Digital Dentistry
Our dentists use technology tools to assist them in all phases of general, cosmetic and implant dentistry. From the moment you arrive in our office, you will see and feel how digital technology systems can make your experience with us more comfortable, convenient and informative.
Dental Technology in our Dalton Dental Office
If you think about how much smartphone technology has advanced over the past decade, dentistry is very similar. From traditional procedures like dental impressions and fillings, to more advanced dental implant restorations and reconstructive dentistry, technology plays a role in all of the services that we provide for our patients. A few of the systems that we enjoy using in our Dalton dental office include:
Waterlase Dentistry™
Our dentists use Waterlase® for making changes to hard and soft tissue during restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. With a fine, incremental action accompanied by a water spray for comfort, the dental laser can sometimes be used instead of the dental drill for fillings.
The dental laser has a coagulating effect, so most soft tissue procedures can be performed with minimal post-operative discomfort. The dental laser is also used in root canal procedures to eliminate harmful bacteria and disinfect the internal structure of the tooth. And, a benefit that patients appreciate, Waterlase Dentistry® procedures can often be completed with less anesthetic, or in some cases, no anesthetic at all.
Dental Imaging
Digital Impression Scanner
Any patient that has ever had a dental impression would definitely agree that it is not something they look forward to when they visit the dental office.
Our office is equipped with digital scanning technology that gives us the ability to take ‘digital impressions’ of your teeth using a dental camera wand. We will send your file electronically to the dental lab for production of crowns, bridges and dentures. The digital model is 3-dimensional, so the dentist and lab can study an exact replica of your teeth and bite to discuss the details of your case. Digital technology also helps eliminate handling dental impressions back and forth between the dental office and the lab, allowing for a ‘greener’, more efficient process.
Dental CT Scan CBCT (cone beam computed tomography)
Dental CT radiography provides our dentists with diagnostic x-ray information about the patient's teeth, jaw and jaw joints (TMJ). Dental CT scans are 3-dimensional and can be rotated to view multiple angles. This type of image provides the dentist with helpful information when evaluating the jaw bone for placement of a dental implant or confirming the location of a tooth root during a root canal. Our dentists also use the dental CT scan image to create a surgical guide for dental implant placement surgery; this is a mouth tray that is pre-marked with the selected location for the dental implant that provides the proper bone level and bite position to aid in healing.
Digital Dental X-rays & Intraoral Cameras
Our dentists use digital dental x-rays in the dental examination process to look for signs of tooth decay, periodontal infection, bone loss or abnormalities like dental abscesses or tumors. These electronic x-rays can be sent to the insurance company or dental specialist, if needed. Digital dental x-rays greatly reduce the amount of radiation exposure as compared to the traditional dental film of the past.
Intraoral cameras are small cameras that are about the size of an electric toothbrush. Our dentists and dental hygienists use these to show you close-up pictures of your teeth and gums.
Local Dalton Dentist
Our general and cosmetic dental practice serves families from Dalton and nearby communities. If you are trying to find a digital dentist near you, we invite you to Contact Patterson & Hughes Family Dentistry to schedule a new patient visit. We look forward to meeting you!