Dental radiographs are considered standard of care by many veterinary dentists, to be included as part of a dental procedure in dogs and cats. That’s because, without x-rays, it’s not possible to see the “whole picture” of what’s going on below the gumline. 

While this is not an exhaustive list, common scenarios where dental x-rays are valuable include pre-and post-views of dental extractions to ensure the entire root tip was removed, differentiating between different types of FORLs, and discovering dentigerous cysts or other issues when there are teeth that are missing or have not erupted as expected. In all of these scenarios, dental radiographs can help determine the best course of treatment and confirm that treatment was done successfully. 

Veterinarians have many choices when it comes to purchasing a dental x-ray system, including the generator, plate/sensor/film, and software. Today, we’ll be evaluating the features of the RAY98(P) Portable Vet Dental X-Ray Generator from XRD Dental.

What Are the Key Features of the RAY98(P) Portable Vet Dental X-Ray Generator?

XRD Dental notes the following features on this model…

• High-frequency technology. Speaking generally about high-frequency technology, this means that a generator produces a beam with a fast waveform and high penetration power, for consistent, high-quality images. Thanks to the narrowing of the x-ray beam spectrum and the ability to use shorter exposure times, high frequency can also mean a lower dose of radiation to patients (and potentially, staff) and less chance of motion artifact. The technology also allows for smaller, more compact machines.

• Portability. Veterinarians and practice managers must decide which type of generator works best for their hospital’s needs. There are cart, wall-mounted, and portable options. Cart and wall-mounted generators offer the advantages of putting more space between the unit and the operator, no risk of running out of battery life, and no need for the unit to be handheld (and thus no arm fatigue/shake, and no risk of damaging the unit by dropping it). Portable units may be preferred in practices with limited space, or in mobile practices. Some clinics may even have more than one type of generator.

• Long battery life. The company doesn’t cite the number of hours the battery is expected to last but does claim that the machine can produce hundreds of exposures with one charge. An automatic shutoff after eight minutes of inactivity helps to conserve battery life.

• Compact size for ease of use. XRD dental specifies that the generator weighs just 3.75 pounds and can be operated with one hand.

• Compatibility with other components. The RAY98(P) is compatible with film, PSP plates, and digital sensors.

• Technical specifications are as follows for the RAY98(P) portable vet dental x-ray generator:

  • Settings of 70kV and 2mA, with the ability to adjust exposure time from 0.04-1.00 seconds.

  • A lighted display with four function keys.

  • 0.4mm focal spot.

  • CANON technology for the x-ray tube.

Purchasing Considerations

Every veterinary practice has different needs based on how busy they are, how many dental procedures they perform, practice style, budget, and other factors. 

Consider whether you need all components, including a generator, plate/sensor, software, or anything else to make your dental radiographs run smoothly, or if you only need to purchase or upgrade one component.

When looking into costs, consider not only the price of the equipment, but also whether warranties are available, how much service costs if there is an issue (and how quickly you could expect to be up and running again in the event of a repair), software upgrades, and any other long-term costs. Ask your sales representative to refer you to other practitioners in your area for questions about how the equipment is working for them in real life.

Taking all these factors into consideration will help determine which type of dental x-ray equipment is best for your individual practice.

Editor’s Note:

For a GREAT DEAL, check out our New Dental X-Ray Equipment Package. It includes:

• Your choice of the generator (choose the RAY98(P), or a different unit if you prefer).

• An intraoral sensor.

• E-Z Dent software and laptop.

• 2-year warranty on hardware and software.

All of this is available for just $12,995, or a convenient monthly price of just $195 so you can earn a profit on your investment right away. This offers significant savings over other popular brands, with a machine that produces great images!

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM