The latest dental services are not just about improving smiles; they also enhance overall health. However, new technology must be paired with human expertise to achieve the best results.
Millions lack access to affordable oral healthcare. Improving this situation by expanding dental coverage in public health programs and medical insurance is essential to improving lives.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
CBCT scans can provide dentists with 3D images of a patient’s oral and sinus structures. They can also help them identify potential complications and plan for surgery with precision. From a business standpoint, advanced technology can boost patient loyalty and make it easier to convert one-time visitors into long-term patients.
Unlike traditional CT scanners, CBCT systems are smaller and more compact with a flat panel detector that sits upright. The X-ray source and panel rotate around the patient, so patients don’t have to hold still as they do in other types of dental imaging. In addition, CBCT emits less radiation than CT and standard X-rays, which is a huge benefit for our patients.
CBCT scans translate complex dental jargon into images that everyone can understand. This “show-and-tell” approach can demystify complex procedures and encourage patient participation in their care, fostering a more personalized journey to a healthier smile. In addition, a curated treatment plan helps reduce stress and eliminate the need for costly detours or pesky surprises down the road. Patients can feel confident knowing that their dentist has everything under control with a clear roadmap to success.
Intraoral Scanners
Rather than taking traditional impressions with messy and uncomfortable materials, intraoral scanners provide patients with a less invasive experience and an accurate digital impression. These digital models can be exported to the dental laboratory for fabrication of a variety of restorations and appliances.
The accuracy of a digital impression is crucial for the quality of your result. An intraoral scanner that is both precise and fast can reduce the time your patients spend in the chair, which may help to alleviate anxiety for those who find visiting a dentist stressful.
All intraoral scanners are designed to capture a 3D image of the oral structure, allowing you to identify and trace the contours of the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. However, there are many different types of intraoral scanners on the market, ranging from video scanning to laser scanning technology.
While image quality and precision are essential, it is important to balance these considerations with other factors like software integration, compatibility, and cost. Choose a scanner that offers both an optimal combination of these elements to maximise functionality and value for your clinic.
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth with permanent tooth restorations. The result is a new set of healthy, natural-looking, and functioning teeth that are virtually indistinguishable from your existing ones. Dental implants improve your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.
Before you can receive dental implants, our dental professionals will evaluate the health of your gums, jawbone, and overall oral hygiene to make sure you are a good candidate for this treatment. This includes addressing any gum disease to ensure there is enough bone left for implant insertion. In addition, we may recommend a bone graft to replenish the implant site before you can undergo the procedure.
During your consultation, we will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions you might have. We can also discuss your sedation options, including oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation. We will also provide an approximate cost and timeline. If you have insurance coverage for dental implants, we will check your coverage before scheduling your surgery. Our office offers financing for implant services.
Dental Crowns & Fillings
A tooth filling or dental crown can restore damaged teeth and prevent future deterioration. Both treatments offer different benefits depending on the extent of tooth decay or damage. It is important to understand these differences to choose the most suitable option for your oral health needs and aesthetic goals.
Among the latest dental services, composite fillings are a popular treatment for cavities and minor chipped teeth. They are a safer alternative to amalgam fillings and provide improved aesthetics. Additionally, they are less invasive, which means that more natural tooth structure can be preserved.
For moderate to significant tooth decay or damage, a dental crown is usually recommended. Often referred to as “tooth caps,” they are designed to mimic the shape, size, and color of the surrounding natural teeth, allowing them to function normally and protect the underlying healthy tooth. They are also more durable than fillings and can withstand biting and chewing forces. However, crowns tend to cost more than fillings and may require multiple visits for placement. Therefore, it is vital to evaluate cost and insurance coverage when choosing between these options.
Cavities
A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by decay and bacteria. It can be painful if it gets too big, and it can lead to infection or loss of your tooth. However, if you catch it early, your dentist can fill in the hole and prevent future cavities from forming.
You can develop cavities by eating or drinking foods and beverages that contain sugar and by not brushing and flossing your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth turn the sugars into acid that damages your teeth’s enamel and dentin. This process is called demineralization, and it starts in the outer layers of your teeth.
Your dentist can identify a cavity in its earliest stages by probing your teeth with dental instruments and using dental X-rays. They can also use fluoride treatments to repair the damage to your teeth, which is called remineralization. Early treatment can reverse a cavity and prevent it from growing bigger, so schedule regular visits to your dentist.