Dental technology is changing the perception of dentistry. Advancements in this field enable us to deliver exceptional dentistry in a more efficient and comfortable manner. As technology for dentists continues to evolve, it allows us to diagnose, prevent and treat conditions and pathology earlier and more effectively. We at McDowell Dental Group take pride in the equipment we have incorporated to better serve our patients. The best dentists are those who continually stay up to date and informed of the ever-changing technology in dentistry.
Some of the technologies the doctors at McDowell Dental Group may incorporate into your treatment include:
Digital X-Rays
With digital x-rays, images of your teeth are available within seconds and at a 90% reduction in radiation exposure compared with traditional x-rays. Dexis digital x-ray system gives us the tools to detect and diagnose decay and pathology early. Benefits for our patients also include less waiting time, shorter appointments, and a more comfortable procedure. It enables our patients to be involved in co-diagnosis and helps them to better understand the treatment.
Galileos 3D CT Scanner
The GALILEOS® 3D Dental Conebeam Scanner is state-of-the-art technology that delivers superior quality imaging with one of the lowest possible doses of radiation. The 3-D scan gives us high quality resolution images that are 400 times more diagnostic than traditional x-rays. This technology enables our doctors to analyze the position and orientation of critical structures including nerves, roots, sinuses, the nose and airway helping to make a diagnosis as accurate as possible.
The GALILEOS® is also an essential tool when planning for implants. Knowing where critical structures are located and the quality and density of bone make implant placement fast and predictable.
GALILEOS® 3D Dental Conebeam features:
- Lowest radiation possible
- Quick, easy and comfortable scan of the mouth, face and jaw
- Immediate virtual diagnosis and treatment planning in one visit
- More security and less time during surgery
- Easy sharing of images with referring doctors
CEREC-CAD/CAM
CEREC is a unique CAD/CAM system for individualized all-ceramic restorations in one visit. CEREC enables the doctors at McDowell Dental Group to deliver all-ceramic, highly esthetic inlays, onlays, crowns, veneers and bridges for anterior and posterior teeth. This technology means there is only one visit, no temporaries and no impressions needed! We have the latest CEREC machine, the CEREC Omnicam, which offers powder-free scanning and precise 3D images in natural color. CEREC enables our doctors to deliver minimally invasive, conservative dentistry with long lasting beautiful restorations.
CEREC Benefits:
- One visit
- No impressions
- No temporaries
- Metal-free
- Highly aesthetic
- Long lasting
Intraoral Cameras
The doctors and hygienists both utilize digital intraoral cameras to provide instant images of your teeth and gums. Our DEXCam cameras give us high-quality imaging with live video display and capture and freeze capabilities. The images are then shared on the patient viewing computer monitor to discuss and explain possible treatments. Intraoral cameras allow us to show our patients what we see in the mouth to help them better understand their dental condition. The intraoral camera is an invaluable tool in early detection of situations that may become troublesome.
LightWalkerTM Hard & Soft Tissue Laser
We are pleased to announce that we have recently acquired one of the most technologically advanced, best made laser systems in the world, the LightWalkerTM. This laser is designed to treat both teeth and gums, allowing us to offer our patients a variety of exciting new treatment options. We are proud to be among the first of a growing number of dental offices nationwide to acquire this breakthrough laser technology.
One of the most exciting new treatments we can offer with this laser is pain-free cavity preparations without anesthetic injections and numbness. While the laser does not replace the dental drill in every case, when it does you will love the absence of the drill whine and vibration!
This laser also allows us to treat gum (periodontal) disease right in our office. The treatment is a gentle and effective way to stop the damage being done by the infection in the gums. Patients who have had this form of laser treatment report that they have little or no discomfort after the procedure.
