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Digital radiography utilizes computer technology and digital sensors for the acquisition, viewing, storage, and sharing of radiographic images. It offers several advantages over the older traditional film based methods of taking x-rays. The most significant of theses advantages is that digital radiography reduces a patient’s exposure to radiation. Other benefits are that images can be viewed instantly after being taken, can be seen simultaneously as needed by multiple practitioners, and can be easily shared with other offices. Digital x-rays are also safer for the environment as they do not require any chemicals or paper to develop.
An electronic pad, known as a sensor is used instead of film to acquire a digital image. After the image is taken, it goes directly into the patient’s file on the computer. Once it is stored on the computer, it can be easily viewed on a screen, shared, or printed out.
By using intra-oral optical scanning devices, the need for patients to have a messy conventional dental impression taken of their teeth is eliminated. Digital optical impressions enable the dentist to more efficiently and effectively obtain an accurate computer generated representation of their patient’s teeth along with the surrounding tissues. In addition to being much more comfortable for the patient, a digital impression eliminates the need for the dentist to either create a stone model from the impression, or to mail the impression directly to the laboratory for any type of work to be done. Digital impression information is transmitted electronically, significantly reducing the turnaround time of any needed outside laboratory work. Digital impressions are also integral to systems that produce same day, in-office ceramic restorations.
An intraoral camera is a miniaturized camera that can take high-resolution images inside of the mouth and display them for viewing in real time on a computer screen. It is a pen-sized device that provides an up close, full-color and high-resolution view of the teeth and surrounding soft tissues.
An intraoral camera is a wonderful communication tool that allows the dentist to directly show a patient a close up view of every tooth and the nearby soft tissues. With this technology any areas of concern can be instantly displayed and discussed.
The intraoral camera can also capture individual images that can be saved as part of a patient’s permanent record. These saved images can be reproduced when needed for use by other dental specialists, a dental laboratory, insurance companies, and others.
A healthy bite relies on a balanced occlusion. Your teeth need to occlude, in other words, “meet in a way,” that supports a measure of comfort and functional harmony while biting, opening and closing your mouth as well as performing other jaw movements. When teeth don’t occlude optimally, it creates unbalanced forces that can wear down or loosen teeth, break teeth or restorations, cause tooth sensitivity, and result in muscle tightness or dysfunction that can lead to a TMJ disorder.
At our office, we use advanced computer-based technology to record and analyze your occlusion as you bite down and slide your jaw from side to side as well as from front to back. This information enables us to make adjustments to your bite with the ultimate precision. By performing a computerized bite adjustment with specialized instruments, we can improve the articulation between the top and bottom teeth for better function and comfort.
A computerized bite adjustment may take more than one visit as the muscles relax over time, symptoms resolve, and functional harmony is gradually restored.
Our office uses the most advanced systems of care, to communicate, plan, and perform a wide range of procedures. By using intraoral and extraoral cameras to take digital pictures when examining patients for care, we can assess their smiles from multiple angles both inside of the mouth and out. Digital photos not only enable us to develop the most appropriate treatment plan, but they also allow us to share important information with the patient, another dental specialist, an insurance company, or a dental laboratory. While intraoral pictures refer to close-up views of teeth or tissues inside of the mouth, extraoral photos of a patient’s face and smile are taken to assess the relationship of the teeth, gums, and jaws to overall facial aesthetics and balance.
By using the Picasso laser, our office can provide treatment with the ultimate precision. An advanced system of care, the Picasso laser operate by generating focused light energy to gently and precisely shape or remove the targeted soft tissue without affecting any adjacent areas.
By eliminating direct tissue contact as well as the pressure and discomfort typically associated with procedures involving a surgical scalpel, the Picasso laser minimizes the need for dental anesthesia. And, beyond providing more comfortable care, soft tissue lasers also offer excellent hemostasis to control bleeding during dental surgeries and facilitate quicker recovery and healing times with reduced amounts of post-operative swelling and scarring.
With the Picasso Laser, our office can provide precise and gentle care for a more comfortable and stress-free dental experience!
