High Tech Dentistry

Intraoral Camera

Many patients, especially younger patients, are very familiar with the latest technology and are more comfortable with the high tech practice. Computers and TV screens are their primary method of information processing.

Dr. Stephenson utilizes intraoral camera technology that helps enhance your understanding of your diagnosis. An intraoral camera is a very small camera. In some cases, an intraoral camera is just a few millimeters long. An intraoral camera allows our practice to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums, in order for us to accurately make a diagnosis. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair-time for you!

Intra oral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These treatments can be printed as for you, other specialists, and your lab or insurance companies.

Precision Dentistry

When you seek care at our office, you are assured that Dr. Stephenson and her staff utilizes the latest in technology to enhance the quality and fit for your dental care.

Our practice high power loops and head lamps to enhance the precision of patient care.

Many dentists use air-driven "hand-pieces" (the dental term for "drills") exclusively. For the most precise aspects of restorative procedures, we use electric hand-pieces. This results in extraordinarily 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 is less vibration and less noise!

Digital Radiography

Dr. Stephenson chooses carefully which and when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that we follow. 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 health of bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of 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. Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. Dr. Stephenson utilizes Digital Imaging Technologies within the office. With digital imaging, exposure time is over 90 percent less when compared to traditional radiographs. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information. We may be able to see cavities better.

The advantages of digital imaging enables us to not only store patient images, but also enables us to quickly transfer them to appropriate specialists or insurance companies.

Digital X-rays offer more precision since we view the image on a computer monitor, instead of holding up a 35mm film up to the light. Digital X-rays results in less radiation exposure to you. This also eliminates the need for developer and fixer solutions in the office which increases health and safety in our office and decrease the environmental impact.

We have Piezo and Ultrasonic scaler technology that allow a higher level of care of the periodontal structures during cleanings and restorative treatment.

CEREC™

Cerec is definitely here to stay and we will likely see the trends in providing dental care incorporate the use of Cerec machines. I have and continue to study this equipment and do not feel the quality is refined enough yet to incorporate it into my treatment recommendations in my office. My office is extremely high tech, yet I evaluate different offerings through the lens of how it will take care of the concerns of my patient’s best overall. I welcome conversations about different high tech equipment should anyone have questions about our philosophy.