Laser Cavity Detection

            We now have the ability to physically “look” inside the grooves and surfaces of teeth without x-rays, using a special optical laser to check for decay.  This popular new technology makes it possible to objectively evaluate any “suspicious” looking areas of teeth and to decide whether or not any treatment is necessary.  If the laser indicates no underlying decay is present, it is safe to just keep watching an area.  This technology is especially sensitive and capable of detecting decay before it would normally be visible  on x-rays. (It is still necessary to use x-rays to check under old fillings or on the sides of teeth).

Computerized Anesthetic

            We already have a large array of techniques and products to help take the “ouch!” out of anesthesia.  Now we also have specially computer regulated anesthetic to provide a new level of comfort for sensitive areas (such as the roof of the mouth).  This technology so greatly minimizes discomfort that it is called “The Wand” by its maker (because it works so well it’s “like magic”).  We have gotten very positive responses from our patients.

Quiet (air abrasion) Drilling

            For treatment of early decay we now have a new technology that uses a tightly focused stream of tiny abrasive molecules to gently “scrub away” decay.  It is very quiet and conserves more tooth healthy structure than is possible using conventional drilling.  It is also sometimes possible to do smaller fillings without any anesthetic at all.

Magnifying Intraoral Video Cameras

            When seeking to better view tough access areas or to make a difficult diagnosis we often utilize a special miniaturized camera to view the area.  It can show the image on a large computer monitor or TV screen or print the image on photographic paper.  Many times we will find small fractures or underlying problems not otherwise visible to the naked eye.  This technology allows us to show you our findings instead of just trying to verbally explain them (a picture is worth a thousand words). 

Privacy Protection

            Okay, this isn’t a technology, but it is important.  In compliance with recently enacted HIPAA laws, we have taken significant measures to help further protect the confidentiality of your personal health information.  Although usually not as “sensitive” as other medical information, the dental and general health information we do gather about you is protected in numerous ways from password protected computers to coded schedules and record files.  Ask for a copy of our Privacy Protection Policy for more details.  We respect your desire to keep things just between you and us.

Voice-activated computer charting          To help us better track the health of your gums we have added a voice-activated (hands free) computer system to record the level of support each tooth has.  Gum related problems are the #1 leading cause of tooth loss in adults and the earlier problems are detected the better the chances of preventing tooth loss.  The hygienist records this information on a periodic basis.   Wireless communication          Intercoms are a thing of the past with the availability of small and private wireless headsets.  We stay in touch better as a team and can discuss you and your dental care with greater privacy.  We still are trying to decide whether we look more like Secret Service agents (or characters from The Matrix)---or McDonald’s employees.   Music Tapes to CDs to MP3          We have largely converted our stereo headphone selection from tapes to CDs, although we still have kept those “favorite” older (classic) tapes that are often requested and not available in CD form.  We are looking into moving into MP3 format but have not yet found players durable enough to take the occasional falls that our CD or tape players do.   Power Bleaching           Due to increasing patient requests we are in the process of adding power (rapid one visit) bleaching to our services.  The TV makeovers have popularized this and made it desirable to many who find the “at home” bleaching system results too slow.    Implants           We are now coordinating with a very experienced oral surgeon to offer tooth replacement or more retentive dentures through the use of implants. Artificial titanium "roots" are placed in the bone just like a real tooth and then crowned to provide a "tooth" that looks like and can be cared for much like the real thing.