Advanced Dental Technology

Digital X-rays

Using the most advanced dental technology possible is just as important as staying up-to-date on the latest treatment techniques. Because our practice is dedicated to providing you with the safest and most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital X-ray technology in our office.

Digital X-rays provide several advanced imaging options designed to save time, provide clearer dental photos, and expose patients to less radiation than traditional X-ray technology.

Our practice is focused on making your dental experience as comfortable as possible. At your next appointment, we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have about our digital X-ray technology.

CBCT System

Getting an accurate view of all anatomy and conditions for a dental patient is a common challenge that dentists face. Traditional x-rays are often standard procedure for this task, and are quite effective. A relatively new technology has made the process simpler, safer, and far more effective. This amazing technology is our dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography, or CBCT system. This diagnostic tool allows x-rays to be taken more quickly and provides the ability to see in three dimensions. CBCT has been extremely valuable for the investigation of impacted teeth, temporomandibular joints, orthodontics, implant planning, and pathology.

How is the CBCT obtained?

Dr. Morales and his team will guide you through standing and positioning in the scanning unit. During the dental imaging procedure, the CBCT scanner rotates around the patient's head. In less than 30 seconds we obtain up to nearly 600 distinct images of your smile, including mouth, jaw, teeth, and supporting structures.

Intraoral Scanner

Until now, the traditional system to represent the patient’s prepared tooth or teeth was by making dental impressions with materials such as alginate or silicones, which in some cases caused discomfort to the patient (gag reflex, bad taste ...), and required more time in the office for our patient and team. Our intraoral scanner is a device that is used to capture a direct digital impression of the prepared tooth/teeth.

How does the scanner work?

The scanner projects a light source onto the area to be scanned. The images are captured by imaging sensors and are processed by scanning software, which then produces a digital 3D model. These images are forwarded digitally to our dental lab who fabricates the beautiful custom restoration(s).

Intraoral Camera

You know the importance of prevention when it comes to your dental health, and we’re always looking for new, improved ways to help you achieve a healthy smile for life. While X-rays provide valuable information, they don’t give a complete view of everything that is going on inside your mouth. With the use of an intraoral camera, we can see every aspect of your teeth and mouth with incredible detail, uncovering cracked teeth, plaque deposits, cavities next to fillings, and excessive wear. When we can discover oral problems early on, your treatment is much less invasive and much more cost effective.

Our intraoral camera is small, about the size of the mirror we use during your regular hygiene appointments. You probably wouldn’t even notice we’re using it, except that with the intraoral camera, you have the opportunity to see everything we see on a monitor. This is a great tool to help you become more informed about your dental health, as it gives you a clear understanding of your teeth’s condition, and it allows you to make a more informed decision regarding your treatment options.

DIAGNOdent Laser Cavity Screening

DIAGNOdent is a revolutionary new way for your dentist to find even the smallest areas of tooth decay and cavities. By using the advanced DIAGNOdent technology, we are able to treat small cavities and areas of tooth decay before they become larger issues requiring multiple procedures. DIAGNOdent is a quick, comfortable process that helps you and your doctor keep your smile healthy and happy for a lifetime.

How does DIAGNOdent work?

DIAGNOdent uses a precise laser scanning system to scan over all of your teeth while sending out an audio signal and registering a digital read-out. By measuring the fluorescence within each tooth's structure, your dentist can identify where there may be cavities developing in the small spaces between, on, and around your teeth.

DIAGNOdent is comfortable and takes only a few short minutes to scan your entire mouth for cavities and decay. Detecting tooth decay as early as possible helps eliminate the number of costly treatments that you may need down the line and helps treat small problems before they become serious dental cases.

Not all cavities are noticeable without the help of the advanced DIAGNOdent laser screening.

Most tooth decay begins in the tiny cracks and grooves of your tooth's surface. By the time the cavities are noticed, it's often because there is a much larger problem, and the cavity itself was never seen or felt by the patient.

With the widespread use of fluoride, many of these cavities never make it to the tooth's surface, and instead begin eating away at the tooth from the inside out. The DIAGNOdent laser helps locate these small areas of decay.

If you would like to be screened for possible tooth decay and cavities, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment. Help your teeth stay healthy!