Your dentist in Waco uses a number of modern tools and techniques to provide you and your loved ones with better care. Some of the most exciting of these advances are digital x-rays, intraoral cameras and 3-D cone beam imaging. Let’s take a look at these and other cutting-edge innovations.
A Newer, Better Type of X-Ray
If you’re a vintage movie buff, then you may have seen scenes of doctors developing x-rays the old-fashioned way. The process was time-consuming, required using a number of toxic chemicals and exposed the patient to elevated amounts of radiation.
All that’s in the past thanks to modern digital x-rays. This updated approach enables the creation of high-precision images in much less time and by using only a fraction of the radiation once required. Best of all, digital x-ray technology enables the dentist to treat oral health issues with a degree of effectiveness and safety unimagined just a few years ago.
3-D Cone Beam Imaging
This procedure creates a 3-D map of your teeth and the surrounding bones. It uses only a minute amount of radiation and ensures not only the patient’s comfort but better treatment results as well. The term “cone beam” refers to the shape of the imaging rays used in the process.
Intraoral Cameras
What if you could ensure better dental care for yourself simply by biting down gently on a small wand -shaped device? That’s exactly the kind of benefit you can enjoy thanks to intraoral camera technology. This approach enables the dentist to spot cavities and other problems before they become serious. It also takes the guesswork out of fitting crowns, bridges and other dental prosthetics. The process takes only seconds and requires no special preparation on the patient’s part.
MRI Soft Tissue Imaging
Digital x-rays are fine for giving your dentist a picture of your teeth and surrounding bones. But what if you’re suffering from a soft tissue condition? That’s where dental MRIs come in handy. This technology helps dental professionals to treat conditions such as TMJ, facial tumors and some forms of hearing loss.
Laser-Enhanced Cavity Detection
This technique enables dentists to spot signs of tooth decay and other problems in their earliest stages, making your treatment options more efficient and less invasive. It uses concentrated light beams to look at your teeth from a microscopic point of view, vastly exceeding what’s possible with an old-fashioned visual exam.
3-D Dental Impressions
Dental impressions are sometimes necessary for creating dentures or other restorative products. But dental putty is arduous for both dentist and patient. 3-D dental impressions techniques avoid these problems while enabling the restoration to last longer, fit more precisely, and blend in perfectly with the surrounding teeth and gums.
It’s All about Accuracy
You may be wondering what all of these exciting new forms of dental therapy have in common. We can answer that question in one word: accuracy. The more precisely your dentist can see what’s going on in your mouth, the easier and more effectively he or she can provide the right therapeutic solution. So make an appointment to see your dentist in Waco soon. After the appointment you’ll have more reasons than ever to smile.
About the Author
Dr. Rick Cofer earned his DDS degree from Baylor School of Dentistry. He has been serving the people of Waco from his office here at Premier Dental since 2012. You can reach his office online or by calling (254) 732-0309.