Technology

Intraoral Camera

Intraoral CameraThe intraoral camera is an essential tool we use in order to give you the best quality of care while in our office. This new technology has greatly improved the patient experience during a dentist appointment and is quick, safe and easy process. The intraoral camera is a small, pen-shaped device that our team uses for both early detection and accurate representation of a variety of dental conditions. The small high-quality camera captures images of your teeth and gums. This allows for a better view of your mouth and can get into the angels that are hard to see. The images are displayed in the treatment room and can help you understand the current condition of the area of concern and the treatment you’ll receive. Our team is always happy to explain why this device is the right choice for your oral health. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about this important diagnostic tool.

Digital Radiography

The Dental Place uses digital radiography and imaging in the practice. This reduces patient exposure to radiation and also eliminates the harsh chemicals and waste materials of traditional radiography. (Digital is green.) Digital imaging takes just seconds to show results and the entire process is comfortable and quiet. Our imaging technology is cutting-edge and helps our team make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

DIAGNOdent

Our practice offers the latest in dental technology to improve patient care and increase patient comfort.

DIAGNOdent is one relatively new technology that uses lasers to identify cavities. It’s a portable laser system that detects decay based on the wavelengths reflected by the laser.

A baseline wavelength is determined by targeting the laser on healthy enamel.  Then, as the laser continues to scan the rest of the teeth, it alerts the dentist when it encounters a different wavelength reflection that indicates decay. DIAGNOdent also measures the size of the suspected decay.

DiagnodentWith DIAGNOdent, your dentist can find areas of decay that might not be detected in a regular visual exam. By finding cavities at such an early stage, your dentist is able to preserve more of your biological tooth structure and prevent advanced decay that can cause bigger problems.

Intraoral cameras, another important tool, give your dentist a bird’s eye view of your mouth, supplementing the images obtained through x-rays. The intraoral camera also can help the dentist zoom in on a particular area of the mouth to get a closer look.

By projecting the images onto a screen, the intraoral camera also lets you observe what your dentist sees in real-time, acting as an important tool for patient education.

We recognize that an informed patient is a good patient, and to further that goal, we use the CAESY educational system to provide comprehensive information on a variety of dental issues, their causes and treatments. The colorful multi-media presentations are sure to hold your attention as they educate you on your dental care.

Rest assured that our dentist works to educate themselves on the latest dental technology and use that technology to improve on our patient care. At your next visit, feel free to ask Dr. Robert Maxey for an overview of all of the ways that technology may be used to improve your oral health.

 

CBCT Technology

Our practice utilizes advanced technology to improve patient care. One diagnostic tool we use is cone beam CT scans, which deliver a detailed, three-dimensional view of both hard and soft tissues in the oral cavity. This technology emits very low levels of radiation and takes just a few seconds to complete.

The images produced by cone beam CT scans can be used to plan procedures like root canal therapy, wisdom teeth removal, and dental implant placement. Cone beam CT also assists with diagnosing bone loss, oral cancer, and TMJ disorder.

To learn more about how technology improves dental care click here.

From Our Blog:

DIAGNOdent: What are the benefits?

Imagine that your dentist possesses technology to detect tooth decay at its earliest stages with a special laser. While this may sound like something from a science fiction film, it is actually possible. In fact, our skilled dentist is proud to use some of the most state-of-the-art technology available including the DIAGNOdent device that detects cavities sooner than normal examination methods can.

DIAGNOdent is a portable device that utilizes a laser light beam to detect cavities. It works by measuring and recording wavelengths reflected by the laser. This technology can detect tooth decay in its earlier stages before the cavity deepens and causes more damage to a tooth. Read More…

Are Porcelain Veneers Permanent?

Veneers are very thin, tooth colored shells that are created to match your natural teeth that will be used to cover teeth that are imperfect due to being deeply stained, broken, chipped, misshapen, or poorly spaced.

Veneers are most often made from porcelain. This is significant as this material is stain resistant, yet provides a most natural appearance when placed over teeth.

Your cosmetic dentist will prepare your teeth for veneers by taking dental impressions and photographs to make sure the finished result will create a natural appearance designed to cover the offending teeth while maintaining the shape and shade of neighboring untreated teeth. Read More…

Do I Have to Live With Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a very common problem and can occur for a variety of reasons. There are multiple solutions to overcome tooth sensitivity and your dental office has a wealth of information to offer relief.

Understanding the origin of sensitivity and what triggers the discomfort is a good place to start. The surface of the tooth is covered by enamel. Underneath enamel lies another layer called the dentin. Simply put, when the dentin becomes exposed due to receding gums, decay or a crack in the tooth, the root of the tooth is no longer protected from the zinging sensations of hot, cold or sweet foods, as well as beverages. Even cold air might trigger a zinging response. Read More…