Technology in the Office - Page 4
The Wand
A computerized anesthetic delivery system. Some patients get more nervous than others at the mere sight of a needle. Discomfort from a dental shot is mostly due to the feeling of pressure created by the flow of dental anesthetic. THE WAND¨ doesn't look like a traditional syringe, so the patient's initial apprehension is minimized. During the actual injection, the development of an anesthetic pathway combined with computer controlled constant flow assures that there is minimal awareness that the injection is even being given. THE WAND¨ represents the first major technological advance in anesthetic delivery since the syringe was first invented nearly one hundred fifty years ago. This provides quicker numbing of the teeth, without the usual numbness of the tongue, lips and face. This computer controlled anesthetic delivery system also eliminates that "fat face feeling" that can last for hours.
Implant Drill
Used to place implants. Your cosmetic dentist of the future can place implants, as well as restore them, with cosmetic crowns. Implants are titanium posts that get integrated into the bone and serve as a replacement for the root of a tooth. After the implant is given adequate time to heal, it is restored with a natural looking crown. In some cases an implant can be restored with a crown the same day it is placed, but not always, a correctly done implant can have as much as a 95% success rate and helps maintain the bone. Implants can be used to replace one tooth or all your teeth. Make sure you have implants for a choice when replacing a tooth!
Zoom One hour Whitening
This hi tech instrument was seen on ABC's hit Extreme Makeover. It uses an intense ultraviolet light to activate a high concentration of whitening gel on your teeth. The end result-8 to 10 shades whiter in about an hour. In today's busy world who wants to wear a bleaching tray everyday for 10 days and put up with all that sensitivity. We found that most of our guests were only wearing them for a few days and complained of sensitivity. One hour whitening takes compliance out of the picture and eliminates a lot of the sensitivity. The whole process costs around $500 dollars and the results can usually last from one to two years or even more depending on your habits. Teeth whitening is the most requested cosmetic dental procedure, according to the AACD with 29% of patients requesting it.
Ultrasonic Scaling Technology
Designed to deliver the best dental hygiene care. Combines ultrasonic scaling technology and air polishing. How it works- An electric current is applied creating a magnetic field causing the tip to vibrate. In ultrasonic units, the water spray necessary to cool the tip undergoes a transformation producing cavitational activity within the water that is capable of disrupting bacterial cell walls. The water used also produces a constant flushing activity and can be used with antimicrobial solutions. Ultrasonic scaling is done with a light touch compared to hand scaling.
Education
All the technology in the world can not make up for the amount of post-gradate education in takes for a dentist to keep up with cutting edge cosmetic dentistry. Dental school does not teach a dentist to be proficient in today's technological advances. Make sure your dentist stays current by regularly attending advance training institutes and is an active member of dental groups such as The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). No investment in technology can replace the need for a dentist to continuously reinvest in their own education.
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