When A Picture’s Really Worth A Thousand Words

Because we were able to see the superior imaging from Axeos, there was no denying what the image showed—it was a cracked tooth and it had to be removed.”

This is an actual patient case relayed by Kirsten Andrews, DDS, of Johnson Family Dentistry in Devils Lake, ND. The patient, whose primary dentist only had 2D imaging, arrived for a second opinion with Dr. Andrews. The case is just one example of how integral the new Axeos CBCT system has been for patient diagnoses.

“If the patient had not seen the image we were able to provide with Axeos, she wouldn’t have known the tooth was cracked and probably would have elected to have a root canal, rather than an extraction, and eventually she would have presented with more serious issues that develop with a cracked tooth,” Dr. Andrews explained.

Four Volume Sizes

Having used the Galileos Comfort Plus imaging unit for several years, Dr. Andrews was looking to upgrade primarily because of the different volume sizes. The most versatile 3D/2D unit yet, with the fullest range of functions of any Dentsply Sirona extraoral imaging system, Axeos has a large field of view and is designed for practices with a broad treatment offering. Specifically, the unit has a 5 cm volume designed for local findings, such as endodontic issues or single implants, as well as an 8 cm volume for lower and upper jaw dentition, which can be used for planning multiple implants. Taking design options a step further, Axeos also offers an 11 cm volume for complete dentition, including wisdom teeth, and a 17 cm volume for temporomandibular joints and the cranial base.

“If I’m analyzing an image for a possible root canal, or if I just have one tooth to extract and I want to see that tooth in 3D, I’ll use the smaller volume size,” Dr. Andrews explained. “If I’m doing a sleep apnea case and we’re making a sleep appliance, I’ll use the largest volume, and if I’m planning out a dental implant, I’ll probably use the middle volumes. The larger volume is also very good for evaluating the TMJ,” she continued.

As an example, Dr. Andrews explained that the 17 cm volume has been particularly helpful for evaluating the entire airway. “If I’m making a sleep appliance, I’m now able to actually show the patient how constricted the airway actually is,” she said. “It’s  not a diagnostic tool, but rather more of an awareness tool for the patient.”

Since getting Axeos over a year ago, Dr. Andrews has seen tremendous benefits, especially when it comes to implants. “I found myself actually squinting at images before I began using Axeos—the images are so much more crisp and clear now,” she added. In addition, the presence of “scatter” from metal fillings and crowns is significantly reduced with Axeos.

Greater Ease for Endo

The new system has been especially useful for endo procedures. “If you’re considering the first molar on the maxillary arch, many times that will have a second canal in one of the root systems, and that canal is hard to see,” she explained. “The Axeos allows for better clarity of the canal, so that when you’re actually doing the procedure, you know you’re not going to miss it,” she continued. Dr. Andrews also incorporates another software to create a guide that allows her to drill to that exact spot, which is especially useful when a tooth is highly calcified and the canal isn’t visible until the most apical portion.

Axeos uses a Direct Conversion Sensor, which has redefined the standard of panoramic imaging. X-rays are converted directly into electrical signals, with no signal loss due to light conversion, resulting in a uniquely high level of sharpness, at a low dose. As a result, Axeos allows for 3D imaging at radiation levels normally associated with 2D imaging.

Optional Ceph Arm

The new Axeos has an optional ceph arm, allowing for dentists to address the orthodontic needs of their patients. “While I didn’t elect to install the ceph arm right now, I can look at rendered ceph images with the Sidexis 4 software, so I’ve been able to send assessments out to oral surgeons and others,” she explained. “We are in a rural part of America, and it can be very challenging for patients to travel to different offices for procedures, so it’s a huge benefit to be able to do more right here in our office.”

Faster Loading Speed

The new system is also faster at loading images, which means less time in the chair for patients and better practice efficiency. “There’s very little time spent waiting for images to load, so I am able to do more procedures in less time.”

Dr. Andrews said that, while the system is a significant investment, the benefits far exceed the purchase price. “I have been able to identify many more lesions, and when I’m able to find something that patients didn’t even know was there and care for them, it makes me feel good,” she added. “The amount I’ve diagnosed just from the image alone has definitely paid for this equipment.”