State of the Art Technology in Our Dental Office
Dentistry has come a long way in making patient check- ups more comfortable. With today’s technology, dentists are better equipped to detect and treat decay and perform other procedures with maximum comfort. We have added some of the relatively newer technologies to our office to help provide quality care and service to our patients. Below is a brief list of some of the tools available.
Air abrasion
Air abrasion is a conservative procedure used to remove small areas of decay or to prepare a tooth for the placement of restorations or sealants. This procedure works with an air compression device that delivers, under pressure, tiny particles of aluminum oxide to the surface of a tooth structure to blast away decay. This is similar to sandblasting a building in order to clean it.
Air abrasion is good with early decay and helps to preserve tooth structure. Discomfort is minimized and many patients do not need any anesthesia. Children and adults who are fearful of needles, noise or the vibration of a regular dental handpiece may prefer this option if it is available. Air abrasion cannot be used as an alternative for every procedure. For more details see our article on air abrasion.
Intraoral cameras
First developed in 1987, the intraoral camera is a wand- like device with a tiny magnifying lens that projects a picture from a patient’s mouth onto a screen. The image, which is magnified up to 40 times its original size, allows the dentist to see fractured enamel, gum recession, fracture lines in teeth, and breakdowns of restorations, and then also allows the patient to see the images. After these pictures are taken, dentists are better able to diagnose and recommend treatment plans for their patients. The pictures also can provide documentation for insurance companies.
Digital radiography
Similar to traditional x-ray systems, digital radiography allows dentists to detect decay, bone loss, and help with root canals. To take an x- ray, dentists will place a sensor on the tooth that looks like a piece of film. The process is a little faster than a traditional x-ray system, so patients exposure to radiation is decreased. Once the picture is taken, dentists can adjust the contrast and brightness and enlarge/magnify images to optimize diagnosis to find even the smallest decay. The time to develop photos is reduced and eliminates treatment disruptions.
Diagnodent
We use laser technology to help diagnose small cavities that sometimes can not be detected clinically or radiographically. A digital read out lets the dentist or hygienist know if that little brown groove in your tooth is a real cavity or not.
Venus
Using the Venus Professional Whitening System, we can whiten your teeth in just one hour in the office. Instead of taking 3 to 6 weeks to whiten your teeth, you now have the choice to whiten them in one hour with Venus! See more details on our cosmetic page.
Invisalign
Now patients can choose the nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth. Using the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign translates the dentist’s instructions into a series of nearly undetectable aligners. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, moving your teeth gradually week by week, millimeter by millimeter until you’ve achieved the desired result. They are more cosmetic, comfortable and hygienic than traditional braces. For more details, see our Orthodontic page!
Visilite Plus
Is an oral lesion identification and marking system used during oral examination to help dentists and dental hygienists find abnormalities in your mouth that could be precancerous or even cancer. When oral cancer is found early, treatment may be less invasive and the prognosis far better. This is a painless exam. The patient simply rinses with a indicating solution, and the dentist or hygienist re-examines the patient with the Visilite penlight. If a suspicious lesion is found, it wil be documented in your chart, and your dentist will advise you if any further treatment or referral is required.
Computerized Charts
Our office uses Dentrix Computerized Charts to be able to efficiently document the patients record. This insures patients that we are properly documenting clinical data, diagnosis, treatment plans, progress notes, periodontal charting, radiographs, etc in a manner that is accurate, efficient and so that everyone can clearly understand your chart.
Waterlase
A Waterlase Dentist cares so much about your comfort that they have invested in the ultimate in dental lasers, the Waterlase or Waterlase MD™ from BIOLASE – absolutely number one in dental lasers. The Waterlase laser’s gentle combination of laser energy and water works without heat, vibration or pressure – the things that make a drill hurt. That means fewer shots, less anesthetic. So you can enjoy a comfortable, no-fear visit to the dentist.
Heat, vibration and pressure are the primary causes of pain associated with the use of the traditional dental drill. Since cutting both hard and soft tissues (teeth and gums) with the Waterlase® does not generate heat, vibration or pressure, many dental procedures can be performed with fewer shots, less need for anesthesia, less use of the drill and fewer numb lips! Additionally, using the Waterlase® for gum procedures reduces bleeding, post-operative pain, swelling and the need for pain medication in many cases.
Waterlase® dentists are able to remove tooth enamel decay (the hardest substance in the body), bone and gum tissue precisely while leaving surrounding areas unaffected. This conserves and allows you to keep more of the healthy tooth structure. Waterlase® reduces damage to healthy portions of the tooth and minimizes trauma. Waterlase® cavity preparations can increase bond strength of tooth-colored restoration resulting in longer lasting fillings. Due to its conservative, gentle cutting action and coagulating capabilities, the Waterlase® performs many soft tissue (gum) procedures with little or no bleeding and less post-op swelling. Since you often do not need shots or anesthesia, a Waterlase® dentist can perform cavity preps in all areas of the mouth in just one visit.