Technology

Also referred to as cone beam CT Dental cone beam computed tomography (CT), we use this technology when a regular digital x-ray doesn’t provide the information we need to plan treatment. Cone beam CT scans provide highly detailed, three-dimensional images of dental structures that we can’t see on a two-dimensional x-ray. 

Images from dental CT scans show dental structures, soft tissue, nerve pathways, and bone in a single scan. We use them to plan precise dental implant placement, extractions, and root canals. 

Digital x-rays allow us to capture images of the mouth that our dentists can’t see with a visual examination. Digital x-rays are low-dose, meaning they expose patients to about 80 percent less radiation than film x-rays. 

We use digital x-rays to diagnose and monitor dental conditions and precise treatment planning. The digital images produced with these x-rays are also invaluable for educating and informing patients about their dental health needs. Digital x-rays become a part of a patient’s history and are always available to our dental team for viewing as needed.

There are many triggers for dental anxiety, and one of the most common is the sound and sensations of an air-driven dental drill. Since our handpieces are electric, there’s no high-pitched whining sound and no uncomfortable vibration.

Electric handpieces also allow our dentists to be precise when preparing teeth to receive restorations like fillings, crowns, bridges, or veneers.

Patient education is an important part of the services we provide. Our intraoral cameras are one of the best tools for keeping patients informed about their oral health.

During a dental exam, our dentist uses a handheld digital camera to take real-time images of your teeth that are displayed on your chairside monitor. Knowledge is power, and because patients can see what the dentist sees, they are better able to make more informed and confident treatment decisions.

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas has been used safely in dentistry for over 100 years. It is the perfect choice for short-term sedation because it helps patients remain calm and comfortable during treatment but has no lingering after-effects.

Nitrous oxide is blended with oxygen and delivered through a small nasal mask. As you inhale, the soothing effects come on quickly but dissipate just as fast once we stop the flow of gas. Shortly after your appointment, you will be able to drive yourself home safely.

When a digital x-ray doesn’t provide all the detail our dentist needs, we turn to panoramic x-rays. A panoramic x-ray provides a single continuous image of all your teeth in just a single view. Because of the level of detail provided, panoramic x-rays allow our dentist to precisely plan numerous procedures, including orthodontics, dental implant placement, tooth extractions, and root canals.

If you have ever had a traditional root canal with manual instruments, you are going to love our efficient, comfortable rotary endodontic technology. The traditional method for root canal treatment is for the dentist to use a series of steel files to remove the infected pulp from the affected tooth.

No manual instruments are involved with rotary endodontics, so there are no uncomfortable sounds and sensations. Instead, the rotary technology uses a flexible nickel-titanium tip to ensure that every trace of infected material is removed from the tooth. 

Root canal treatment is efficient and comfortable with rotary endodontics, which also helps us ensure more positive long-term outcomes. 

If you have ever had a dental impression taken, you know it can be a messy and often uncomfortable process. With digital impressions, we offer a no-mess way to take highly precise and accurate dental impressions.

We use our digital intraoral scanner with advanced software to create a 3-D virtual model of the mouth’s hard and soft tissues that you and our dentist can view together.

Oral cancer isn't hard to detect or diagnose with routine screenings. Unfortunately, survival rates are often low because oral cancer isn't detected until its later stages. Your good oral and general health are crucial to us, and we use VELScope technology to easily detect abnormal oral tissue, including those that are cancerous or pre-cancerous.

With early detection using VELScope, the 5-year survival rate for oral cancer is close to 90%.

Laser dentistry isn't a recent innovation and has been widely used for over 25 years! Using dental lasers, we can complete treatments so comfortably that, in many cases, patients don't require anesthetics. 

Some of the ways we use laser dentistry at our San Diego dental office are:

• Treat gum disease
• Treat canker sores and cold sores
• Recontour the gumline

Dental lasers also reduce bleeding, shorten treatment and healing times, and help minimize the risk of infection after treatment.