Technology

Soft Tissue Diode Laser

We use the diode laser in our practice for a variety of procedures:

Removing soft tissue overgrowths to be submitted for biopsy
Removing an overgrowth of gum tissue around a cavity in a tooth to either place a filling or place a crown
Reducing an overgrowth of gum tissue to correct a “gummy smile”
Expose a margin on a crown preparation to enhance the impression for the laboratory

Digital X-Rays

Much like the traditional film x-rays, digital x-rays are used to diagnose pathology in the teeth

Bite-wing x-rays are used to diagnose decay, showing decay forming between the teeth
PA (periapical x-rays) are used to show pulpal pathology, such as abscesses, or lesions in the bone around the tooth root

Decay between teeth shown on Bite Wing x-ray

CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) or 3D Panoramic X-Rays

· Planning implant placement

o Determining the amount and quality of the bone available to support a dental implant

o Locating vital structures that should be avoided in the placement of dental implants such as sinus cavities, concavities in bone, and neurovascular bundles (nerves and blood vessels)

o Fabrication of computer guided placement

· Evaluating endodontic treatment (useful and finding hidden canal, and useful in locating cracks in teeth

Intra-Oral Cameras

Used to show conditions in the teeth to demonstrate to patients and insurance companies what is happening in the mouth:

· New decay around existing fillings

· Large decay (cavities)

· Broken fillings

· Broken teeth

· Calculus (Tartar) around the teeth and under the gums