No More Drill! Air abrasion is a relatively new decay removal and tooth preparation tool that we often use in place of the traditional dental drill. The air abrasion system is so gentle, patients often do not need anesthetic.
A part of medical surgeries for many years, lasers now offer dental patients precise, efficient, and effective minimally-invasive treatments, as well as reduced healing time. They also function in many other capacities to improve patient care and treatments.
Dr. Whitmore uses digital dental X-Rays to provide even better dental care and more accurate diagnoses. The process of digitally capturing an image is much faster, safer and more comfortable for our patients.
The digital dental X-ray system is more sensitive than dental X-ray film systems, so your exposure to X-rays is cut by as much as 90 percent. The large, color-enhanced images let you see what your dentist sees, so it's easier for you to understand how your dentist will treat your teeth. Your fees don't include payment for photo chemicals, film, processing or film storage. Used photo chemicals and film are not polluting the environment. Your dental checkups take less time, and it's fun to watch this system work! Most patients are amazed.
Early decay detection with DIAGNOdent can give you the opportunity to deter or repair tooth decay in the earliest stages. Laser technology provides a thorough and comfortable method for finding decalcification and decay.
One of the new technologies available in dentistry today is what is called an intraoral camera. Dr. Whitmore uses intraoral cameras as part of your examinations. One of the advantages is that, not only can he see things that he couldn't see before, but you as the patient can also see the same thing. So, when you visit our office, sit comfortably back in your chair and get ready for the show. The intraoral camera is a pen-sized wand that we place in your mouth. It is covered with a disposable plastic sheath for cleanliness. It takes a video of the inside of your mouth, which you can see on a TV screen at the side of the dental chair. Dr. Whitmore will point out problem areas to you and use the images to help explain his recommendations for treatment. The result? You become an informed partner in your dental care rather than being just a bystander.
Besides just seeing these problems, the intraoral camera magnifies them greatly. With this as an aid, Dr. Whitmore can spot leaky fillings and cracks in teeth much earlier than we used to be able to do before this invention. And in dentistry, anytime we discover a problem sooner, it is almost always easier to fix and less expensive, besides avoiding unnecessary pain and dental emergencies.
Dr. Whitmore tries to incorporate all of these useful new technologies into his practice. They increase the quality of care and your level of comfort. In addition, the intraoral camera in particular also helps raise your level of understanding of dental problems.
