Dental Technology
 Digital Radiography or X-Rays
Digital dental radiography, a fancy term for "digital x-rays," is a valuable resource when assessing your oral health. Not only does it let us know if you have any oral health problems like tooth decay and periodontal disease, but it also gives us a better idea as to how your teeth fit in your mouth and if you need any other types of medical intervention.
Whether you're a first-time patient at our office or it's simply been a few years since you've had x-rays done, there are many reasons why you should have new x-rays taken at your next dental exam. Click to learn more about digital x-rays.
 Ultrasonic Scaler
We use ultrasonic scalers for most adult dental cleanings. These devices use ultrasonic vibrations to help break down the plaque and calculus on the teeth that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. The ultrasonic cleaners create microscopic bubbles that implode on the surface of the tooth, killing microbes and removing plaque and tartar in the process. Our instruments use a thin tip to better navigate in the periodontal pockets to help maintain optimal gingival health.
The procedure uses water and/or an antimicrobial liquid called chlorhexidine. It can remove tartar buildup in hard-to-reach areas, with no damage to the tooth enamel. Manual scaling often uses pressure for cleaning, while the vibration produced by the scaling tip of an ultrasonic scaler is barely perceptible. This makes ultrasonic cleaning suitable to those with sensitive teeth. The cleaning process is faster than manual scaling, making your visit more comfortable.
After your teeth have been cleaned with the ultrasonic cleaner, your teeth will be hand scaled to check for any residual deposits and then polished.
 Intraoral Camera
X-rays give us a clear view of what we can't see such as decay between the teeth. An intraoral camera gives the patient a view of what the dentist sees. An intraoral camera is a device that is about the size of a toothbrush. Broken fillings, fractured teeth, decay or any other dental problem can be viewed so that we can discuss with you any treatment needed. With a clear understanding of your dental needs, we can decide together what the best treatment is for you. |
