Technology

• Cavity Detection with transillumination uses light to differentiate healthy from diseased tissue. Light has been shown to react differently with healthy tissue than diseased tissue. We have several different instruments that identify diseases such as cracked teeth, decay, and oral cancer with different wavelengths of light. This is a completely non-invasive addition to dental x-rays and may preclude needed x-rays for diagnosis, in some cases.

• Soft-tissue Laser Periodontal Therapy- LAPT (laser-assisted periodontal therapy) uses light energy of a laser deep within periodontal pockets to decontaminate and initiate the body’s natural healing response. The disruption of the aggressive periodontal bacteria in gum pockets, typically inaccessible during homecare and basic cleanings, can have a dramatic effect in stabilizing the periodontal disease and maintaining periodontal health.

• Digital X-Rays use an electronic sensor that is sensitive to radiation from an x-rays machine. The sensor is far more sensitive than traditional film, meaning less radiation exposure to you and your family. Digital x-rays are rendered by computer software, unlike dental x-ray films which required noxious and harmful chemicals.

• Hydrogen peroxide periodontal therapy is delivered through custom trays, a dilute hydrogen peroxide gel is placed intimately with the gums and introduces oxygen that is toxic to many damaging periodontal bacteria(anaerobic). These trays are worn for 5 to 15 minutes daily while the disease is active and then once a week during maintenance. Research has shown excellent improvement in bacterial reduction and periodontal health. The teeth are concurrently lightened and the breath is freshened because of the reduction in oral bacteria that can cause halitosis.

• DNA Testing for the detection of oral pathogens that cause gum disease and threaten oral health and systemic health. This non-invasive test provides early warning of oral pathogens to enable the personalization of periodontal treatment. The pathogens tested for in MyPerioPath® can help determine if a patient is at increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Stroke, and birth complications. MyPerioPath® test identifies the type(s) of oral bacteria associated with these systemic illnesses.

• Same-day ceramic crowns fabricated in our office are metal-free and are made of glass ceramics, porcelain, and zirconia. Our Planmeca ED4 milling machine is state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology that allows us to design and fabricate bio-compatible custom crowns and inlays. We can carefully design and mill our crowns without chemical stains, dyes or chemical glazes. The whole process is tightly monitored so we are assured that the final crown is to our high standards and additive-free. Rather than wait weeks for your restoration to arrive, our office mill gives us the ability to repair your damaged tooth in a single appointment.​

• Cavity Detection with FD&C (food drug and cosmetic) dyes are used to differentiate decayed tooth structure from healthy tooth structure. The dyes are sparingly applied and immediately rinsed and evacuated through our high-speed vacuum. The dyes stick to the diseased tooth structure and allow for precise removal without compromising healthy tooth structure.

• Soft Tissue Laser for Surgical Procedures: Laser energy controls bleeding as it cuts, increasing patient post-operative healing and decreasing pain and swelling. Dental procedures that can utilize laser energy include gum contouring, crown lengthening, periodontal cleaning, and cold sore (herpes) treatment.

• Vatech Cone Beam X-Ray unit takes 3D images. These images taken by the CBCT of the skull, airway, sinus, nose, teeth, and jaws give an astonishingly higher degree of information with a minimal amount of radiation. More information is provided with less exposure to radiation. We are proud to be on this cutting edge.

• Intra-Oral Cameras are small, wand-like cameras used to record videos and take still snapshots of your mouth. With the close-up pictures, we can show you the same closeness and level of detail that we see during a visual exam. We can communicate your oral condition in a clear and easy to understand presentation. It is easier to understand your health because you can see the problem for yourself.

Technology we are researching

Biltmore Natural Dental Practice in Phoenix, Arizona

• Silver Diamine Fluoride is a site-specific chemotherapeutic for dental disease. It is used in deep cavities to kill the bacteria that cause decay and cavities without exposing the body to fluoride. The treated site is sealed in a resin core and the tooth is able to be restored with less trauma to the nerve. The benefits include avoiding root canals on teeth that are asymptomatic by reducing the amount of drilling needed to remove diseased tooth structure.

• Infrared Laser or low energy laser therapy affects the cells of the human body, determined by the wavelengths of the light applied. Infrared lasers produce a beam of light with a specific wavelength and frequency. When the light is applied to body tissue, electromagnetic energy is converted to chemical energy within each cell. This encourages the natural healing of muscles. The infrared laser can be used on sore muscles, sensitive teeth, and sensitive gums.