Digital Imaging
We use digital imaging software in our office, which allows us to take a digital picture of you and use our imaging system to predict how a particular treatment or cosmetic procedure would change the appearance of your teeth. This software is beneficial for patients who are considering cosmetic procedures but are not sure if they're ready for dramatic changes. Digital imaging also allows us to document your dental case and procedures very well. We take digital images of your face, teeth and smile to provide us with a permanent dental record and to provide a visual documentation of treatment.
Digital Impressions
Digital impressions are the most up-to-date technology used for taking impressions of the teeth. There are four major scanner systems that dentists can use: Cadent iTero, 3M ESPE Lava COS, CEREC by Sirona, and E4D by D4D Technologies.
With digital impressions, you no longer have to suffer through uncomfortable traditional impression trays or temporaries. Rather, we simply scan your teeth with our impression technology to create a digital image. We then use this image to produce the restoration of choice, either on-site or through a milling lab. Once the restoration is created, we are able to blend the restoration in with your surrounding teeth, adjust as needed and give it a final polish.
Digital X-Rays
Digital radiography uses an estimated 40-90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Digital x-rays use a digital image capture device in place of traditional film, sending an image immediately to a computer. The result is a highly-detailed image of the mouth, and its contrast and resolution can be enhanced to more easily diagnose dental problems and determine the very best treatment for each case.
This means more safety and better accuracy for you.
Panoramic X-Rays
A panoramic x-ray provides a very broad view of teeth, jaws, sinuses, jaw joints and nasal areas. They are not designed to find cavities like other x-rays. Rather, they reveal problems such as impacted teeth, bone abnormalities and fractures, infections, and cysts or tumors. Because of this, they are a staple technology in any oral or maxillofacial practice. Panoramic x-rays provide an accurate and trusted diagnosis so that the most viable treatment plans can be executed.
Intraoral Camera
Intraoral cameras, cameras about the size of a pen, help dentists see the condition of teeth and gums more clearly. This advanced technology allows us to zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings to provide a more detailed view. The full-color images are sent to a computer screen, making it easy to see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Patients are also able to watch the whole process because the images are displayed on screens in treatment rooms.
Electric Handpieces
The advantage of the electric handpieces is that they cut teeth very efficiently and smoothly with much less vibration. This leads to much less trauma to the pulp, more comfort for patients, and a shorter time in the treatment chair. With less trauma to the pulp, the teeth are less likely to die; therefore, the risk for root canal treatment is greatly reduced.
Electronic Apex Locator
An apex locator is an electronic device used during a root canal treatment that helps determine the length of a root canal. The device works by using a pair of electrodes to measure the apex of the root, which has a specific resistant to electrical current. By using an apex locator, we are able to provide a more accurate diagnosis and, therefore, more accurate treatment.
Ultrasonic Scaler
Our office is equipped with ultrasonic tooth cleaning technology to accompany scaling and root planing. This equipment is simply a scaler with a special tip that vibrates at a high rate and flushes out bacteria below the gum with water. As the tip glides over the tooth surface it is much more effective at removing hard buildup and calcium deposits than hand scaling alone. It will smooth out bumps and divots in the surface to prevent buildup. Surface stains can also be lifted during the process leaving your teeth whiter than before.
Computerized Shade Matching
The name really gives it away. Computerized shade matching makes it possible for restorations to perfectly match the color of the patient's natural teeth. Old methods of shade matching can be inaccurate and inconsistent. The computerized system uses a small hand-held device that captures tooth hue to create precise color matches. This technology ensures that restorations match well and look natural.
Paperless Dental Charting
Paperless charting means more efficiency and more accuracy. An office that has “gone digital” records x-rays and charting with the aid of the computer and keeps all patients’ dental records electronically. Additionally, it cuts back on paper use. With traditional paper charting, information can be lost in translation from doctor to hygienist to assistant. Even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by standardizing charting methods, making it easy to understand dental charts, view up-to-date information and keep records accurately. When needed, this method also allows dental offices to more easily share information with other healthcare providers.
Auto Dental Appointment Reminders
Society has made so many advances in communication in recent years—why not utilize that for appointment reminders? As dental offices go digital, reminders can go beyond the written cards or personal phone calls that are prone to human error. Systems are becoming computerized and automated, providing patients timely reminders through email and sometimes text messaging too.
Ask our staff at the front desk about the options we provide so we can set up a reminder system that is most convenient for you.
Electronic Dental Insurance Claims
Many offices utilize electronic claims processing. This means that rather than being sent through the mail, a dental claim is sent electronically to an insurance company with the click of a button. We can submit information more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits 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. Please let us know if you have any questions about the e-claim process.
Patient Education
You deserve to be in the loop when it comes to your dental care.
There are a variety of computer programs available to help patients better understand conditions, procedures and treatment options. Our office invests in patient education software because we want you to feel confident in every dental decision you make. This investment helps us clearly communicate—and it helps you learn more.