Technology

Computers in Dentistry

CEREC 3D

Using a camera, a computer and a milling machine, at North River Dental, we can prepare and place natural-looking ceramic fillings and crowns. These new dental components belong to a CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) instrument called CEREC 3D. The instrument allows dentists to repair a damaged tooth in about two hours using tooth-colored porcelain. Dentists no longer need to take impressions or create temporaries. Unlike the old procedure where a second visit was needed to insert the restoration, this procedure is done in one visit.

The CEREC system enables us to satisfy patients seeking long-lasting, esthetic alternatives to silver or plastic fillings. Veneers, partial to full crowns and all other single-tooth restorations can be created by CEREC 3D.

To make the restoration, we use a special camera, which takes extremely accurate pictures of the tooth. The optical impression is transferred and displayed on a color computer screen, where the dentist uses CAD technology to design the restoration. Then CAM takes over and automatically creates the restoration while the patient waits. Finally, the dentist bonds the new restoration to the surface of the old tooth.

CEREC has over a decade of clinical research and documentation to support the technology. The restorations have been proven precise, safe and effective. Over four million restorations have been performed worldwide.

For more information on CEREC click here

i-Cat 3D

Advanced Cone Beam 3-D Imaging is in offices around the world!

The i-CAT™ Cone Beam 3-D Imaging System uses advanced 3-D technology to provide the most complete anatomical information on a patient's mouth, face, and jaw areas, leading to the more accurate treatment planning and predictable outcomes for dental procedures.

The technology and design of the i-CAT puts advanced in-office imaging within the realm of an expanding universe of practices, those that want to place themselves at the center of patient care by providing a full continuum of services from diagnosis to treatment.

The i-CAT, the leader in Cone Beam 3-D Dental Imaging for dental applications only provides high-definition, digital imaging with less radiation to the patient and a typical scan time of only 8.5 seconds. The i-CAT's computer controlled software delivers quick & easy reconstruction of critical anatomical information typically in less than 30 seconds.

i-CAT High Resolution Scans

High Resolution Scans produce images at .2mm voxel size for 3rd molars, root canal relationships, small root fractures, periodontal conditions, and any other anatomy requiring detailed visualization.

Go to i-CAT website for more information.

The Wand

Many patients may get apprehensive when visiting the dentist, especially when an anesthetic is necessary to perform treatment. The sight of a needle or syringe can make the patient very uneasy, which is why we use a groundbreaking new technique called the WAND.

Oftentimes, the discomfort a patient feels comes from the flow of the anesthetic rather than the needle itself. The WAND makes the injection more comfortable for the patient as it emits a balanced flow of anesthetic through the tissue.

The comfort of our patients is important to us, so we are proud to offer this latest technology in our office.

Invisalign

Braces used to be the only way to straighten teeth affected by malocclusion (a bad bite). But now, we have a system called Invisalign that allows us to straighten your teeth without using the brackets and the wires of traditional braces.

The patented Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually reposition teeth. We've chosen to offer the Invisalign system because the aligners are more visually appealing than braces. They're also removable, which makes it easier to clean your teeth after eating. The aligners are smooth and comfortable, and they don't irritate your gums, cheek, or tongue. The Invisalign system also eliminates any allergic reactions that you may experience with metal.

For more information on invisalign click here.

Lasers in Dentistry

Waterlase Dentistry™

In order to bring you a more pleasant dental experience, we use Waterlase Dentistry™ for both hard and soft tissue procedures. Through a combination of water and laser energy (HydroPhotonics™), Waterlase has revolutionized laser dentistry with more accuracy and precision and with your comfort in mind.

With Waterlase Dentistry, we can remove decay, perform a root canal, treat canker sores, herpetic and aphthous ulcers or even create the smile you’ve always wanted. Tooth, bone and gum procedures have never been easier. Procedures that once took several appointments can now be finished in as little as one visit! Waterlase Dentistry can cut into the tissue without the discomfort that heat, pressure and vibration normally causes. Thus, the patient needs less anesthesia or fewer shots. It’s so gentle that the procedures can be completed with little or no bleeding and less swelling.

When performed by a trained dentist, Waterlase Dentistry is extremely safe. Ask us how comfortable your next procedure can be with the new Waterlase Dentistry system.

Diagnodent

In recent years, the widespread use of fluoride has made it more difficult to find and restore cavities early in their development. Fluoride hardens the outer enamel layer of teeth, which means decay has a difficult time gaining a foothold. As a result, cavities are typically smaller and can be much harder to diagnose.  Before a dental explorer would catch on, the decay or the cavity would show up on a routine "X-ray".  Now however, a small cavity can easily go undetected. 

Diagnodent is a laser technology that scans your teeth with harmless pulses of light.  When a cavity is present, fluorescent light of a different wavelength bounces back to the sensor, which is translated to a digital read-out.  In general, a high number indicates a greater amount of decay in the tooth.  When a cavity is present, the Diagnodent also produces an audible signal.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. Your doctor will provide you with pre- and post-sedation instructions.