Our Technology
Panorex
A panorex is a very impressive piece of imaging machinery in that it is capable of identifying many issues and structures that a normal x-ray is not. Initially you will sit in a chair with your chin on a small ledge. Once positioned in the machine, it will rotate around your entire head taking a full 360 degree view of the teeth, head, sinuses and bones.
The ability to view the full structure of your head as a whole is very informative to the dentist. It will allow us to see any potential problems and make sure that everything is functioning as it should be. The panorex is capable of viewing specific types of structural problems, infections or asymmetry among many others.
Intraoral Camera
The intraoral camera is an amazing diagnostic tool for viewing different angles in the mouth that we would not have been able to just a few years ago. The camera gives us the ability to view the entire mouth on a monitor so that we can get a closer look at any potential issues or problems that may arise. In addition, the patient will have the ability to see for themselves first hand the same images we are seeing. These digital images are also excellent for gaining procedure acceptance from insurance companies.
Electric Handpieces
There are basically two types of handpieces, air-driven and electric. Electric handpieces are much stronger than air-driven due to the fact that a motor is spinning the bur as opposed to air. This allows the doctor to remove decay at a faster pace. This will cut down on the time it takes to complete a procedure.
Rotary Endodontics
Endodontics, more commonly known as root canal, is a procedure where the roots or nerves of the tooth are removed. This is often due to the fact that they are infected and the tooth is causing pain.
Rotary Endodontics is a way of performing the root canal utilizing a specific electrical handpiece. This tool often makes the process faster and allows the dentist to perform the process with greater ease.
I-Tero
No more goop, gagging, or discomfort. Using an iTero scanner, your orthodontist can take a highly accurate digital impression of your teeth and jaw. The new technology completely eliminates the tray and putty impressions, where the experience is comparable to stuffing a big wad of gum in your mouth. The old technique is incredibly unpleasant and frequently results in taking multiple rounds of impressions that can be rejected, broken, or misplaced. The iTero scanner ensures a more accurate impression from the start, resulting in improved treatment and a more comfortable patient experience. Digital impressions also give you the ability to see your teeth instantly in 3D, improving communication during the consultation and treatment process. How Does it Work? The iTero scanner digitally captures the structure of the teeth and gums using the latest optical technology. The scanner is a compact, hand-held wand. Once your orthodontist begins the scanning process, it can be stopped and started as many times as necessary. Your mouth is scanned with a radiation-free laser, and in as little as two to three minutes, the laser renders a digitally perfect, 3D impression of your teeth and soft tissue structures. Through digital software, you’ll then be able to follow the progress of the scans, including a 3D model of your teeth on our computer screen. The iTero scanner can be used for any orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign
CEREC
No Temporary.
No Messy Impressions.
One Easy Appointment.
CEREC is an advanced dental technology that is utilized for the restoration of decayed, cracked, or chipped teeth. CEREC can create full crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers. The CEREC machine crafts a restoration in a matter of minutes. CEREC restorations are made of compressed porcelain. The most beneficial feature of receiving a CEREC restoration is that it is accomplished in one visit. In addition to the benefit of a one visit restoration, there is no uncomfortable impression material to bite on or temporary to wear.
Procedure
The procedure for placement of a CEREC restoration is very simple. The first step is to remove all decay from the tooth. The doctor will then shape the tooth in preparation to take a digital picture. The tooth is then sprayed with a very fine powder. This allows the digital camera to take an acceptable image. Once this image is captured, the tooth will appear on a computer screen in 3D. This will allow the doctor to design the restoration right in front of you. Once the design is completed, the CEREC will mill the restoration. This step takes approximately 15 minutes. You can actually watch this process if you would like. When the restoration is finished milling, the doctor will place the restoration. The entire process should take just over an hour.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are a very important part of the dental visit for the patient. With the advances in modern technology, we are now able to pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution. The ability to do so is extremely important in being able to treat any issues prior to them becoming a major irreversible problem.
The oral cancer screening is often completed with an ultraviolet light or similar device that allows us to view issues that can’t always be detected by the human eye under normal conditions.
Certain lifestyle choices can have a great impact on the health of tissues and your overall health in the mouth. If you are a smoker or heavy drinker, make sure to get regular screenings when you visit the dentist.
Digital X- Ray
Digital x-rays are quickly becoming adopted by a large percentage of the dental industry. A digital x-ray allows the dentist to take an image of the tooth or teeth and put it into an imaging program. Within this imaging program, there are a number of tools that will allow the dentist to take a very close look at the teeth and surrounding structures with amazing accuracy. As a benefit to the patient, the digital x-ray also provides nearly 80% less radiation than a standard x-ray. This is due to the fact that the digital version of the x-ray is much more sensitive to this radiation and has been specifically designed with the patient in mind.
3D Printing
Dental 3D Printing (also known as Additive Manufacturing) is a technology that allows dentists and labs to fabricate custom dental appliances and models directly from a digital design. Instead of cutting material away (like milling), 3D printers build objects layer by layer using liquid resin or powdered material.
