Technology

Technology is an ever important aspect of all health care. Its importance is very evident in better patient diagnosis, treatment, and communication.

In our office some of the cutting technologies are:

1. The diagnodent - locating hidden decay on the chewing or smooth exposed surfaces of our teeth is a big problem in modern dentistry. The wide spread use of fluoride supplements in dental materials, tooth pastes, vitamins, and drinking water have made tooth surfaces harder and more resistant to decay. While this has been our goal, this makes the diagnosis of cavities (infections) more challenging because this disease process starts through microscopic defects in this hard surface (enamel) and spreads into the softer tooth structure below. Visually, the external surface of the tooth appears healthy. Our "standard" methods of x-rays and the explorer (that pointed instrument) are not reliable in detecting sub-surface decay at its early stages. The diagnodent uses a laser in a small, pen-like instrument to help us diagnosis these problems. It does this by comparing the density (hardness) of healthy enamel in one of your teeth and seeing if any changes exist in the mouth. We receive a numerical indication of the amount of change in hardness, and from that we determine if treatment is necessary.

Very small are of decay hardly visible

After the cavity (infection) is opened, the decay is clearly evident

Filling placed with plasma arc light

2. CDR (computerized digital radiography) - this is a technology that utilizes a CCD sensor. This sensor is the size of the normal film we have always used. It is attached to our computer terminal (we have one in every room) and the image comes up right in front of you "15 inches big." This process utilizes 90% less radiation than conventional techniques and provides computer analysis that is unique.

3. Plasma arc light - a high intensity light that is used to complete the tooth colored bonding process and whiten teeth. It has brightness similar to a laser light. It makes the material set in 1/10 the time- this gets you going out of the office quicker. It also makes the material set harder for a more long-lasting result.

4. Computerized smile design - using our digital camera, we can show you how you'll look with a new smile. We'll take a picture of your natural smile and load it into our computer. Then, using a special cosmetic program, we'll take tooth/smile images and preview how we can enhance your smile!!

5. Intra-oral camera - using a small wand we can take a digital camera tour of your mouth for diagnostic and communicative purposes. You (if interested) and we can clearly see what is in your mouth, magnified by 30-50 times. Remember, half of all diagnosis is visual. The old way of the dental pick (explorer) for all aspects of diagnosis is not enough.

Small area of decay and gap around old amalgam filling

Amalgam removed showing the cavity (infection) underneath

After plasma arc bonding

This is technology that would be evident to the patient. There are numerous other advances that we utilize in every procedure that are never mentioned as minor or major advances. Be assured that we are continually on the forefront of dental treatment. Call today for an appointment and join the family.