Technology in dentistry has come a long way. From Intraoral Scanners to CAD/CAM technology and more, our office uses the most innovative dental technology to improve patients’ experiences. This state-of-the-art technology also give our doctors better insights into clinical decision-making, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and better-personalized care for each patient.

CAD/CAM Dentistry

CAD/CAM (computer-aided-design and computer-aided-manufacturing) is used to improve the design and manufacturing of custom crowns in just one visit, eliminating the need for multiple appointments and temporary restorations. This technology produces highly precise restorations that are both durable and natural-looking.

CAD/CAM is used for:

  • Crowns

  • Inlays & Onlays

  • Fixed Bridges

  • Veneers

  • Dental Implants

  • Dentures

  • Other orthodontic appliances

3D Printing

The 3D printing process involves using digital scans of a patient’s teeth and oral structure to design and print customized dental solutions. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that require molding and casting, 3D printing builds up dental objects layer by layer using materials such as resins, ceramics, or metals. This process is faster, more accurate, and highly customizable compared to traditional methods, offering improved patient outcomes. 3D printing in dentistry is used for making crowns, bridges, implants, aligners, dentures, and even surgical guides.

How 3D printing works in dentistry:

  • Digital Scanning: The process starts with taking a digital scan of the patient’s mouth using an intraoral scanner. This scan captures highly accurate 3D data of the teeth and gums.

  • Digital Design: The scanned data is then imported into specialized CAD (computer-aided design) software, where a dentist or lab technician designs the required dental appliance (such as a crown, bridge, or aligner).

  • 3D Printing: Once the design is complete, a 3D printer uses materials like resin, metal, or plastic to fabricate the appliance. The printer adds material layer by layer, following the design’s precise specifications.

  • Post-Processing: After printing, the dental object may require curing, cleaning, or polishing to ensure it’s ready for use. In some cases, additional adjustments are made for the perfect fit.

Intraoral Scanner

An intraoral scanner is a handheld device that creates a 3D model of a patient’s teeth and gums. It’s used by dentists to capture a digital impression of a patient’s mouth, which can be used to create dental restorations, implants, and sleep appliances. 

  • The scanner projects a light source into the patient’s mouth. 

  • Imaging sensors capture thousands of images

  • Scanning software processes the images to create a 3D model.

  • The dentist and patient can view the 3D model in real time on a chairside screen.

Autoclave Sterilization

Autoclave sterilization is essential in dentistry because it ensures that dental instruments are properly disinfected and free from harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and spores. This process is crucial for patient safety and preventing cross-contamination between patients.

In dentistry, autoclaves use high-pressure steam at elevated temperatures (typically around 121-134°C or 250-273°F) to sterilize instruments such as scalers, forceps, and drills. These tools come into direct contact with oral tissues, saliva, and blood, making it critical to eliminate all potential pathogens to avoid infections.

Surgical Guide for Dental Implants

A surgical guide for dental implants is a precision tool used to assist in the placement of dental implants in the jawbone with accuracy and predictability. These guides are typically custom-made for each patient, using digital imaging and 3D technology based on their unique anatomy and treatment plan. The purpose of a surgical guide is to enhance the implant procedure by helping the dentist or oral surgeon position the implant at the correct angle, depth, and location.
Key Benefits of Using a Surgical Guide:

  • Precision: It ensures the implant is placed exactly where it is planned, reducing the chances of misalignment or complications.

  • Safety: It minimizes the risk of damaging nearby structures such as nerves, sinuses, or adjacent teeth.

  • Efficiency: It often makes the surgical procedure faster and less invasive.

  • Predictability: It improves treatment outcomes by ensuring proper implant placement for long-term success.

In-House 3D CT-Scan

This latest in CT technology provides patients with high-quality images at a lower dose of radiation than ever before. 3D Cone Beam Imaging is a fast and painless  method where a quick scan generates detailed, 3-dimension color images of the face, neck and teeth provide a more  accurate diagnosis and plan for treatment.

Axeos CBCT X-ray machine by Dentsply Sirona

Air and Mercury Filtration

To provide our patients and staff with th he safest and highest quality air, we use IQ Air Health Pur Plus Air filtration in all of our treatment rooms.  This system provides protection against aerosolized viruses, bacteria and disinfects.  Another filter removes mercury vapor that is generated when removing “silver” filings.

Dental Lasers

Lasers are concentrated beams of light energy. The heat created by lasers is what dentists use to cut, reshape and clean soft or hard tissues in the mouth. Altering the wavelength of a laser changes the amount of heat it generates. Using a laser typically reduces the need for a local anesthetic and the patient is less likely to deal with anxiety, pain and discomfort afterward. Procedures performed with lasers also lower the risk of infection, reduce bleeding and pain, and speed the healing period.

Digital X-Ray Sensors

Instead of using photographic film, digital X-ray technology employs digital sensors to capture images. When these sensors are exposed to X-rays, they instantly convert this energy into a digital format. This immediacy means there’s no waiting for the film to develop, speeding up the review process.

Digital X-rays offer not only rapid results but also clearer, high-resolution images. These images can be easily magnified, adjusted, or shared on a computer. Moreover, their reduced radiation exposure positions them as a safer alternative in many diagnostic scenarios.

STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System

The Single Tooth Anesthesia System is a computer-controlled injection technology that allows the injection of the local anesthetic below the patient’s pain threshold making the injection precise, efficient and virtually painless.