LANAP
LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a minimally invasive surgical therapy used to treat moderate to severe gum disease (periodontitis). Unlike traditional surgery, it does not involve scalpels or sutures.
Here is a brief breakdown of how it works, the benefits, and the recovery process.
How the Procedure Works
The treatment is typically performed in two 2-hour sessions (one side of the mouth at a time).
Probing: The dentist uses a probe to measure the depth of your periodontal pockets (the gap between tooth and gum).
Laser Sterilization (First Pass): A specific laser fiber (about the width of three human hairs) is inserted between the gum and tooth. It selectively vaporizes bacteria and diseased tissue without harming healthy tissue.
Cleaning: Ultrasonic scalers are used to remove tartar (calculus) from the root surface.
Clot Formation (Second Pass): The laser is used again at a different setting to stimulate the soft tissue, root, and bone. This creates a sticky fibrin blood clot that seals the pocket closed, acting as a natural “band-aid.”
Compression & Bite Adjustment: The tissue is pressed against the root (no stitches required). The dentist then adjusts your bite to ensure your teeth hit evenly, preventing trauma to the healing tissue.
Key Benefits
“No Cut, No Sew”: Because there are no incisions or stitches, patients typically experience much less pain and bleeding compared to traditional osseous surgery.
Regeneration: LANAP is FDA-cleared to regenerate new bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament (the tissue that holds the tooth in place), potentially saving teeth that might otherwise need extraction.
Gum Preservation: It preserves healthy gum tissue, resulting in less gum recession (the “long in the tooth” look) than traditional surgery.
Lower Infection Risk: The laser kills significantly more bacteria than manual scraping alone.
Recovery
Downtime: Most patients can return to work within 24 hours.
Pain: any discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter medication (e.g., Ibuprofen).
Diet: You will likely be on a strict liquid or “mushy” diet for the first few days to a week to avoid dislodging the blood clots that are essential for healing.
Who is it for?
It is generally recommended for patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease (deep pockets of 5mm or more) who want to avoid the pain and recovery time of traditional flap surgery.
LAPIP
How the Procedure Works
The LAPIP protocol follows a minimally invasive “L.A.N.A.P. for implants” approach:
- Vaporization: A tiny laser fiber is inserted between the implant and the gum. The laser energy kills bacteria and vaporizes diseased tissue and toxins.
- Debridement: Ultrasonic scalers are used to clean the surface of the implant, removing any remaining tartar or biofilm.
- Blood Clot Stimulation: The laser is used a second time to stimulate the bone and soft tissue, creating a stable “fibrin clot.”
- Healing: This clot acts as a natural seal, allowing the body to reattach the gum tissue to the implant and potentially regenerate lost bone.
Key Benefits
- Saves the Implant: It is often the last line of defense before an implant has to be completely removed.
- Less Pain: Because there is no cutting or sewing, patients typically experience much less post-operative discomfort compared to traditional flap surgery.
- Faster Recovery: Most people can return to their regular routine within 24 hours.
- Precision: The laser distinguishes between healthy and diseased tissue, preserving the “gum line” and aesthetic appearance around the tooth.
Why It’s Used
Peri-implantitis can cause the bone supporting an implant to dissolve. If left untreated, the implant will become loose and fall out. LAPIP is unique because it is one of the only treatments that has shown the ability to facilitate bone regrowth around an existing implant.
LAR
LAR (Laser Assisted Regeneration) is the broader umbrella category for regenerative laser procedures. While LANAP acts specifically on natural teeth and LAPIP acts on implants, LAR describes the underlying physiological goal of both: using laser energy to rebuild lost bone and connective tissue rather than just cutting away infection.
Here is the breakdown of the LAR concept:
The Core Concept: Regeneration vs. Resection
Traditional gum surgery is often “resective,” meaning the doctor cuts away gum tissue and drills down bone to reduce pocket depth. LAR is “regenerative.” Its goal is to reverse the damage by stimulating the body to grow back the bone, cementum, and ligaments that were lost to disease.
How LAR Works (The Science)
LAR procedures typically utilize a specific wavelength of laser energy (variable pulsed Nd:YAG) that interacts with human tissue in a unique way:
Selective Destruction: The laser is attracted to darker colors (pigments). Since diseased tissue and bacteria are darker than healthy pink gums, the laser targets and vaporizes only the bad stuff, leaving healthy tissue completely intact.
Photobiomodulation (Biostimulation): The laser energy penetrates the gum and bone, warming the area. This energy “wakes up” your body’s stem cells and growth factors.
The “Closed System”: By creating a sealed blood clot (as seen in LANAP/LAPIP), the laser creates a protected environment. Inside this seal, your body can rebuild the complex architecture of the tooth or implant support system.
Key Benefits of the LAR Approach
True Regeneration: It is the only methodology histologically proven (via microscope analysis) to form new bone, new cementum (root coating), and new periodontal ligament (the shock absorber).
Tissue Preservation: It follows a “tissue-sparing” philosophy. Keeping your natural gum line intact is crucial for aesthetics and protecting the roots.
Versatility: The LAR protocol can be adapted for natural teeth (LANAP), dental implants (LAPIP), and even certain cosmetic gum contouring procedures.
