Advanced Technology

Digital Imaging

Dr. Adams or Dr. Whitt chooses carefully which and when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that we follow. Radiographs allow us to see everything we cannot see with our own eyes. Radiographs enable us to detect cavities in between your teeth, determine bone level, and analyze the health of your bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess damage when trauma occurs.

Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. Drs. Adams and Whitt utilize Digital Imaging Technologies within the office. With digital imaging, exposure time is about 50 percent less when compared to traditional radiographs. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information. We may be able to see cavities better.

Digital imaging allows us to store patient images, and enables us to quickly and easily transfer them to specialists or insurance companies.

Digital X-Rays:

Digital X-rays offer more precision since we view the image on a computer monitor, instead of holding up a 35mm film up to the light. Digital X-rays results in 1/6th the radiation exposure to you.

Laser Dentistry

For patients who do not look forward to needles, drilling, or numbness, Laser Dentistry may be the right choice.

Laser dentistry is one of dentistry’s latest advances. The laser delivers energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a “target.” In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, gum tissue, or whitening enhancers. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others. Laser dentistry can be used for both tooth and soft tissue related procedures. Oftentimes no local anesthesia is required. Unlike with the dental drill, with laser dentistry there is no heat or vibration, making the procedure quite comfortable for most patients. For soft tissue (surgical) procedures it eliminates the need for suturing and healing is much faster.

Lasers can be used to diagnose cavities. They can find hidden decay in teeth in early stages, and in some cases the decay can be reversed through hygiene and fluoride treatment and may never need filling.

Areas of dental care that benefit from laser technology:

• Cavity diagnosis and removal
• Curing, or hardening, bonding materials
• Whitening teeth
• Periodontal, or gum related, care
• Pediatric procedures
• Apthous Ulcer treatment (canker sore)
• Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) without anesthesia or sutures
• Root canals and apicoectomies
• Crown lengthening, gingivectomy and other gum corrections

Dental lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for treating both children and adults.

CONE BEAM, CT SCAN, AND 3-D IMAGING

CT Scans and Cone Beam Imaging systems generate 3D, high-definition x-rays within seconds. The panoramic images of this advanced technology are remarkably clear, which helps with diagnosing and treating dental ailments. These scans allow us to quickly assess your dental needs and get you back out enjoying your life in less time than you might expect from traditional imaging equipment.

The health and safety of our patients is our highest priority, which is why we refer our patients to a Cone Beam imaging center. Unlike traditional x-ray systems, the Cone Beam system produces a very low dose of radiation, thus reducing unnecessary exposure. The Cone Beam is used in many dental procedures. It can be used to determine a treatment plan for dental implants, helping determine size and placement of the implant. It can also be used to diagnose and treat periodontal disease. Cone Beams give us a clear view of facial nerves and bone structure, which allows us to plan a customized procedure to protect your nerve endings. Such advanced technology allows us to minimize pain and speed healing!

Trios Scanner

The 3Shape TRIOS dental intraoral scanner is a hand-held 3D scanning tool that is redefining the fundamentals of digital impression techniques in the dental industry. When compared to the traditional molding techniques, the 3Shape TRIOS dental intraoral technology can scan teeth wirelessly in a matter of seconds and without the use of powder, which helps save time and decrease patient discomfort to a large degree.

The 3Shape TRIOS dental intraoral scanners allow dentists to display a patient’s 3D-impression of their teeth on a screen almost immediately after the scan is complete and is versatile with the ability to service a wide range of different dental treatments, such as:

• Removable partial dentures
• Short term crowns
• Abutments

DYNAMIC 3D NAVIGATION FOR MORE ACCURATE DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY

Dr. Adams and Dr. Whitt have the X-NAV Guided surgery technology available when placing dental implants. When paired with the Cone Beam 3D imaging, the X-NAV allows more accurate placement of the dental implant(s). They can determine after your initial exam if this technology is right for your treatment.

Dr. Adams or Dr. Whitt will pre-plan the ideal implant location based on your unique anatomy using advanced software. During your surgery, the doctor will utilize a small, lightweight X-Clip in your mouth that matches to this digital plan with a specialized radiation-free camera system.

During your procedure, the doctor has a 3D view of your anatomy including jawbone, soft tissue, surrounding teeth, as well as the digital treatment plan to follow.

The X-Guide navigation technology provides the surgeon with turn-by-turn guidance along the surgical path, like a road map on your GPS. This is similar to the way medical neurosurgery has been done for many years.

X-Guide’s advanced technology allows the surgeon to make the most precise adjustments considering surrounding structures with greater accuracy for a better outcome with less pain