We have several technologies available in our office that we are especially pleased to offer.
CEREC 3D
We are the only dental practice in the area to offer CEREC CAD/CAM technology and have been providing this service since 1998. CEREC is a technology for making tooth colored restorations. With this technology, we can create ceramic restorations, including crowns, fillings and veneers, right in our office, so it will only take a single appointment. No more impressions, no more temporary crowns and most importantly, no more 2nd appointment to cement your crown!
A digital 3-D camera creates a digital image, replacing the more traditional impression. The computer-aided design (CAD) software enables us to design and create a precise restoration specific to your dental needs. These highly durable restorations can also be color-matched for a more natural looking smile.
Digital X-Rays
We offer one of the latest technological advances in dentistry with digital radiography, also known as digital X-rays. A wireless sensor is placed in the mouth, and a computer generates an image in 30 seconds as opposed to the general 4-6 minute wait time for images taken on dental film. These X-rays can also be enhanced on the computer and enlarged.
Not only are they friendly to the environment, they are much safer than traditional X-rays. Digital radiographs reduce a patient’s radiation exposure by 90 percent!
Intraoral Cameras
The standard X-ray is essential in determining any dental problems you may have, but unfortunately, it may not reveal everything happening inside your mouth. We are proud to utilize intraoral cameras in our office.
An intraoral camera can project an image of your tooth onto a monitor, so you can see the problem in a magnified version. It can also identify problems that may not be detected by the general means of examination, including cracks in your fillings or fractured teeth. Similar to the size and design of a dental mirror, an intraoral camera allows you to make better decisions regarding your treatment as you can see the same things we see.
Digital Photography
We are proud to utilize the latest technology available to ensure our patients enjoy the best results. We use high-resolution digital photography to capture detailed images of your mouth, thus enabling us to maintain sharp, accurate records and keep you thoroughly informed of your treatment progress.
Laser Dentistry
We use a diode laser dentistry in our practice for soft tissue procedures. The lasers used are narrow beams of light energy that can penetrate the tissue, producing the ability to vaporize, remove or shape soft tissues such as the gums, cheeks and tongue.
Laser dentistry can be used to correct many problems from uncovering partially erupted wisdom teeth to removing lip pulls in orthodontic patients. Lasers can also obtain small tissue samples in biopsy procedures to detect lesions or potential tumors in the mouth.
Using laser dentistry as opposed to other forms of surgery does have its advantages. Lasers can control the amount of bleeding during the treatment and can sometimes remove gum tissue without causing bleeding. In laser dentistry, there may also be less swelling and pain following the surgery as the laser can seal blood vessels and nerve endings.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as “laughing gas,” is often used as a relaxation aid during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for several minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation.
Electric Handpieces
Along with the traditional air-driven handpieces, we have a new type of handpiece in our operatories. These new electric handpieces run with a higher degree of torque which means a smoother, quieter, more pleasant experience for you. Because the "sound of the drill" is one of the most common reasons people give for their dislike of the dental office, this has been a greatly appreciated improvement.
Stericenter
Our stericenter is a piece of technology that impacts every patient yet is for the most part unseen. This system has its own room and is used by our assistants and hygienists to ensure proper disinfection and sterilization of the equipment we use. This is the state of the art in infection control. If you would like to see the Stericenter please ask the next time you are in our office. We'd love to show it to you.