The whole story of the GXS-700 sensors

Aristotle once said, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” That sage adage rings true for many types of dental equipment; for GXS-700™ intraoral sensors, the intricate technology behind each of its parts is integral to the image quality. Each part that comprises the GXS-700 was designed and tested for its own individual benefit to the sensor experience.

Research for the Gendex sensor began with a worldwide survey — of Gendex customers, dentists using other sensors and those still using film X-rays. From this, engineers strived to discover the attributes and improvements that dental professionals preferred.

After reporting back with the information, engineers set out to produce two sensors that would provide an improved radiological experience.

Here are some “wholes” of the story:

• Comfort: As a whole, these sensors provide a comfortable imaging experience for patients and more ergonomic X-ray capture.
• Image quality: The excellent clarity and resolution give dentists and patients a clearer view of dental issues such as caries or cracks that can be difficult to spot on smaller, traditional X-rays.
• Time: Traditional X-ray film takes time to be developed, but digital images are instant. No labor time (or money) needs to be spent cleaning the processor or refilling the developer and fixer or safely storing all of the used chemicals.
• Communication: Digital images can be sent electronically, easily and quickly to colleagues, specialists, insurance companies and even to the patients so they can show their family and friends. The ability to expand the digital image to fit the monitor’s size, to use applications to draw on and to use contrast or color allows for better patient education.

Now, for the parts…

• The technology: Advanced CMOS sensor electronics integrated into the sensor casing enhance image quality, increasing the dentist’s capability for better diagnosis.
• The materials: Engineers researched different plastics to withstand the mechanical stresses of intraoral activities and to protect the electronic components during sterilization. Besides that, the plastics also had to feel good.
• The shape: The sensor comes in two sizes, one for adult and one for pedo, but all sizes of patients prefer the rounded corners of the Gendex digital sensors over the sharp corners of film. Gendex engineers designed the GXS-700 sensor case to fit comfortably in the mouth. In the design phase, patients tested various-shaped models to determine maximum comfort. The winning case was also chosen for its ergonomics, to allow the sensor to be moved more quickly around the mouth, shortening X-ray time in the chair.
• The “plug”: Direct USB connectivity makes this sensor very portable, easy to use and with less accessories to lose. With the capability for plugging directly into the computer, the assistant does not need to fumble with controllers, adapters or docking stations.

The parts of the GXS-700 definitely combine to make the whole sensor great. For Aristotle, that was groundbreaking philosophy; for GXS-700 sensors, it just makes good sense.