Technology
3 D CT scan. This has revolutionized implant dentistry. Previously you could only take 2 D x-rays, and only guess at how thick the bone was. Now we can see in all dimensions how much bone there is, locate exactly the location of the nerves and sinuses, and place implants much more safely, and with most risks removed. The guided implants are pretty much pain free as well.
The Digital x-rays that we take are on a large screen in 7 seconds or less, use a minimal amount of x-ray exposure compared to x-rays taken with film, and they are much more clear and detailed. As well, we can alter the contrast to highlight areas of decay. All of these are vast improvements over the x-rays taken with the film.
We use a STA machine for placing local anesthetic rather than a syringe and needle. This new technology allows us to anesthetize just a single tooth on the lower jaw rather than having to freeze the whole jaw and tongue. It also allows us to freeze up the gum on the inside of the upper jaw (the palate) with very little sensation of being frozen (in the past, this was the most painful injection of all, now with STA patients rarely feel it). This makes working on the teeth much less sensitive, and also allows us to place the rubber dam with no discomfort.
We have intra oral cameras to take close up pictures of teeth and gums, and it helps us explain things that you normally can’t see. Its also helpful in getting approvals from insurance companies, as they can see there is an obvious problem which x-rays often didn’t show.
We have a Piezo ultrasonic instrument which makes removing teeth much less traumatic, removes very little bone, and is very helpful now that we are so involved in Implant work.
The laser is also wonderful for doing surgical work, as there is no bleeding when removing gum tissue, and the healing from it is virtually painless compared to surgery using a scalpel.
We’re finding it also very useful in helping to control difficult periodontal problems, when the hygienists use it.
We use a lot of other recent technology, but it is so commonly used by us that we are hardly aware of using it because we’ve had it so long.
The actual technology is important, but equally important is keeping up with education and taking a lot of up to date courses which is what our staff do, constantly updating ourselves and evaluating the usefulness of new equipment, and whether the claims of the promoters of the items are clinically proven.
