Technology

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First in Restorative, Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry
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Dental Diode Laser

A dental diode laser is a surgical instrument emitting energy via light beams and used to perform dental procedures without bleeding and with less discomfort. A diode laser contains a solid state semiconductor in its core that is stimulated to produce invisible infrared light. This light creates a thermal reaction on soft tissue, and the wavelength can be adjusted for different uses. A thin glass fiber delivers the energy to the surgical site.

Dr. Proto’s dental diode laser has many applications. It can replace the scalpel, which reduces healing time, the amount of bleeding and the level of discomfort for the patient. It is a precise instrument for the removal of diseased tissue and to reshape gums to create a more attractive smile.

Laser is defined as light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. These devices produce a single-colored light as a source of energy. The dental diode laser is named for the source of energy contained in the center of the instrument.
In patients with gingivitis, a form of periodontal disease marked by inflamed gums, Dr. Proto might use a dental diode laser to reshape tissue surrounding individual teeth. The laser can be used to cut away excess tissue to balance the height and width ratio of individual teeth. This procedure might produce a more symmetrical smile.
Advances in technology make the dental diode laser an adjunct for the treatment of periodontal disease. Bacteria in the mouth might create deep pockets in gums, leading to bone loss. Dr. Proto can remove the bacteria and diseased tissue with a dental diode laser device in mild to moderate cases.

Many patients benefit from laser dental surgery because it has multiple advantages compared to traditional oral surgery. Some of the other uses include soft tissue removal for biopsies, frenectomy, implant uncovering and treatment of cold sores and fever blisters.

Digital Radiography

Dental radiographs (X-rays) can provide essential information about oral health. They are an important part of a patient’s dental record. ProtoDental uses computers to help capture, store and transmit dental radiographs. Dental radiographs produced with special computer equipment and software creates digital images (computerized dental radiographs) that can be displayed and enhanced on the computer monitor.

Digital imaging involves the use of a radiography machine like that used to create dental radiographs made with film. Instead of using film in a plastic holder, we generate digital images using a small electronic sensor that is placed in the mouth to capture the image. When the digital radiograph is exposed, the image is transmitted to a computer processor. Unlike conventional film that may take between three and five minutes to process, a digital radiographic image can be viewed quickly on the computer screen. The image is displayed in a large format on the screen, in comparison with the small films that are viewed on a light box. With digital radiographic images, technical errors often can be corrected to provide an optimal radiograph without having to make another exposure. We can use magnification to enhance specific problem areas of a tooth, as well as alter brightness and contrast in the image. Viewing an enhanced dental radiograph on a computer screen can help our providers better see a problem area. We are also capable of printing, copying and transmitting digital radiographs via secure email. Because the images are stored on the computer, they can be compared easily with future dental radiographs to see if and how conditions have changed. Digital radiographs also eliminate the need for film and film processing chemicals that generate waste.

Dental radiographic examinations require exposure to very low levels of radiation, which makes the risk of potentially harmful effects extremely small. Exposure levels are generally half of what they were with conventional equipment and film. Many diseases of the oral cavity (which includes the teeth, surrounding tissues and bone) cannot be seen when Dr. Proto examines a patient’s mouth. A radiographic examination may help him see small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings); bone destruction from a tooth infection (for example, an abscess) or a cyst; bone loss due to periodontal (gum) disease; developmental abnormalities; some types of tumors; the effects of trauma and the position of unerupted teeth in children and adults.

Cone Beam CT

ProtoDental is one of the few general practices on the south shore that is able to perform cone beam computed tomography on site. Our CS 9000 3D Extraoral Imaging System has become an indispensable tool in diagnosis and treatment planning. We can produce high quality digital panoramic images as well as 3D cone beam scans. The knowledge obtained from these scans has the ability to influence the effectiveness and efficiency of dental treatment. A dental CBCT scan offers the views and detail needed to perform the latest procedures, while avoiding the unnecessary higher levels of radiation emitted from medical scans. Three-dimensional data generated from these scans offers a “surgical view” or slices of the entire field of view from the front, side and under the patient. They assist with determining bone structure, tooth orientation, nerve canals and pathology. For dentists like Dr. Proto who place implants having this information beforehand is imperative in determining anatomical variations that can affect the procedure’s success or failure.

We ascribe to the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) protocol concerning radiation levels. This protocol guides us to expose patients to the least amount of radiation possible while still gaining the 3D Image 1most pertinent information for diagnosis. The focused field feature of the CS 9000 3D also significantly reduces the amount of exposure by limiting radiation to the area of study.

The time needed for a single scan is typically under 30 seconds and the radiation dosage is up to a hundred times less than that of a regular medical CT scanner.

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ProtoDental

First in Restorative, Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry

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