intraoral X-ray imaging device market in transition Analogue technology is a thing of the past and while it is still declining, the transition away from these types of systems has already taken place, result- ing in a more stable market situation. Companies now offer two digital alternatives: photostimulable phos- phor (PSP) systems and digital sensors. Larger clinics with several rooms, especially those who only re-