Technologies

X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through bone which produce an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed. This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease. Without an x-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues, there would be no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.

In our office, we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using up to 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnose dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.

Our office utilizes electronic claims processing. This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button. By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits our patients because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied. We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.

Laser dentistry is the latest advancement in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities to gum disease to teeth whitening. The lasers we use in laser dentistry at our practice are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools. These lasers direct an invisible energy beam onto problem areas and allow us to efficiently treat decayed teeth, enamel, and gums. The benefit of laser dentistry is that they minimize the pain most often associated with dental procedures, meaning more comfort to our patients. Clinical studies show that approximately 96% of all patients require no anesthesia when lasers are being used during dental treatments. Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.

We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums. With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are displayed on our screens, patients will also be able to see areas being worked on and are able to gain a better understanding of dental procedures being performed.

LASER DENTISTRY is a gentle and effective way to treat teeth, soft tissues and periodontal disease. The laser only removes minimal tooth structure allowing for smaller restorations. It also greatly reduces bacterial levels and promotes more rapid healing. This revolutionary technology allows us to do a wide variety of procedures without shots or drills. Laser dentistry is virtually pain-free.

Allows us to magnify our work up to twenty times, giving us an unequaled view of our work.

Less than 1 % of general dentists have this technology.

The microscope allows us to use bright focused light and 6 increasing levels of magnification (2x to 20x) which allows us to:
• provide increased precision.
• ability to detect cracks in teeth not visible without magnification.
• ability to detect early decay because of improved vision.
• ability to use high definition video camera to take photos or video while we work.
• ability to document procedure for insurance companies.
• ability to allow patient to view procedure on flat screen television if patient desires.

The microscope is truly an amazing improvement in our ability to visualize our work.

State-of-the-art techniques for doing root canals.

Rotary Endodontics, or root canal, is a method in which the doctor utilizes an electric handpiece to perform the procedure. The electric handpiece is a more efficient and improved method for cleaning and shaping the canals. Because it’s electric there is no drill noise. This makes the whole treatment experience much more pleasant.

Laser dentistry is the latest advancement in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities to gum disease to teeth whitening. The lasers we use in laser dentistry at our practice are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools. These lasers direct an invisible energy beam onto problem areas and allow us to efficiently treat decayed teeth, enamel, and gums. The benefit of laser dentistry is that they minimize the pain most often associated with dental procedures, meaning more comfort to our patients. Clinical studies show that approximately 96% of all patients require no anesthesia when lasers are being used during dental treatments. Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.

SPECTRA is the early cavity detection device that uses technology similar to Doppler Radar to detect tooth decay. It gives us the ability to evaluate all surfaces of your teeth. While traditional technology allows us to evaluate only the deep pits and grooves, SPECTRA also check along the margins of old restorations and crowns for new or recurrent decay.

SPECTRA displays colored images on the computer screen so you will be able to see for yourself what is happening. Each color corresponds to differing degrees of decay:

• A green image means the enamel is sound and there is no decay. For teeth that display only green or sound enamel, we strongly recommend that you have sealants, which will seal off the deep pits and groove in hope of preventing future decay.
• A blue image means decay is in the beginning stages (de-mineralization has begun) and we recommend that you begin using a fluoride supplement, such as Prevident Rinse or MI Paste to help remineralize the teeth.
• A red image means there is deep decay in the enamel, an orange image means deep decay through the enamel and into the dentin (the second layer of tooth), a yellow image means deep decay into the dentin. For teeth that display red, orange and/or yellow images, we recommend that you have the areas of decay removed and new restoration placed.

SPECTRA is the latest technology in the battle against tooth decay.

The dentist performs most of his dental procedures while wearing a pair of funny looking glasses called surgical telescopes. These powerful glasses have magnifiers on them, allowing the dentist to see fine details that would go unnoticed to the naked eye.