Digital Impressions, CAD/CAM crowns, and Lasers

As we all know, technology has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years and dentistry is no exception.  The digital age of radiographs is here to stay and has done wonders for early detection of decay and other pathologies.  We have been utilizing digital radiographs for a few years now and I often wonder how we survived without it.  Another new addition to our office is the ability to create all porcelain crowns and veneers in a single visit to the office.  That means no temporary to sit through for 3 weeks and no second appointment to schedule for the permanent restoration.  A digital scan is taken of the prepared tooth and a three dimensional model is created on screen.  We then design a virtual crown on the 3D model to fit the preparation and have it milled right here in the office for permanent cementation.  This type of dentistry is referred to as "CAD/CAM" dentistry and the machine that we utilize is the E4D by D4D Technologies.   A beautiful, natural looking, all porcelain crown completed in one visit! 

 

Lasers have made their way into the dental field in recent years for both hard tissue (teeth and bone) and soft tissue (gingival) applications.  With the use of our soft tissue laser we have been able to replace the scalpel for numerous procedures that a patient may require.  Procedures such as a gingivectomy, frenectomy (tongue-tie), and even “canker sores” can be treated with a laser.  Patients experience minimal discomfort and a quick recovery without the need for sutures.  Having the laser has also been a wonderful adjunct by enabling us to contour the gums around a new crown in order to make it look even better.  If you can “feel a cold sore coming on” then keep us in mind and we can treat it with the laser to help prevent a full eruption.