The LightWalkerTM offers the highest standard of dental treatment, and at the same time simplicity of use in:
- Conservative dentistry
- Endodontics
- Periodontics
- Soft-tissue surgery
- Implantology
- Aesthetic treatments
Soft Tissues – Diode Lasers
Soft tissue/diode lasers can be used to treat gum disease, during root canal therapy and for aesthetic gum recontouring. The targeted light beam vaporizes the intended tissue while leaving the surrounding areas in tact. The beam also sterilizes the area and coagulates the blood vessels reducing the chance for post-operative infection and bleeding. Diode lasers can be used to treat dental problems such as:
- Canker sores, herpetic and aphthous ulcers
- Gum disease
- Gum reshaping
- Laser root canal therapy
- Laser implant recovery
- Frenectomies
- Tongue-tied
- Fibroma removal
Identafi® – Oral Cancer Screening Light
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation,close to 37,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Oral cancer will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day.
The main reason for these grim statistics is not because oral cancer is hard to diagnose, but because it is diagnosed too late – when it is in its advanced stages.
That’s why we at McDowell Dental Group recently invested in a new, advanced screening device that will enable us to perform a detailed oral exam on our adult patients with far more accuracy than we ever could in the past.
The signs and symptoms of oral cancer are often missed by the naked eye, especially in its early stages. The Identafi® Oral Cancer Screening system uses a revolutionary light- wave technology that can help clinicians detect abnormalities that may lead to oral cancer, so that something can be done about it as soon as possible. Early detection means early treatment, and a cure rate of nearly 90%.1
Identafi® uses multi-spectral technology to identify biochemical and morphological changes in the cells of your mouth, throat, tongue and tonsils. These changes are subtle, as they happen at the cellular level, and therefore often go undetected by the naked eye. These changes are made visible through the use of Identafi®’s unique three-wavelength technology, which illuminates possible areas of change that may signal the occurrence or early beginnings of oral cancer.
Here’s how it works:
Using the Identafi® in the “White Light” mode, our doctors/hygienists will first examine the entire oral cavity. The upper portion of the mouth and inner contour of the teeth are examined first, followed by the lower portion of the mouth. The tongue, hard and soft palate, and the pharynx are then examined.
Next, the instrument is switched to the patented 405- nanometer “Fluorescent Violet Light” to identify any areas of abnormal tissue growth, which may be benign or cancerous. Finally, the instrument is switched to “Green-Amber Reflectance Light” to examine the blood vessels around the lesions. Areas with increased diffuse vasculature are more likely to be cancerous.
TENS Unit
The J5 Myomonitor TENS unit delivers controlled electrical stimulation to provide muscle relaxation, increased blood circulation and increased range of motion. This device is used to treat patients with TMJ/TMD dysfunction with Neuromuscular dentistry. In order to alleviate symptoms associated with TMD, neuromuscular dentists relax the muscles of the head and neck to find the optimal physiologic rest position of the lower jaw. The TENS unit is the only way to temporarily break the strong connection and muscle memory your jaw has to bring your teeth together. We use the TENS unit to fabricate an initial Phase I mandibular orthotic to evaluate whether or not NMD treatment will help.
SNAP Digital Smile Design
SNAP digital imaging technology allows us to take a digital picture of a patients smile and create the smile of their dreams within minutes. The patient can view a “before and after” photo of how they would look with straighter, whiter or different shaped teeth. This allows us to show our patients what a Smile Makeover could do for them. It also provides us with a tool to have a more customized, predictable treatment outcome the patient is thrilled with.
Sonicfill is the latest system for restoring teeth with tooth colored fillings. It uses sonic wave technology, which enables the composite to adhere more closely to the surfaces of the prepared teeth creating a superior tooth colored restoration. It also enables the procedure to be completed in half the time compared to convention composite techniques.
Isolite® Systems
Regardless of the clinical application, controlling the oral environment is essential for predictable outcomes. A compromised operative field negatively impacts operator efficiency and treatment results.
Complete oral control with the Isolite® allows us to maximize the efficacy of technique-sensitive dental materials in order to deliver high quality dental treatment and long-lasting restorations. Isolite® protects the patient’s airway from any objects being aspirated or inhaled and also provides extra suction and aerosol elimination when removing old mercury/amalgam fillings.
Home Sleep Study Monitors such as the Medibyte Jr. is used as a screening tool for sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. They are also used to follow up and test patients currently being treated with a sleep apnea appliance.
