Dental Technology Dana Point CA

DIAGNOdent®

The DIAGNOdent is a laser device that measures fluorescence within the tooth structure giving an indication as to whether a cavity exists. This technology can detect a cavity at its earliest stage before it is detectable by an x-ray or instrument. This translates into more accurate early detection so that a conservative filling can be placed thus preserving the maximum amount of tooth structure.

Leaders in the field of cavity research agree: conventional methods of cavity diagnosis are inadequate and outdated for modern dentistry. Harder and more resistant enamel can conceal aggressive sub-surface decay. Manual probing with a dental explorer is often an ineffective means to detect cavities as the enamel defect may be too small or inaccessible to the explorer tip. Bitewing x-rays, although effective in revealing advanced stages of decay, are unsuccessful in detecting early cavities, especially in the complex anatomy of pits and fissure areas.

Because 80% of cavities occur in the occlusal (biting surface) anatomy it can remain virtually undetected with traditional diagnostic methods until significantly developed. The DIAGNOdent is a reliable, non-invasive supplement to the contemporary dentist’s arsenal of diagnostic procedures and is highly effective in detecting cavities at an early stage where teeth are most vulnerable.

In a study conducted by Dr. Lussi of Berne University, Switzerland, general practitioners correctly diagnosed hidden fissure areas by visual inspection in only 57% of all cases. The same group achieved an impressive success rate of 90% with the DIAGNOdent. In fact, the DIAGNOdent was far more accurate than any method in the study including bitewing x-rays.

If you are interested in an explanation of the technology, surf to this link (www.kavousa.com) and search for DIAGNOdent.

More information on DIAGNOdent. (pdf)

Computerized Digital Radiography

Our office features Computerized Digital Radiography (CDR) by Schick. As you know, x-rays play an important role in the diagnosis of dental problems and CDR gives us the accurate images we need to treat you properly – but does so with up to 90% less radiation than regular x-rays.

What’s more, Schick CDR images are instantaneous on the computer. They are easier to interpret and understand than conventional x-rays. They can also be magnified 300 times, manipulated to correct contrast and even color adjusted to reveal hidden problems. Also Schick CDR doesn’t require the harsh chemicals of developing so there is a beneficial effect on the environment.

We will still take only the minimal necessary number of x-rays needed to make an accurate diagnosis, but thanks to Schick CDR they’ll be safer, better and faster for everyone concerned.

More information on Computerized Digital Radiography. (pdf)

Intraoral Camera

We currently utilize two different systems of intraoral cameras in the office: the Vipercam and the Acclaim systems. Both are handheld cameras that are used to capture images within the oral cavity. These images are used for patient education and increased level of diagnosis due to magnification. The digital pictures also serve as indisputable documentation for insurance companies.

Equipped with the new generation CCD technology, the Vipercam delivers a bright, crisp image with true colors. The actual camera quickly slides in and out of a docking station for easy transfer from one room to the next. The Acclaim camera functions the same only it has a weight of only 2 ounces.

It is amazing to view this technology and you can plainly see on the screen why the proposed treatment is necessary.

More information on the Intraoral Camera. (pdf)

Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry is one of dentistry's latest advances. For patients who do not look forward to needles, drilling, or numbness, laser dentistry may be the right choice because in many instances the laser can be used without anesthesia. The Laser delivers energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a "target tissue". In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, dentin, decay, gum tissue, or bone. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others. Laser dentistry can be used for both tooth and soft tissue related procedures. Often times no local anesthesia is required. Unlike the dental drill with laser dentistry there is no heat or vibration, making the procedure quite comfortable for most patients. What you feel is a cold sensation and many times this can be made more tolerable by adjusting some of the parameters of the laser. For soft tissue procedures it eliminates the need for stitching and healing is much faster and comfortable because the damage to the underlying tissue is only a few cell thicknesses thick instead of much deeper as with the scalpel or electrosurgical unit.

Lasers can be used to diagnose cavities also (see Diagnodent). They can find hidden decay in teeth in early stages, and in some cases the decay can be reversed through hygiene and fluoride treatment and may never need filling.

Areas of dental care that benefit from laser technology:

• Cavity diagnosis and removal
• Curing, or hardening bonding materials
• Whitening teeth
• Periodontal, or gum related care
• Pediatric procedures
• Apthous Ulcer treatment (canker sore)
• Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) without anesthesia or sutures
• Root Canal cleansing and apicoectomies
• Crown lengthening, gingivectomy and other gum corrections

Click here for a complete list of FDA cleared procedures or more info on the Biolase MD Laser (hard and soft tissue) or Diodent (soft tissue only):

• http://www.waterlase.com/fora.html
• http://www.biolase.com
• http://www.conbio.com/dental/diodent/default.asp

Dental lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for treating both children and adults.

Gum Disease Laser Therapy

Periodontal or gum disease happens when bacteria gets below the gum line and the attachment between the gum and tooth is lost. Three out of four Americans have some form of periodontal disease and only 3 out of 100 will ever get treated before it’s too late.

Gum disease is a silent, chronic, painless and communicable bacterial infection that often goes undetected or ignored until severe gum and bone destruction is unbearable and no longer able to be ignored. Left untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss and traditional treatment can hurt.

The latest conservative gum therapy uses a laser. The laser gently disinfects and evaporates diseased tissues from around the tooth and inside the gum pocket. This treatment interrupts the bacterial destruction of the tissues and bone, giving the gum pocket a chance to heal. Systematic repeated visits, generally 2-8 weeks, allow the gum pocket to be disease-free and sometimes allow tissues to reattach to the pocket back to a normal or near-normal depth. This new laser therapy is gentle, less painful, has a quick recovery. While surgery may still be indicated for severely advanced periodontal cases, laser therapy is a much more conservative, effective and comfortable option for beginning to moderate periodontal cases.

More information on Diodent. (pdf)

X-Rite® ShadeVision™ System

The X-Rite is a computerized shade taking device. We can take digital pictures with the instrument and send them to the lab via the internet where its special computer program allows them to be analyzed in detail. Using this instrumentation allows the lab technician to fabricate crowns, bridges and veneers using a totally objective approach limiting human error. With all the specific variations within each tooth it becomes extremely difficult for the dentist to communicate exacting details to the technician. The X-Rite greatly increases the chances of satisfying even the most demanding of patients on the first try.

An overview and dentists’ testimonials. (pdf)

Neuromuscular Dentistry

The Myotronics K6/K7 is a state of the art computer technology that is used in practicing what we term Neuromuscular Dentistry. We have a special section in this website which focuses on the specifics of neuromuscular dentistry but briefly, it is the practice of dentistry which approaches patient treatment taking into consideration not only the teeth but also the muscles and TMJ joints as well. This instrumentation is used primarily when the patient’s existing bite is the cause of TMJ problems or a more ideal bite is advantageous when reconstructing a patient’s whole bite.