Lincoln CA Dentist Staying Up to Date with Dental Technology
Precision Dentistry
We use the latest in technology to enhance the quality and comfort of your dental care experience. Our practice uses high-power microscopes to enhance the precision care for our patients. Dentistry is micro-surgery and by using a microscope that is similar to the one that an ophthalmologist uses, enables us to create dental restorations with a precise fit and finish. In addition to this precise work, the microscope directs a beam of light directly on the teeth, which minimizes the glare for our patients.
Many dentists use air-driven "handpieces" (the dental term for drills) which is acceptable for many procedures but these noisy, air-powered hand pieces all have a degree of non-concentricity; which means that they do not rotate smoothly. For the most precise restorative procedures, we use electric handpieces. This results in precise interfaces between your tooth and your new restoration (crown, veneer, or filling). This will bring more comfort to you as well, with a more precise tool there are less vibrations and less noise.
Digital Imaging
Dr. Collins and Dr. Nolan carefully decide upon which and when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that we follow and radiographs allow us to see everything we cannot see with our own eyes. Radiographs enable us to detect cavities in between your teeth, determine bone level and analyze the overall health of your bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of your teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess damage when trauma occurs.
Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating and maintaining dental health. The exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. We utilize Digital Imaging Technologies in our office, with digital imaging, the exposure time is about 50% less when compared to traditional radiographs. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information and allows us to store patient images which enables us to quickly and easily transfer them to specialists or insurance companies.
Digital X-Rays
Digital x-rays are more precise since we can view the image on a computer monitor, instead of holding up a 35mm film up to the light. Digital x-rays results mean less radiation exposure to our patients.
Laser Dentistry
Laser Dentistry may be the perfect choice for our patients who don’t look forward to needles, drilling or numbness! The laser delivers energy in the form of light and depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a "target." In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, gum tissue or whitening enhancers. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others. Laser dentistry can be used for both tooth and soft tissue related procedures. Local anesthesia is often not required. Unlike the dental drill, with laser dentistry, there is no heat or vibration which makes the procedure more comfortable for our patients. For soft tissue (surgical) procedures, it eliminates the need for suturing and healing is much faster. Lasers can be used to diagnose cavities, finding the hidden decay in teeth in early stages and in some cases, the decay can be reversed through hygiene and fluoride treatment that may never need filling.
- Cavity diagnosis and removal
- Curing, or hardening, bonding materials
- Whitening teeth
- Periodontal, or gum related care
- Pediatric procedures
- Aphthous Ulcer treatment (canker sore)
- Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) without anesthesia or sutures
- Root canals and apicoectomies
- Crown lengthening, gingivectomy, and other gum corrections
Intraoral Camera
Many of our patients, especially younger patients, are familiar with the latest technology and are comfortable with high-tech practices. Computers and TV screens are their primary method of information processing. Dr. Collins and Dr. Nolan utilize intraoral camera technology that enhances how you understand your diagnosis. An intraoral camera is a very small camera - in some cases, just a few millimeters long. An intraoral camera allows us to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums in order for us to make an accurate diagnosis. With these clear, defined, enlarged images we can see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. This can mean a faster diagnosis with less chair time for you! Intraoral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These images can be printed for you, other specialists or your lab or insurance companies.
