Dental Technology
Salem, OR
 At Oak Park Dental, it is our goal to provide you with the highest quality of care. To achieve this goal, we rely on the latest dental technologies. With dental technology, we can perform procedures in a much more effective manner and improve the outcomes of these procedures. Technology helps us to provide your care in a safer, more comfortable way, improving overall patient satisfaction. Here are a few of the technologies that we use here in our office.
X-rays are an important part of dental exams. They allow us to see the hidden components of your mouth so that we can accurately diagnose different issues and provide you with the treatment you need. Digital X-rays use electronic technology to capture these necessary images. Your exposure to radiation is reduced up to 95%.
Additionally, the images taken with digital X-ray technology appear almost instantly on the computer monitor. There is no more waiting around for traditional X-rays to be developed in a dark room. Specialized computer software allows us to manipulate your X-ray images so that we can examine the smallest details in your mouth.
Intraoral Cameras While there is a lot in your mouth that can be seen with the naked eye, some of these structures are harder to examine completely than others. Traditionally, a small metal mirror has been used to take a closer look at some of the harder to view areas. Today, we can more closely examine the visible structures in your mouth with an intraoral camera. This is a handheld wand about the size of a large pen. One end has a small, optical camera on it and the other end is attached to a computer.
The camera allows us to see the structures in your mouth on a monitor. We can also take stills with the camera, which enables us to more closely examine different areas of your mouth without you keeping your mouth open for extended periods.
Ultrasonic Scalers A scaler is a tool that is used to eliminate buildup from the surfaces of your teeth. Traditionally, scalers have been manual, requiring us to physically scrape plaque, tartar, bacteria, and other debris away. While this is effective, the manual scaler can irritate sensitive gum tissue. An ultrasonic scaler is a tool that uses low-frequency sound waves. These sound waves vibrate against your teeth, breaking up buildup and removing it. Not only is the ultrasonic scaler effective, but it is also much gentler on your gums.
 Crowns are common treatments for damaged teeth. Ceramic crowns are the most popular type of crown. This is because they provide aesthetic benefits as well as functional ones. Typically, crowns take two appointments to place.
With CEREC technology, we can provide you with ceramic crowns in just one appointment. After preparing the tooth by removing a portion of the enamel from the affected tooth, we take a digital impression of your mouth. This impression is displayed on a computer. We use specialized software to digitally design your custom crown. The information is then sent to an in-house milling unit.
The unit cuts the crown out of a block of ceramic. It is stained and finished to match the rest of your natural teeth. If any adjustments are needed, they can be done right in the office. Once the crown fits, feels, and looks completely natural, the crown is bonded into place. With CEREC, there is no need for additional appointments or temporary restorations.
3D Scans3D scans provide us with a unique look at the structures inside your mouth. A cone-shaped X-ray beam rotates around your head to capture a series of images. These images are pieced together to create a single 3D image that is displayed on a computer. We can rotate the image to see your mouth from multiple angles. We can zoom in for a closer look. With 3D images, we can examine your jawbone, your joints, your sinus cavities, and the nerve passageways. We can diagnose different issues and plan optimal implant placement. 3D scans show us more information that can be seen in a flat X-ray.
Dental Implants are a modern solution for tooth loss. This treatment uses small titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone. Your bone naturally fuses to the posts in a process called osseointegration. This process stabilizes the posts, turning them into secure replacement roots that provide support for your replacement teeth. Dental Implants provide a more natural restoration to the functions of your mouth and your smile. They also help to restore the stimulation to your jawbone, which helps to stop and prevent bone loss.
Velscope Oral Cancer ScreeningOral cancer is a devastating disease that can be fatal if not detected and treated early on. During your routine dental cleanings and exams, an oral cancer screening is performed. This screening is crucial for detecting the earliest symptoms, enabling you to get the treatment you need right away to stop the disease from spreading. Velscope is a tool that emits a harmless light into your mouth. We then look through a special lens to examine your intraoral tissues. Healthy tissue looks green.
Cancerous and precancerous cells, however, appear black. With Velscope, we cannot only detect the presence of oral cancer but determine a more accurate border for complete removal of the growth.
Laser TechnologyMany dental procedures have required the use of a scalpel. While effective, a scalpel can cause a significant amount of bleeding, as well as a substantial amount of pain and swelling during recovery. A dental laser allows us to perform many procedures that traditionally require a scalpel. The laser uses a concentrated beam of light to remove tissue. As it does, the laser cauterizes tissue, reducing bleeding. It also provides pinpoint accuracy, enabling us to remove only the necessary tissue while reducing tissue trauma.
The advances in dental technology have allowed us to provide you with the high-quality care that you deserve. For more information on the technologies we use in our office, contact Oak Park Dental at (971) 600-0211 today. |
