Dental Technology

Intra-Oral Scanner

The future is here! Digital technology continues to revolutionize dentistry. Digital x-rays have made a huge impact on how decay and periodontal disease are diagnosed and now digital scanners are impacting fabrication of restorations and appliances. Say goodbye to “gaggy, goopy” uncomfortable impression material. We now can take impressions digitally with our handheld intra-oral scanner. It is a more accurate and an easier patient experience. It also allows dentists to track erosion, abrasion and attrition on a patient’s teeth. Now crowns, bridges, dentures, night guards, sports guards, Invisalign and restorations over implants can be fabricated from digital impressions saving the patient the experience with traditional impression material and the “goopy” mess.

Yes, you hear it every day. Things have changed.  Technology has rapidly advanced in our world and it is no different in dentistry. Dental materials, equipment and techniques have gone through an evolution of change that has been rapid and continues to advance. At the Advance Dental Group we believe that technology will never replace our skill, expertise and diagnostic abilities. However, dental technology gives us added tools and supplemental tests that enhance our ability to deliver excellent results to our patients.

• 3-D X-ray (C.B.C.T.)

  At the Advance Dental Group our CBCT Technology allows us to take 3 dimensional images of your jaw structure giving us the information required to make accurate diagnostic decisions regarding safe implant placement. This technology has become the gold standard for surgical procedures. The technology allows us to make measurements in the bone to determine implant length, width, nerve and sinus position. Implants of different sizes can be used to simulate placement allowing us to do virtual surgery prior further reducing the patients risk.

• Intra-oral Camera

  One of the first things you will notice in treatment rooms are flat screen monitors mounted to the ceiling. To help communicate dental health issues to patients we have intra-oral camera’s that can show you pictures of your teeth. Now you can see what your dentist is seeing. You will be able to see and understand why treatment is recommended.

• Digital X-Rays

  A conventional radiograph, (x-ray), with film requiring processing is no longer needed. Now we have digital x-rays. Your x-rays are available immediately on the monitor in your treatment room reducing waiting time. The image can be measured and managed to enhance features that allow the dentist to see decay and changes to soft and hard tissues for more accurate diagnosis. It has also allowed us to eliminate harsh chemicals used in the processing of film which is good for our environment. Most of all the radiation that you are exposed to is diminished up to 75% from conventional x-rays.

• Lasers

  Cavity detecting Lasers, (Diagnodent),  have also become popular. At the Advance Dental Group we have lasers that help us determine the depth of decay and whether it needs to be fixed. Not all decay needs to be fixed. Decay that is incipient or still in enamel can often remain stagnant for many years. Specially designed lasers project light into the tooth. The light is reflected back and is caught by a sensor that is calibrated to determine how far the decay has entered the tooth. This tool allows us to make more definite decisions about whether the decay needs to be fixed and allows us to monitor the progression of the decay overtime.

  

  Soft Tissue Lasers are also being used in surgical procedures replacing the scalpel and allowing for better healing and control of bleeding.

• Velscope

  U.V. lights are now being used to help identify oral cancers. Research has shown that oral cancer will fluoresce differently than normal tissues in the mouth under UV light.  The Identifier is a tool that we use to help determine whether the ulceration on your cheek is something we need to biopsy or monitor.