Laser Cavity Detection

A new application for laser light, called a Diagnodent, has now made detection of "hidden decay" 99% accurate. This laser makes it easier to find decay – in cracks, crevices, and beneath the surface of the tooth – which might otherwise go undetected by traditional X-rays or even through examination.

The Diagnodent consists of a simple device with a wand attached. Using the wand, the dentist scans the tooth into a computer, which then determines whether decay is present. Earlier detection means less damage, pain, and hassle for you down the road. It's quick, painless and very accurate!

Laser Gum Treatment

If you have swollen, bleeding gums, you may have periodontal disease. And the sooner we eliminate this menace in your mouth, the better. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause serious loss of teeth and bone, and it has recently been linked to heart disease and stroke as well as premature and low weight babies.

Fortunately, we can stop this infection quickly and easily with laser therapy. It gently removes infected gum tissue and actually vaporizes the bacteria causing the infection. This process is very high tech and effective.

Treating periodontal disease is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. We take it seriously, and so should you.

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Technological Advances

We're excited about the many ways advanced technology has improved our ability to serve patients. Some new devices help us see better, some help us communicate better, some help us keep you more comfortable. But to us, it's all worth the investment if it results in better care.
Our current technology investments include:

• State-of-the-Art Sterilization Center
• Intra Oral digital cameras with digital zoom for better diagnosis, showing shade and shape of teeth to our lab and better communications with the specialist we refer to.
• Flat screen TV monitors on the ceiling of every room
• Digital x-rays allow us to zoom, lighten or darken x-rays for a better diagnosis
• LED curing lights for a quicker hardening of materials
• Cerec Crown technology allows us to design and make a crown in our office on the same day of treatment.
• 2.5 X magnifying loupes worn by doctors for all procedures.
• Diagnodent laser cavity detector
• Casey Patient Education System
• Digital Imaging of individual teeth and full smiles
• Computerized charting in every treatment room for improved communication
• Instant digital referrals to specialists.
• Digital bite and jaw joint analysis

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Gum Disease

Few people realize how serious and stealthy periodontal disease can be. In the early stages, it's virtually painless and asymptomatic, often progressing significantly before the person realizes it's even present. Left unchecked, gum disease leads to permanent tooth damage, tooth loss, bone loss, and extensive restorative dental work. It has recently been linked to heart disease and stroke as well as premature and low weight babies.

That's where our extra periodontal training comes in. We're expert disease detectives, with experience in spotting early warning signs of all kinds. And we do our best to be sure you learn to recognize those warning signs also. In the event that we find an area of concern, we'll show you the problem, make a detailed record in your chart, instruct you in effective gum care habits, and then monitor that area. For more advanced disease, we're experts at providing the latest non-surgical in-office therapy methods including laser treatments.

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TV's in Ceiling

On your tour of the office you will notice the TVs in the ceiling of each treatment room. Kids can watch cartoons, the busy business person can keep track of news and stocks on CNN or MSNBC and some even watch their soaps while getting their teeth cleaned! Combined with personal CD players and headphones you can really “escape” while we give you something to smile about!

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Smile Design

Thinking about having cosmetic dentistry but not sure if you’re ready for the change? Computer imaging can give you a “sneak preview” of what you may look like following the procedure of your choice. With our computer imaging program, we can change the shape, color, and positions of the patients teeth on the computer monitor without physically touching the teeth. Starting with a digital photo, we can digitally enhance the image to show you what you may look like with veneers or after tooth whitening. You can also see beforehand how enhancements such as replacing old crowns and fillings, straightening teeth, or filling in spaces would appear.

The beauty of this system is that we can demonstrate what is possible in the art of smile design. The patient has a unique opportunity with this technology to communicate with us and clarify what he or she is wanting or not wanting. One of the best things to come from this technology is the confidence gained by the patient in seeing the outcome before changing the teeth and committing to the expense of the treatment.

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Intraoral Camera

The intraoral camera is a diagnostic dental tool allowing us to more clearly identify potential problems within the mouth early on. The tiny intraoral camera can be inserted into a patient's mouth, taking pictures of the teeth and displaying the images on a computer screen. Using the intraoral camera saves time and makes problems easily visible to both patient and doctor. It is actually possible to see into the tooth and detect problems beneath the surface. Patients can view the areas we will be working on, making procedures more understandable. The accompanying software also provides clear and accurate data so that the best treatment options can be selected. To learn more about the intraoral camera, please contact our office today.

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Digital X-Rays

Digital dental X-rays offer many advantages. Although risk of radiation damage from normal X-rays is small, digital X-rays limit exposure by over 50%, enhancing your safety significantly. The images from digital X-rays can be fine-tuned to detect bone disease, bone loss, and dental decay. They can also be used as an oral cancer-screening device or to scan for TMJ or sinus-related problems. To take a digital X-ray of your teeth, we insert a small, wireless sensor into your mouth. The X-rays are then quickly transmitted to a computer screen where you can see any problems for yourself and review them together with your doctor.

Our digital panoramic xray machine was recently used to screen our National Guard soldiers before their service in Iraq. It enables us to see all of your teeth, bones and TMJs on one “film” without anything going in your mouth!

If you’d like to learn more about digital X-rays, please contact us today.

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CEREC CAD/CAM

CEREC 3D is a technological innovation in dentistry which allows dentists to make and create a porcelain crown in the office, during one visit, eliminating the traditional 2 visit crown procedure. Crowns are milled from state-of-the-art, reinforced solid porcelain blocks which are incredibly strong. You an even watch your crown being milled in the milling machine if you like. Advantages include no temporary crowns for 3 weeks, no impression material and no second appointment! While CEREC3D cannot be done for every crown, it is an exciting and valuable new service – and for the same fee as a traditional crown.

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