Troubleshooting Broken Dental X-Ray Sensors

When a dental x-ray sensor breaks or malfunctions, it can severely disrupt your workflow and affect your diagnoses. At Dental Sensor Repair Experts, we’ve seen all kinds of dental sensor issues and understand the chaos they can cause for dental offices. In this post, we’ll explore what causes these devices to fail in the first place, and provide you with some troubleshooting tips to help you figure out what’s wrong before deciding to repair or replace your dental sensor. 

Five Troubleshooting Tips for Broken Dental Sensors

1. Rule Out Software Issues

Software problems can cause issues and should always be checked first before assuming hardware failure. 

When your dental sensor acts up, ask yourself:

• Are the sensor drivers up to date?
• Does the sensor work with another computer?
• Has the imaging software recently been updated or changed?

If the drivers are outdated, the sensor functions properly on another system, or there was a recent update, the issue may be software-related rather than a physical failure. You can typically find and download driver updates on the manufacturer’s website, such as Carestream. Updating drivers, reinstalling software, or adjusting compatibility settings can often restore normal functionality. 

2. Inspect Cables and Connectors

Cable-related failures are also extremely common and typically repairable. Examine your dental sensor cable carefully for the following issues:

• Kinks, bends, or fraying near the strain relief
• Loose or bent USB pins
• Intermittent connection when the cable is moved

If the sensor only works when the cable is held in a certain position, it’s likely that the internal wiring is damaged and will need professional repair.

3. Try a Different USB Port or Hub

In some cases, a simple port failure can make it seem like the sensor itself is broken. Test the dental sensor by plugging it into another USB port or bypassing the hub entirely to connect directly to the computer. If the sensor works in another port station, then there’s likely an issue with the computer and not the sensor. If it still doesn’t work after testing, then the issue is more likely related to the sensor hardware itself. 

4. Reset the System

Sometimes, a simple reset can resolve temporary glitches. Restart the imaging software or reboot the workstation to rule out a temporary communication error. If your dental x-ray sensor frequently requires resets to function properly, there may be a deeper hardware issue with the sensor or the computer. 

5. Contact a Repair Specialist

Many of the above steps can help you identify the issue, but you should never try DIY sensor repair. The best way to fix a broken dental sensor is to contact a professional. The Dental Sensor Repair Experts can fix a wide range of issues from top dental sensor brands, including Kodak, Carestream, Dexis, Gendex, and Schick. 

Why Dental X-Ray Sensors Fail

Dental Sensors are delicate devices. Daily use, constant handling, and exposure to moisture or impact can all contribute to wear and tear. In most cases, failure is not immediate but the result of cumulative stress on the device. Common causes include:

• Cable strain from repeated bending and pulling
• Connector damage from frequent plugging and unplugging
• Internal circuitry wear or electrical shorts

Five Signs Your Dental Sensor May Be Broken

Recognizing the early warning signs allows you to address the issue promptly, avoiding costly downtime and preventing further damage. Some red flags include:

1. The sensor is not detected by the computer or imaging software
2. Images appear distorted, streaked, or partially missing
3. There are frequent error messages
4. The sensor cables are loose or frayed
5. The sensor only works intermittently or when positioned a certain way

Broken Dental Sensor Repair

A malfunctioning sensor doesn’t have to result in costly replacement. By troubleshooting the problem, you can identify whether it’s a quick and simple fix, a repairable issue, or a severe case that requires replacement. Whether you’re in need of repair of a known issue or unsure what’s causing your sensor to fail, the Dental Sensor Repair Experts are here to help. We’ll test and diagnose the problem at no cost, and repair your sensor in no time. 

We service dental offices across the country—give us a call today or fill out our form to request a free quote and earn $100 off your first invoice.