Advanced Technologies

“State of the Art, Advanced Technologies Benefit You, The Patient.”

T-SCAN: COMPUTERIZED DENTAL OCCLUSAL ANALYSIS SYSTEM

For years, dental occlusal analysis has been largely a matter of guesswork for dentists. Articulation paper, waxes, pressure indicator paste, etc. were all we had to assess and balance the biting forces. Most of these methods are not sensitive enough to detect simultaneous contact, and none measure both biting time and force. The T-Scan system is a valuable tool that aids in the diagnostic process of analyzing a patient’s bite to show what is and what is not functioning properly. When a bite is unstable, it can cause pain, broken restorations, gum disease, tooth loss, headaches, and TMJ disorder. The T-Scan is so sensitive that it allows us to evaluate your bite for discrepancies as small as 0.01 inch.

SAFE MERCURY AMALGAM REMOVAL

We follow the approved protocol for removing mercury amalgam fillings, established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine. In addition to a protective rubber dam, we use a hepa filter vacuum that draws the amalgam and toxic vapors away during the drilling and removal process. Additionally, we use mercury ionizers that act as magnets for any mercury that should escape into the room. Oxygen is brought into the room for added office purification and protection of staff and patients.

MERCURY-FREE MATERIALS

We follow the approved protocol for removing mercury amalgam fillings, established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine. In addition to a protective rubber dam, we use a hepa filter vacuum that draws the amalgam and toxic vapors away during the drilling and removal process. Additionally, we use mercury ionizers that act as magnets for any mercury that should escape into the room. Oxygen is brought into the room for added office purification and protection of staff and patients.

MERCURY-FREE MATERIALS

With the many new choices of dental materials available, we offer a variety of mercury-free options for fillings, crowns, and inlays. As older mercury amalgam fillings become worn out, we can replace them with less toxic materials that are biocompatible with the patient. These materials can also be matched to the teeth in color, looking much more natural.

MATERIAL BIOCOMPATIBILITY

We determine and adhere to biocompatibility when selecting the materials to be used in a patient’s dental work. There are many choices of materials on the market. In a situation where a patient has allergic reactions to regularly used materials, alternative materials can be substituted. If a patient has sensitivities, allergies, or other concerns related to materials, we can recommend testing methods that are available to determine a compatible match.

SEDATION DENTISTRY

For anxious patients we offer sedation (sleep) dentistry, utilizing drug protocols developed by the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS), www.sedationdentistry.com. For your safety, all sedation patients are monitored in accordance with DOCS and California Dental Board recommendations.

FREQUENCY SPECIFIC MICRO CURRENT THERAPY

Our dental office is unique in that we are pioneering a new therapy to relieve pain and inflammation. Inflammation in the teeth and gums is the most serious of dental conditions, as it can spread infection to other locations in the body and lead to serious disease. For years, physicians, chiropractors, osteopaths, and acupuncturists have used low-level amounts of electrical current to reduce areas of inflammation in the body.

Dr. Chalmers is in the process of developing the protocol for a similar therapy system to reduce swelling, bruising, and pain in post-surgery dental patients. One major use would be to reduce difficult-to-access root canal infections that, when left untreated, can damage other parts of the body. This therapy could also be used to heal pain and inflammation that occurs in some patients when wearing braces.

DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY

Digital x-rays offer many advantages over traditional x-rays. The main benefit is that patients’ exposure to radiation is greatly reduced. Another benefit is time saved. Since the digital images are visible immediately, there is no waiting. The elimination of chemical processing also keeps the dental office environment cleaner and more eco-friendly.

SOFT-TISSUE LASER SURGERY

Lasers are fast becoming the preferred method for soft-tissue dental surgery. We use a 980nm Soft Tissue Laser in all our soft-tissue surgeries to enhance the periodontal treatment of our patients. This technology is less traumatic than traditional surgery and reduces the amount of swelling, bleeding, and post-operative pain. Oftentimes laser surgery can be done without anesthesia, and afterwards patients heal and recover much more quickly. The laser can also be used to provide instant relief for patients suffering from canker sores.

DIAGNOSTIC LASER TECHNOLOGY

We use a Diagnodent Diagnostic Laser to detect cavities in their earliest stages, before they can be manually detected. This benefits the patient in that decay caught when first starting can be reversed, preventing the need for fillings at a later date. This technology allows for a more thorough, comprehensive caries exam than is possible with traditional, mechanical methods, and it minimizes our need for x-rays. Learn More

MELISA TESTING

Mucosal changes around dental metal fillings such as lichen planus may be due to an allergic reaction to the metal content. Replacement of fillings in metal-sensitive patient leads to disappearance of the symptoms. Allergic reactions to metals used in dental prosthesis and braces can be measured in MELISA®.
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ORAL POTENTIAL READINGS

The Oral Potential Meter II aids the dental professional in detecting potential caries. It performs measurements of certain electrochemical properties of various metallic restorations.

OZONE FOR DENTISTRY

In patient care, ozone is utilized in two forms: (1) ozonated water and (2) pure oxygen/ozone gas. Using these two agents in combination allows the Dentist to treat all oral infections using only oxygen and water! Regardless of the location or the type of infection ozone is able to treat almost any situation. The ozonated water is the perfect irrigation solution for periodontics and endodontics. For operative dentistry, periodontics and endodontics, ozone gas is used to reach and penetrate areas such as: carious dentin, dentinal tubules, accessory canals and periodontal pockets where no other antibiotic or disinfectant can reach. Learn More

3D CONE BEAM READINGS

Computed tomography (CT) imaging, also referred to as a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan, involves the use of rotating x-ray equipment, combined with a digital computer, to obtain images of the body. Using CT imaging, cross sectional images of body organs and tissues can be produced. Though there are many other imaging techniques, CT imaging has the unique ability to offer clear images of different types of tissue. CT imaging can provide views of soft tissue, bone, muscle, and blood vessels, without sacrificing clarity. Learn More

VELSCOPE FOR CANCER SCREENING

It is an early oral cancer detection device, used in combination with traditional oral cancer examination procedures. The Velscope allows the health care professional to visualize mucosa (tissue inside the mouth) abnormalities that may require biopsy. Velscope, by detecting pre-cancerous lesions early, may save thousands of lives. WATCH VIDEO from NBC DC News on the use of Velscope for Cancer Screening.