Media Release

13th October 2008

New 3d X-Ray Machine Set To Transform Dental Surgery

Auckland’s first Galileos dental and facial x-ray machine* was the star performer at the grand opening of the new Oral Surgery Associates practice at Ascot Central on Friday evening (10th October). The unveiling of the revolutionary 3D imaging device and the launch of the brand new specialist oral and maxillofacial surgery offices drew more than 130 dentists, doctors and industry professionals from across the region.

Dr Neil Luyk, partner in the practice with Dr Ian Cathro, says the new x-ray machine will make a tremendous difference to mouth, face and jaw surgery: ‘It gives a 3D picture of the face and jaws which allows us to plan for and perform complex operations far more effectively. Even take wisdom teeth for example; using the Galileos x-ray machine we can remove the tooth with a greatly reduced chance of harm to the surrounding nerves.’

Conventional two-dimensional x-rays only provide an image viewed from two angles which means that a problem or irregularity can be hidden by other teeth or jaw bone. The Galileos machine allows a three-dimensional image viewed from many angles producing a superior quality image with the lowest dose of radiation for the patient.

Dustin Habeck, team leader of Sirona New Zealand, makers of the Galileos says digital, three-dimensional technology is a major step in the advancement of specialist dentistry. ‘We are very proud to be in partnership with Oral Surgery Associates bringing the first Galileos x-Ray machine to Auckland, it’s very exciting technology,’ he says.

Additionally, the practice will be using a unique mixture of sedation medication which is both more cost effective and gives superior sedation for the patient.

The new oral surgery centre in Remuera will be the only one to have access to the Galileos machine in Auckland and will take referrals from across the region. It is one of only two of the high-tech devices in New Zealand, the other being situated in Hamilton.

The specialist practice officially opened for business at the newly built Ascot Centre close to Ellerslie racecourse on September 15th, having relocated from smaller premises on Remuera Road.

Both Neil and business partner Dr Ian Cathro are very happy with the new premises. ‘We have doubled our space and our staff, there is far better access for clients and more parking,’ Neil adds.

Oral surgery Associates has received a great amount of support from the dental community. Prominent dental companies including Sirona, Nobel Biocare and Henry Schein Shalfoon all made contributions to the grand opening.

Nobel Biocare is a dental company offering crowns, bridges and implants covering all aspects of tooth reconstruction. Kim Austin, sales manager in New Zealand says: ‘We assist oral surgeons around the country whenever we can and contributing to this event was a great opportunity to support Neil in what he was doing.’

Henry Schein Shalfoon is a New Zealand-owned dental distribution company. They have a strong presence in New Zealand and aim to encourage technological growth in the field of dentistry.

ENDS