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Risks of Repairing Dental Sensors

Several companies, including Sodium Dental and Repair DDS, offer services to repair intraoral dental sensors for brands such as Dexis, Gendex, Schick, Carestream, Suni and Dentrix.  Although repairing sensors is much cheaper than buying a new sensor or having it repaired by the manufacturer, do you know the risks of this repair?

Legal Risks

Dental sensors are Class 2 medical devices, regulated by the FDA.  Only the manufacturer can legally modify or repair a medical device, under highly controlled processes using qualified materials.  If a patient were to be harmed by a modified sensor then YOU MAY BE LEGALLY LIABLE FOR ANY PATIENT HARM.  Is it worth it?

Safety Risks

Electric Shock – The design and materials for sensor cables are chosen to meet rigorous requirements to minimize the risk of electric shock to patients if the sensor or computer were to have an internal short.  Standard cables, typically made in Asia, may be unsafe and could cause harm to your patient.

Image Defects – Sensors may have defects due to normal use.  Only the original manufacturer can test and verify that repaired sensors meet specification.  The idea that repair companies, such as Sodium, sell refurbished ‘Grade B’ and ‘Grade C’ sensors is appalling, illegal and risks patient diagnosis.

Biocompatibility – The materials for sensor housing and cables are tested to meet FDA biocompability requirements since they may come in contact with the patient’s oral cavity.  Generic cables, plastic and adhesives may be made with potentially toxic materials.

Other Problems

  • Downtime during sensor repair
  • Limited warranty as low as 30 days
  • Intermittent operation

THINK ABOUT RISKS TO YOUR PATIENTS OR YOUR PRACTICE WHEN CONSIDERING SENSOR REPAIR