Dentist in Asheboro
Asheboro Family Dentistry
350 North Cox Street Suite 11
Asheboro, NC 27203
(336) 609-5921

Technology

In our state-of-the-art practice, we utilize the most up-to-date technology for the benefit and comfort of our patients.

Air Abrasion

Air abrasion is a minimally invasive technology that offers an alternative method for removing decay from teeth. It may also be used to prepare the surface of a tooth for a bonding procedure, the application of sealants, or for removal of certain stains and discolorations of the tooth enamel.

Air abrasion operates like a mini sandblaster emitting a precise stream of fine particles that can be aimed at the affected areas of the tooth. As the stream of particles strike the tooth’s surface the decay is efficiently and gently removed. Utilizing this method the dentist is able to remove the soft decay, while leaving healthy tooth structure intact.

The advantage of air abrasion technology is the elimination of the harsh sound and vibration of the dental drill. This is often a plus for individuals who are uncomfortable or anxious about getting dental treatment. Moreover, using air abrasion technology may eliminate the need for local anesthesia.

While air abrasion is an excellent, simple, quick and effective alternation to the dental drill, it does have some limitations. Treating large cavities and the removal of old fillings in some cases may still require a more conventional approach.

Anesthesia Wand

The Wand is a computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery system designed as an alternative to the traditional method of getting a tooth numb in order to perform a dental procedure. A state-of-the-art digital platform for local anesthesia, The Wand controls the injected flow rate and pressure with which the anesthetic is being delivered for a more accurate, consistent, and painless patient experience.

In addition to being a gentler approach to local anesthesia, The Wand eliminates the lingering numbness of the tongue, lips, and face that typically accompanies dental procedures with conventional syringe injections. Delivering painless and rapid onset single tooth anesthesia using this technology significantly reduces patient anxiety, thereby making dental work a more positive and comfortable experience. With the rapid onset of anesthesia facilitated by The Wand, along with the absence of collateral numbness, the dentist can perform bi-lateral dental procedures that would otherwise require extra visits.

Cone Beam CT Imaging

Cone-beam computed tomography systems are radiographic systems used by dental professionals to analyze and reconstruct 3D images of a patient’s teeth, jaws and surrounding anatomy. The information obtained by means of CBCT imaging is useful in both diagnosis and precise treatment planning when two-dimensional diagnostic films are insufficient. Dental CBCT is useful for multiple types of analyses as well as the assessment of maxillofacial disorders or pathology. It is also most useful in surgical planning, including the accurate placement of dental implants.

Digital Dental Impressions

By using intra-oral optical scanning devices, the need for patients to have a messy conventional dental impression taken of their teeth is eliminated. Digital optical impressions enable the dentist to more efficiently and effectively obtain an accurate computer generated representation of their patient’s teeth along with the surrounding tissues. In addition to being much more comfortable for the patient, a digital impression eliminates the need for the dentist to either create a stone model from the impression, or to mail the impression directly to the laboratory for any type of work to be done. Digital impression information is transmitted electronically, significantly reducing the turnaround time of any needed outside laboratory work. Digital impressions are also integral to systems that produce same day, in-office ceramic restorations.

Digital X-Rays

Digital radiography utilizes computer technology and digital sensors for the acquisition, viewing, storage, and sharing of radiographic images. It offers several advantages over the older traditional film based methods of taking x-rays. The most significant of theses advantages is that digital radiography reduces a patient’s exposure to radiation. Other benefits are that images can be viewed instantly after being taken, can be seen simultaneously as needed by multiple practitioners, and can be easily shared with other offices. Digital x-rays are also safer for the environment as they do not require any chemicals or paper to develop.

An electronic pad, known as a sensor is used instead of film to acquire a digital image. After the image is taken, it goes directly into the patient’s file on the computer. Once it is stored on the computer, it can be easily viewed on a screen, shared, or printed out.

Intra-Oral Camera

An intraoral camera is a miniaturized camera that can take high-resolution images inside of the mouth and display them for viewing in real time on a computer screen. It is a pen-sized device that provides an up close, full-color and high-resolution view of the teeth and surrounding soft tissues.

An intraoral camera is a wonderful communication tool that allows the dentist to directly show a patient a close up view of every tooth and the nearby soft tissues. With this technology any areas of concern can be instantly displayed and discussed.

The intraoral camera can also capture individual images that can be saved as part of a patient’s permanent record. These saved images can be reproduced when needed for use by other dental specialists, a dental laboratory, insurance companies, and others.

Laser Decay Diagnosis

A dental laser is a valuable diagnostic tool that aids in the detection of dental decay. Used as an adjunct to a comprehensive clinical examination and radiographs, dental lasers are especially helpful for identifying cavities that lay beneath the surface of the tooth, in the pits, fissures, and proximal areas. Using laser fluorescence to differentiate between healthy and decayed tooth structure, this advanced technology can achieve over 90% accuracy in detecting early cavities. By facilitating the detection of cavities in their earliest stages, this precise and gentle technology helps to preserve the greatest amount of healthy tooth structure.

Laser Dentistry

Among the many significant advances in modern dentistry has been the development of dental laser technology. Today, dental lasers are being increasingly used to treat tooth decay, periodontal disease, perform biopsies or for the removal of oral lesions, to cure restorative (filling) materials, as well to activate in-office teeth whitening systems.

Dental lasers combine laser energy with water and air to safely cut and shape targeted areas of soft or hard tissues in the mouth. Laser energy precisely cuts through tooth structure by exciting the water molecules in the tooth. It operates without direct contact to the tooth and without heat, vibration, or pressure thereby minimizing the discomfort of the procedure and the need for dental anesthesia. In addition, dental lasers can reduce anxiety for patients fearful of dental work, minimize post-operative bleeding and swelling, and preserve healthy tooth structure during the removal of decay.

While dental lasers may be an excellent treatment option in some situations, they cannot be used for every dental procedure.

Same-Day Crowns (CAD/CAM)

At the pinnacle of advanced healthcare technology, the CAD/CAM restorative systems and software solutions enable dental practices to provide their patients with “same day” in-office ceramic restorations. With same-day technology your dentist can take digital impressions, create virtual models, and precisely mill the highest quality ceramic restorations all on the very same day. Using this advanced approach to care eliminates the need for messy impressions, the inconvenience of multiple dental appointments and the extra wait required with outside laboratory-fabricated restorations.

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