Advanced Technology

 

Digital Imaging

Dr.Harris 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. Dr.Harris utilizes 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 which gives us the ability to enhance the image.

Kavo(3D Diagnostic Imaging)

Kavo is the cone beam 3D + panoramic imaging solution for general dentists and specialists who want to place and restore implants, perform surgical procedures, and simply provide better care with more confidence and efficiency and greater patient engagement than before. With this exclusive treatment planning solution, Kavo provides powerful yet easy to use tools placing and restoring implants, including abutments and crowns, performing implant surgery, complex extractions, treating endodontic (root canal) cases and better visualizing pathology. Rich visual images come to life and engage patients in their treatment to assist in better understanding and acceptance of proposed plans. A powerful diagnostic and treatment tool it allows complex procedures to be done quickly, and with greater confidence and accuracy. 3D CT Diagnostic Imaging clearly facilitates better treatment planning in dental care for many situations.

Our 3D cone beam dental scanner is approved by the FDA and is often referred to as a “dental CT (conebeam) scanner”. Dental cone beam scanners use much less radiation as opposed to medical CT scanners and more accurate, diagnostic images for implant placement, removal of impacted wisdom teeth and more.

Cadent iTero Digital Impression System

An accurate impression is fundamental to a successful outcome in restorative dentistry. Conducting digital impression procedures with Cadent iTero provides consistent, superior results, as well as numerous other benefits for the clinician, patient, and dental laboratory.

The iTero user interface guides users through every step of the scanning process. The time to complete the scanning sequence is routinely just 3-5 minutes, about the time required for conventional impression materials to set. And, with no time devoted to preparing impressions trays or clean-up, the time savings are predictable. Better still, the unmatched precision of iTero digital impressions provides crowns that require minimal adjustment, another source of predictable time savings.

 Data files of the digital impression are sent electronically, enhancing the speed of communication involved in restoration fabrication. Furthermore, should questions arise, a digital file is available for the laboratory and dentist to reference while consulting about a case online.

Dental practices using the iTero digital impression system will enjoy a distinct advantage over those adhering to the conventional impression method. With iTero, patients become engaged in the process as they see their dental work on-screen. This provides the clinician with a wonderful educational tool that helps improve patient acceptance.

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. Healing is often 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
  • Periodontal, or gum related, care
  • Pediatric procedures
  • Apthous Ulcer treatment (canker sore)
  • Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) without anesthesia or sutures that is very beneficial in the new-born to facilitate better nursing
  • 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.

Intraoral Camera

Many patients, especially younger patients, are very familiar with the latest technology and are comfortable with the high tech practice. Computers and TV screens are their primary method of information processing. Drs. Harris or utilizes intraoral camera technology that helps enhance your understanding of your diagnosis. An intraoral camera is a very small camera – in some cases, just a few millimeters long. An intraoral camera allows our practice to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums, in order for us to accurately make a diagnosis. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair-time for you! Intraoral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These images can be printed for you, other specialists, and your lab or insurance companies.