Hi-Tech Dentistry

The Future of Dentistry is Here...

Our office prides itself on being at the forefront of technology as it is introduced to the dental profession. We were the first office in the world to offer digital impressions to our patients, and we are constantly adding new technologies to further improve the quality of our treatments and to make our patients’ procedures more comfortable. The following is a list of just some of the innovative technology that we’ve already incorporated into our practice.

Lava Chairside Oral Scanner

The Lava C.O.S. is a digital impressioning device that captures 3-D video of the patient’s mouth and transmits the information wirelessly to the lab, where a model is created using stereolithography (SLA). The 2-minute scanning procedure is a major improvement over traditional impressions (i.e. gagging on goopy trays that have to stay in the mouth for up to 7 minutes to set). The restorations tend to fit better and require fewer adjustments on average. Our patients love the Lava COS scanner because it’s quick, easy, and comfortable, and they never have to gag again!

DIAGNOdent

DIAGNOdent is the revolutionary new way to find even the smallest areas of tooth decay. By using this new technology, we are able to target and treat all of your small problem areas before they turn into larger issues that require more complicated procedures. The DIAGNOdent features a harmless laser beam that measures the fluorescence of the tooth - if there is any decay (even a small amount that isn’t picked up on x-rays), the machine will alert the dentist and the tooth can be treated before the cavity progresses any deeper, thus saving the patient money on more extensive treatments.

Track Light Monitor

The Track Light Monitor enhances patient experience while improving efficiency and case acceptance. Patients can relax while enjoying their favorite DVD or TV program, so anxiety is reduced without the use of traditional sedation methods. In addition, the dentist is able to educate the patient by allowing him or her to see digital x-rays and intra-oral camera images on the monitor before, during and after treatment.

Odyssey Laser

The Odyssey Laser is the latest laser technology available for soft tissue(gums) and preventative care. Our patients benefits include less pain and discomfort during the healing phase after their treatment.

Without the need of additional injected anesthetics, soft tissue is vaporized and modified without bleeding. The diode is safe, no x-rays are emitted, and the resulting laser wound is self-sealing. There is no suturing required. Because there are no scalpel incisions or charring associated with elctrosurge techniques and less trauma to the gums than with retraction cord, there is a very low chance of infection or poor healing.

VELscope®

The VELscope® is a revolutionary hand-held device that provides the dentist with an easy-to-use mucosal examination system for the early detection of abnormal tissue. It is based on the direct visualization of tissue fluorescence and the changes in fluorescence that occur when abnormalities are present.

The VELscope emits a safe blue light into the oral cavity, and the dentist is able to differentiate between healthy tissue and pre-cancerous tissue. This examination is recommended for ALL patients over the age of 18, since it allows us to catch pre-cancerous lesions before they become cancerous and cause catastrophic damage to the patient.

Digital Radiography

Our office only uses digital radiography, which exposes the patient to 80% less radiation than with “wet films”. The digital images instantly appear on the screen and can be e-mailed and archived as necessary. In addition to the reduced radiation and increased patient comfort, the resulting images are also clearer and allow the dentist to detect smaller lesions that may not be visible on film. Images can be colorized, magnified, brightened and/or darkened as necessary, which is also beneficial to help educate the patient about what is going on in his or her mouth.

Root ZX II Apex Locator

During a root canal, it is critical that the entire nerve is removed, right to the very tip of the root. The Apex Locator digitally determines where the tooth ends, to ensure that all diseased nerve tissue is completely removed, thus reducing the likelihood of complications from incomplete treatment. X-rays are used to confirm that the end of the root has been reached, but the Apex Locator reduces any unnecessary radiation and eliminates any guesswork when filing the tooth.

Intra-Oral Camera

The Intra Oral Camera is a fascinating innovation in dentistry that allows the client and the dentist to look deep into the mouth and observe the teeth at a very close angle. This wand-like camera transfers images to a television and can see so close to a tooth that it can show mini fractures, chips, secondary decay, wear down of the teeth, damaged and broken fillings and crowns and even gum disease. The Intra-Oral Camera is a wonderful educational tool for patients so they can learn about their mouths to help them on their journey to overall dental wellness.

Invisalign

Invisalign is the future of orthodontic treatment. Invisalign incorporates a series of invisible (clear) plastic aligners that fit comfortably over your teeth and are designed to move your teeth gradually into the desired position. Today, Invisalign is a leading brand of orthodontic appliance, primarily because the removable aligners (less than one millimeter thick) are designed to be more esthetically pleasing than conventional wire-and-bracket dental braces for treating certain types of minor misaligned tooth problems.