A few decades ago, the dental landscape was quite different. Dentists may have had X-Ray machines in their office, but beyond that, they might have had very few tools to help them be as precise and accurate as possible when they were diagnosing and treating patients. Thankfully, it is a different story today. A state-of-the-art Frisco dentist is here to discuss some of the instruments that are designed to improve the entire dental care experience.
Accurate Diagnoses and Treatment Planning
X-Rays, visual examinations, and manual dental probes are all still essential. However, they do not always provide the level of detail that is necessary for accurate diagnoses, especially if a dental problem is still in its early stages or developing in a part of the mouth that is difficult to see with the naked eye. A few pieces of technology that help with accurate diagnoses include:
- CBCT scanner. A CBCT scanner, also called a cone beam scanner, uses the same type of radiation as a normal X-Ray. However, it captures a much higher level of detail. The images it produces are even three-dimensional. CBCT machines are often used when dentists are planning to perform root canal therapy and other complex procedures.
- Cavity detection device. The Carivu cavity detection system uses near-infrared light to highlight even the earliest signs of decay on teeth. In some cases, it can catch cavities so early that they might still be reversible!
- Intraoral camera. An intraoral camera sends a live image feed to a nearby monitor. As your dental team moves the camera around your mouth, they can get a clear view of the nooks and crannies in your oral cavity that are challenging to see during a normal visual examination.
Precise Treatment
Precision in dentistry helps procedures to be as conservative and minimally invasive as possible. A few ways in which technology aids precision include:
- Digital impressions for perfectly fitting restorations. Even the smallest mistake when taking a manual dental impression can affect the way a crown or bridge fits. Digital impressions reduce the risk for human error and lead to restorations that provide optimal fit and function.
- Soft tissue laser for surgeries. A soft tissue laser, such as the Picasso Light, is more precise when cutting tissue than a regular scalpel. Plus, it cauterizes the tissue as it moves, which greatly reduces bleeding and can eliminate the need for sutures. In many cases, laser-based procedures are so comfortable that local anesthesia is not necessary.
What advanced tools does your dentist in Frisco use? Learning about the technology in their office can help you understand what to expect during your next appointment.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Deval Parmar has more than 13 years of experience in dentistry. She keeps up with the latest advancements in dental technology and has invested in all of the instruments mentioned in this blog post. If you would like to learn more about her and how our team utilizes technology to benefit our patients, contact Archway Dental at 972-972-4646.