New Technology

Caries ID

One of the most important things we do for our patients is identify and fill cavities. Since any spot of decay can threaten the integrity of an entire tooth, detection is key to preventing a host of potential problems. Lengthy poking and probing sessions have been an acceptable, if not very comfortable, part of dental exams for years. However, such methods of decay detection are only 50 to 75-percent successful. Cavities can hide along fissure lines or inside biting and occlusal surfaces. Further, mechanical exploratory methods are limited to finding only those cavities that are equal to or larger than the probe head. To make the process more comfortable and comprehensive, we use Caries ID, a revolutionary handheld device that utilizes LED and fiber optic technologies to find cavities in the earliest stages.

The Caries ID handpiece contains three separate fibers: a receiving fiber, a green indicator fiber, and a red indicator fiber. The first fiber collects light from the tooth, comparing the reflection against a healthy, baseline reflection. caries idThe second fiber emits a green light, indicating healthy tissue. If the Caries ID detects any demineralization or decay, the red light illuminates and alerts the doctor of the change in tooth structure. Not surprisingly, this technology quickly and precisely identifies even the tiniest bit of decay. This means shallower, simpler fillings, preserving more tooth structure, and providing a specific means of monitoring suspicious areas. No x-rays are required with Caries ID, so patients do not have to worry about radiation exposure.

Planmeca 3D Cone Beam Xray Unit

We have a state of the art x-ray unit that we use to image the teeth, bone, sinuses and supporting structures.  The Cone Beam CT is great for checking thejaws to see if there is sufficient bone for implant placement; looking at roots of the teeth for fractures and abscesses.  This 3D x-ray can also be used to look for cyst and tumors of the jaws.