Recovery
Because all LAR procedures avoid large incisions and sutures, the recovery profile is consistent:
Minimal Bleeding: The laser cauterizes as it works.
Reduced Swelling: Less trauma to the tissue means less inflammatory response.
Fast Return to Function: Most patients resume normal schedules within 24 hours.
Who is it for?
The LAR category is for any patient who has been told they have bone loss or “deep pockets” and is facing potential tooth extractions or implant removal. It is the modern alternative for patients who want to save their natural biological structures.
Sedation
If the idea of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on feelings of fear or anxiety there are options to ease the anxiety. Oral conscious sedation is as easy as taking an aspirin and you will feel relaxed and at ease. Oral conscious sedation does not “knock you out” like some other forms of anesthesia. You will remain awake during your procedure, but you will be in a heightened state of relaxation. It is also possible that you will not remember part, or all, of your procedure.
Oral conscious sedation is extremely safe and easy. It is much less expensive than other forms of sedation, and you will be able to talk and breathe on your own during the procedure. It also makes long or complex procedures seem shorter, allowing you to have all of your work done in a single visit. As an added precaution a local anesthetic will be given to the area that is being worked on to ensure that there is no pain. You will need to have someone drive you to and from the office if you use oral conscious sedation for your safety.
Don’t wait any longer to have necessary dental work performed because you are nervous. Ask your dentist about oral conscious sedation to see if it is right for you.
If the idea of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on feelings of fear or anxiety there are options to ease the anxiety. IV sedation is very safe and easy and is recommended for moderate to severe anxiety. Medication is given right into your blood stream and it works quickly and effectively. You will remain awake during your procedure, but you will be in a heightened state of relaxation. It is also possible that you will not remember part or all of your procedure afterwards.
IV sedation makes long or complex procedures seem shorter, allowing you to have all of your work done in a single visit in many cases. As an added precaution a local anesthetic will be given to the area that is being worked on to ensure that there is no pain. The benefit of IV sedation is that the level of medication can be adjusted during your procedure to ensure maximum comfort. Your heart rate and breathing are monitored very closely while you are being medicated because your safety is our number one concern.
Don’t wait any longer to have necessary dental work performed because you are nervous. Ask your dentist about IV sedation to see if it is right for you.
Anxiolysis is a form of oral sedation using a light sedative, such as valium. It is not as strong as oral conscious sedation, so it is recommended for those with mild to moderate anxiety. You will remain conscious for the procedure, but any tension and anxiety will fade away. You will be able to talk and breathe on your own during the procedure as well. What can be a nerve-racking experience for some is morphed into a relaxing experience.
After the procedure you will even be able to drive yourself home since anxiolysis uses a light sedative. If you have been fretting having dental work done, call us to learn about our anxiety free options for dentistr
Nitrous Oxide, known to many as laughing gas, is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by your doctor. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In most cases all dental work can be completed in one visit while you are sedated.
Nitrous oxide sedation is very safe and effective. Once the procedure is over the nitrous oxide will wear off fairly quickly, and you will probably be able to drive yourself home and return to your daily activities.
You will need to have a preliminary visit with your dentist to make sure that you are an eligible candidate for nitrous sedation. If you have been worried about your next dental visit its time to stop! Ask us about sedation dentistry and schedule your appointment today.
Who is a candidate for sedation?
If you have anxiety or fear about going to the dentist you are a candidate for sedation dentistry. If you have a fear of pain, have had a traumatic dental experience in the past, or the sounds and smells of a dental office make you nauseous, sedation dentistry can help you get over your anxiety.
Some people have physical reasons, like a bad gag reflex or very sensitive teeth, which make them a candidate for sedation dentistry as well. If you are not sure if you are a candidate ask your dentist.
Will I be unconscious?
No, but you will be in a deep state of relaxation during your treatment. You will still be able to breathe on your own and communicate, but you will not feel any pain or anxiety. You may not even remember the procedure afterwards.
How long will I be sedated?
Sedation can last from about 2-6 hours depending on the strength of sedative you are given and how long your procedure takes.
Will I be monitored?
Yes, at all times during your sedation someone will be with you. We also monitor your vitals to make sure they remain at a normal level. Safety is of the utmost importance to us.
Are there any long term effects of sedation?
No. You will feel a little groggy and “out of it” after some forms of sedation, but after a few hours you will feel like yourself again. You will need to have someone drive you home from your appointment in these cases.
What procedures can be performed under sedation?
Just about any procedure can be performed with sedation. The sedation is not for the procedure itself, but for the anxiety that accompanies the procedure. Ask your dentist if sedation is available for a particular procedure.
How many appointments will I need to complete my dental work?
In most cases it only takes two appointments. The first appointment will be a consultation to check your health history and make sure you are a candidate for sedation. The next appointment will be to perform the necessary procedures. This can usually be done in one appointment, but may require a follow up visit.
Will my insurance cover sedation?
In most cases it will not be covered by your insurance provider. We will review your insurance coverage and let you know if it is covered or not. If it is not covered, we will let you know the cost and, if necessary, we can put together a financing plan for you.