Technology
Our office ensures that each patient achieves optimal results by utilizing advanced technology. Some of the latest technology we have implemented at our office includes digital scanning, advanced oral cancer screening using VELscope®, digital x-rays, intra-oral digital photography and soft tissue lasers.
iTero Digital Scanner
The iTero Element Digital Scanner is an exciting technology that produces a highly accurate three-dimensional image of a patient’s dentition. This replaces taking an impression so no more goopy material in your mouth! We can use an iTero scan for crowns, implant-supported restorations, bridges, nightguards and Invisalign.
Do you want to see what Invisalign can do for you? Ask us to scan your teeth and you can see a simulated outcome of what’s possible.
If you just want to experience the technology of iTero, ask us to scan your teeth. We’ll store your digital impression so we can view it at a future visit.
Click on the video for a short demonstration of the iTero Element.
VELscope® Vx
We use VELscope® Vx to identify abnormalities in the mouth that can’t be seen visually. The exam is very easy and enhances the oral cancer check that we have performed for years. VELscope® emits a safe blue light that causes tissues to fluoresce. The special filter we look through allows us to see a contrast between normal and abnormal tissues. We can even take a photograph through the VELscope® and attach it to your chart to monitor any changes. Generally, we recommend an annual VELscope® exam for teenagers and adults. Check out www.velscope.com for more details and ask us more about it at your next visit.
Digital X-ray technology
All Smiles Dental Care has digital x-ray technology. Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure traditional dental x-rays.
There are many advantages of this technology. Significant decrease in radiation compared to traditional x-rays. The ability to enlarge, lighten, darken, or even sharpen the image assists in diagnosis.
- Easy communication with specialists or dental plans if the need arises.
- Dental radiographs are a simple, safe way to detect problems when they are small and clinically imperceptible. In most cases, it makes correction easier and less expensive.
- The All Smiles Dental Care team is focused on the prevention of problems before they start.
Intra-Oral Camera
The intra-oral camera broadcasts images for both the patient and doctor to see. Instantaneously the images of your teeth are sent to a computer screen so that both the patient and doctor can review your oral health together. This wonderful new technology allows you to relax in your chair while simultaneously observing a real-time movie of the inside of your mouth magnified beyond normal size on an adjacent computer monitor. Not only does this make it simple to see and understand what is happening in your mouth, but it makes it simple for us to keep incredibly accurate records from one visit to the next.
Laser Therapy
All Smiles Dental Care has a diode laser that has many applications beneficial to patients.
Here are some of the ways that a diode laser can be used:
- A laser can be used to promote faster healing of cold sores and canker sores in their early stages.
- It can be used to remove excess gum tissues for functional or cosmetic reasons.
- It can be used to perform a frenectomy.
- We can quickly and easily remove a questionable lesion for biopsy with a laser.
- A laser can assist in obtaining a better impression for making a crown, bridge, veneer or inlay.
- It can also be used in hygiene to decontaminate periodontal (gum) pockets around the teeth.
These are just a few examples of laser use. Sometimes anesthetic isn’t even needed. Laser procedures can be done rapidly and accurately and may have fewer complications.
