Many dentists automatically toss a malfunctioning digital sensor, but Sodium Dental can prevent that costly move.
Maranda Lake, RDH, BASDH
Sodium Dental offers X-ray sensor repair performed by experienced, reputable sensor repair technicians. Sodium also manufactures their own custom components for high-quality repairs. They offer a 30-day warranty and an optional 1-year warranty on services. Turnaround can be completed in as few as 3 days, and Sodium can handle repairs from all sensor manufacturers.
Sodium Dental
800-821-8962 | sodiumdental.com
Digital intraoral sensors provide high-quality resolution images that result in faster, more efficient diagnosis and treatment. Although these are valuable tools in digital dental technology, digital X-ray sensors can malfunction and are expensive to replace. Many dental clinicians throw away their device as soon as an issue occurs. They incur the cost of replacing it because they are not aware of a more affordable option: digital X-ray sensor repair.
Sodium Dental, a full-service dental technology integrator, is the first company in the industry to offer X-ray sensor repair. With more than 20 years of experience in the dental space, Sodium Dental helps practices increase productivity and efficiency and maximize the patient experience.
The Benefits of Sensor Repair
Sensor repair can get a device up and running in a couple of days for a fraction of the cost of replacement. “We have been using Sodium Dental for digital X-ray sensor repair since 2015,” says Maranda Lake, RDH, BASDH, a dental hygienist at Millhopper Family Dentistry, a full-service practice in Gainesville, Florida, and an adjunct professor at Santa Fe College in Gainesville. “Instead of buying a new sensor every 2 years, we can get it repaired and help keep our costs down.”
Dental practices can save thousands of dollars by opting for repair. A new digital X-ray sensor can cost $8000 to $10,000, depending on the brand. Sensor repairs range from $700 to $1750, based on the complexity of the problem, and can extend the tool’s life for many years.
Common X-ray Sensor Problems
Dental sensors are vulnerable to a wide range of issues, most of which are repairable. Common problems include full loss of functionality, a crushed cable, bite marks, inability to detect radiation, and pretriggering white images during X-ray capture.
“The most common problem we see with our digital sensors is fraying of the wire inside the cable from the constant bending, pulling, and twisting that occur throughout the day,” Lake says. “Typically, this repair extends the life of the sensor for approximately 2 years.”
Stress-Free Repair Process
Sodium Dental has been repairing X-ray sensors since 2011, with a success rate of more than 80%. Their in-house repair technicians are trained in the repair of several brands, including DEXIS, Kodak, Gendex, Schick, XDR, and ACTEON. Free estimates are given within 24 to 48 hours. All repairs are done in-house and backed by a 30-day warranty; an optional 1-year warranty includes remote support.
Repairs generally take 5 to 10 business days, but most fixed sensors are shipped back to the customer in fewer than 3 business days after repair authorization. Sodium Dental can also provide a compatible, high-quality loaner for up to 60 days, including free remote installation, troubleshooting, and a 1-day shipping option.
“We have typically received our repaired sensors within 1 to 2 weeks,” says Lake says. “Sodium Dental doesn’t just fix equipment and send it back. They also offer suggestions to improve your practice and extend the life of your products.”
Once a year, Millhopper Dentistry hosts a free day of dentistry for their community, with Sodium Dental partnering. “[That’s when] we treat 100 patients at no cost, providing services such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions,” Lake says. “Sodium Dental is kind enough to loan us sensors to expedite the process, so it minimizes the wait time for these patients.”
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