Dental Asia May/June 2020

User Report
Supreme and its highest level of image quality, especially when he
requires high-quality images immediately, such as for endodontic
treatments or in implantology. There is an additional reason for his
preference regarding sensors: The Xios XG Supreme sensors are
integrated with Dentsply Sirona’s imaging software Sidexis 4.
“Sidexis 4 includes a dedicated tool – a sharpness filter – to play
with the image information and to adapt the signal/noise ratio. This
is a true advantage when it comes to complex root canal treatments
involving a tedious search for the tooth’s apex,” explained
Dr. Kirkedam. In certain cases, however, the intraoral sensor is not
a 100% fit to the particular treatment situation.
“Sometimes the patient’s anatomy is too unfavourable when using
a rather stiff sensor, although the Xios XG Supreme is available in
three sizes. So, I need to go back to the softer storage plate. ” A
second reason for using plates would be to overcome the challenge
of the limited active area of the sensor.
database where we also store other documents, such as intraoral
photographs or scanned reports.” In this way, the practice can
manage all patient-specific information within one system.
In general, dentistry in Norway shows a high degree of digitisation.
“I do not know any Norwegian dentist that does not use digital
imaging systems,” said Dr. Kirkedam. “In the last years, intraoral
sensors have become more and more common. While in the past
the plate-to-sensor-ratio was about 90:10, that ratio has evened
out, thanks to two changes in favour of the sensors – a tenfold
increase in image quality, and a halving of the price.”
Despite his long experience of about 25 years, he is still curious
about the further development of imaging technologies. “I could
imagine something like intraoral 3D imaging or the integration of
other imaging techniques besides X-ray.” DA
About the author
Dr. Kirkedam has been following the evolution of image quality
with the various intraoral X-ray systems he has used during his
professional career. “I have one patient that I have X-rayed on an
annual basis for the last 15 years in terms of regular check-ups.
This series of images shows clearly how fast the X-ray technology
has progressed.”
Perfect fit for digital workflows
Jan Kirkedam’s practice is entirely digitised. Thus, the digital
intraoral X-ray systems fit perfectly to the practice’s workflows.
“Our patient management system integrates with the Sidexis
4 image database. The imaging software serves as our central
Dr. Jan Kirkedam established his first
dental practice in 1990. In 2003, he
opened his new practice rooms in
Arendal, Southern Norway, where he
is still working today. He, along with
his three colleagues, offers an entire
range of dental services – from small
fillings to major dental surgeries –
right out from his own operating room.
Dr. Kirkedam has always championed
new technological developments in
dentistry. For instance, his practice
has been using digital imaging since 1995 and CAD/CAM
systems since 2006.
MAY / JUNE 2020 DENTAL ASIA 49