Technology in Dentistry

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Digital Radiography:  

Part of your cleaning and prevention plan and examination is taking dental X-rays of your teeth. We use the latest dental X-ray technology known as digital radiography. This technology uses an electronic sensor to capture and store digital images of your teeth.

 
The process of taking digital X-rays is faster and more comfortable than the process of taking X-ray film, and it reduces radiation exposure by significant amounts.  Because the digital images can be viewed instantly, our dentists and dental hygienists will be able to detect and diagnose any abnormalities and developing problems at a faster and more efficient rate.

 It is important to have dental X-rays taken of your teeth to prevent discomfort, pain, and permanent damage to your mouth. Even though digital radiography is significantly safer than traditional X-ray film, we still take all of the necessary precautions to prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation. Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us.

How do I know I need an X-ray?

X-rays are needed by the dentist to fully understand conditions affecting your oral health. They are not only used to detect dental decay but they also give information on the levels of bone that support the teeth and help diagnose, prevent and treat gum disease. X-rays can also be used to see congenitally missing teeth, extra teeth, impacted teeth and some conditions with the jaw bones that may be related to these impacted teeth.

The frequency and need for X-rays are based on medical and dental history, a dental exam, signs and symptoms, your age, and risk of disease. 

 
Intra-Oral Camera:

With the intra-oral camera, we have the ability to see, first-hand, the best way to help you improve your dental health. Using images and sometime videos taken by our intra-oral camera, now you can see what doctors and dental assistants see when they look inside your mouth. The intra-oral camera allows us to monitor the effectiveness of our treatments, and helps us improve the ways we serve you.  

3D Intra-oral Scanners and Imaging in Dentistry:

Three-dimensional intraoral scanning is a method of capturing a digital replica of your teeth. Unlike intraoral photography, which is two-dimensional like any other form of digital photography, intraoral scanning is three-dimensional, and the image it produces is a three-dimensional model.  

Intra-oral scanners use a wand-shaped camera to capture images of the teeth as your dentist, hygienist or assistant scans it over every surface of the teeth. Images are then immediately converted into a digital model, visible on a connected computer screen. 

How Do Dentists Use 3D Intraoral Scanning?

Three-dimensional intra-oral scanning has taken the place of dental impressions in many cases eliminating the need for traditional impressions uses a material that changes in consistency via a setting reaction. 

Three-dimensional intra-oral scanning replaces messy impressions with a digital camera. Dentists can use digital impressions for many of the same applications as traditional impressions. 

Procedures that 3D Imaging helps with:

• Invisalign treatment (Clear Aligner Therapy) 
• Dental implant restorations
• Study models
• Restorations like Dental Crowns and bridges 
• Nightguards for clenching and/or grinding
• Athletic mouth guards

Dental laboratories use 3D intra-oral scans and 3D print physical models that they use to work on to fabricate your appliance and/or restorations

How long does it take for a scan?

Typically, a scan of all of the upper and lower teeth, including the way they bite together, takes about five minutes. 

What are the Advantages of 3D Intraoral Scanning?

• Accuracy: Impression from 3D scanners is typically more accurate than traditional dental impressions. 
• Faster turnaround time: The digital model that the scanner captures is easy to share digitally (either via email or through a web portal) with a dental lab. This means that there is faster communication and less risk of materials being lost or changing dimensions when transferred to the dental lab.
• Comfort: The biggest advantage of 3D intra-oral scanning is enhanced patient comfort. Traditional impression take time for the material used to set in the mouth. This can sometimes make the patient gag or droll while the material is setting and causes significant discomfort to the patient.

Safety of 3D Scanners:

Three-dimensional intra-oral scanners are very safe because they are like digital cameras with advanced software. They are not x-rays or any other type of imaging that uses radiation to capture its images. 

Gemini dual wavelength soft tissue laser:

This laser is the first dual-wavelength soft tissue diode laser available in the United States. At Az Family dentistry, we treat some deeper gum infections with laser treatment. Lasers can also be used to treat the discomfort from canker and cold sores.