When you seek care at our office, you are assured that our dentists and their staff utilize the latest in technology to enhance the quality and fit for your dental care.
Digital X-rays
Digital X-rays allow the dentist to accurately assess dental decay (cavities) and other dental conditions effectively and painlessly. Digital x-rays use sensors that are connected to a computer and not a film. This enables the modern X-ray to capture clearer and more accurate images as compared to its predecessor. Our practices use digital dental X-rays, which have many benefits for our patients.
Select for more information on Digital X-rays,
- An almost instantaneous ability to see the X-ray images, which means, if a patient is in pain, they are not waiting for images to b be processed and then viewed.
- More precision since the image is viewed on a computer monitor, instead of holding a 35mm film up to the light.
- A reduction in the amount of radiation patients are exposed to during the X-ray process.
- No need for dental film or processing chemicals for the dentist to be able to see the images.
The benefits of digital x-rays are immense, the process is simple and painless, and patients are able to see the images when the dentist reviews them.
Intraoral Cameras
An Intraoral Camera is a very small digital camera – in some cases, just a few millimeters long. An Intraoral Camera allows our dentists to share clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums, in order for them to demonstrate and explain your diagnosis. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that accurately depict what your dentist is seeing.
Intraoral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These images can be printed for other specialists and insurance companies.
Intraoral cameras allow patients to be more interactive in the exam process, which provides the patient with a greater sense of understanding and responsibility about personal dental health. With the intraoral camera, the patient sees exactly what the dentist sees on an in-office screen. When the dentist can point out specific areas on the actual teeth that are decaying, patients may have a better idea of how home hygiene practices and brushing techniques are affecting them.
Intraoral Scanners
An intraoral scanner is a handheld device used to directly create a digital impression of the oral cavity. Light source from the scanner is projected onto the scan objects, such as full dental arches, and then a 3D model processed by the scanning software will be displayed in real-time on a touch screen. The device provides accurate details of the hard tissues located in the oral area through a series of high-quality images combined together to produce a 3D view of the captured area.
How do intraoral scanners work?
An intraoral scanner consists of a handheld camera wand, a computer, and software. The small, smooth wand is connected to a computer that runs custom software that processes the digital data sensed by the camera. The procedure is less likely to induce gag response, making the scanning experience more comfortable for patients.
The dentist will insert the scanning wand into the patient's mouth and gently move it over the surface area of the teeth. The wand automatically captures the size and shape of each tooth. It only takes a minute or two to scan, and the system will be able to produce a detailed digital impression. The dentist can view the real-time images on the computer, which can be magnified and manipulated to enhance details. The data will be transmitted to labs to fabricate any needed appliances. With this instant feedback, the whole process will be more efficient, comfortable and saves valuable time for our patients.
What are the advantages?
Digital scan reduces patient discomfort considerably because they do not have to endure the inconveniences and discomfort of traditional impressions, such as unpleasant impression trays and the possibility of gag reflex.
Increased Accuracy
Intraoral scanners use the most advanced 3D imaging technologies that capture the exact shape and contours of the teeth. Enabling the dentist to have better scanning results and clearer teeth structure information of patients and give accurate and appropriate treatment.
Panoramic Dental X-ray
Panoramic radiography, also called panoramic x-ray or pan, is a two-dimensional (2-D) dental x-ray that captures the entire mouth in a single image, including the teeth, upper and lower jaws, surrounding structures and tissues. It encloses a broader scope from ear to ear and allows the dentist to see the location of major nerves, sinuses, developing teeth, pathologies, jaw joint (TMJ), and the bones of your mouth. A dental professional may also ask you to take a panoramic dental X-ray to plan treatments like braces, implants, or dentures.
How Do Panoramic X-Rays Work?
Unlike traditional X-rays like bitewing X-rays, panoramic dental X-rays are extraoral, meaning the imaging machine is outside of your mouth. So how does it work? According to RadiologyInfo.org by the Radiological Society of North America, the X-ray tube rotates in a semicircle around your head, starting at one side of your jaw and ending on the other. Instead of relying on film placed inside your mouth, the X-ray technician will direct the X-ray machine to project a beam through your mouth onto a film that’s rotating opposite the X-ray tube.
The X-ray lasts between 12-20 seconds, so it’s quite easy to perform and is often used for patients that cannot tolerate traditional intraoral x-rays. In preparation for the procedure, the dental technician will ask you to remove any metal objects such as jewelry. You will be asked to stand in the center of the unit, where the technician will carefully position and secure your head, and then place a bite-blocker in your mouth to ensure your teeth are correctly aligned. You will also be asked to wear a leaded apron to protect the rest of your body during the procedure.
CBCT Scan
Our practice utilizes a technology called Cone Beam Computated Tomography, or CBCT for short. CBCT offers a very detailed 3D image allowing us to visualize the lower areas of your nose and sinuses, as well as all the structures of your teeth and bone surrounding your teeth. Our dentists can plan advanced treatments such as crowns and implants using a 3D digital imaging or a CBCT scanner. This captures images of not only your teeth but also your entire facial structure (including both hard and soft tissue). The images are similar to x-rays so your dentists can use them to diagnose, plan, and treat your smile.
We are also able to visualize your airway to help determine if you may be at risk for sleep apnea. It is not uncommon to find issues that are asymptomatic, but are in need of treatment. This allows us to fix the problem before you feel that you have a problem.
Cone beam technology can be used for planning surgical procedures, diagnosing bite issues, placing dental implants and so much more. The process of capturing the 3-D images is so simple too! The patient, simply bites on the mouthpiece and images are taken in about 15 seconds.
Your dentist will explain more about these procedures and uses of these x-rays to help explain your treatment options.
