At Ignite Dental, we have implemented cutting-edge dental technology.
Our office has digital X-ray sensors, an intraoral camera, a 3D scanner, an air particle abrasion unit, and more.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-ray sensors are a replacement for traditional film-based X-rays or semi-digital phosphor storage plate (PSP) X-ray films. Digital x-ray sensors offer many advantages: faster and higher resolution imaging, lower radiation exposure, and improved patient comfort.
Digital X-ray sensors are rectangular and rounded in the corners; like traditional films, they are still placed into the patient’s mouth to capture the X-ray image. However, digital X-ray sensors connect to the computer, and each time you take an X-ray, the computer software will display the X-ray image in real time. Because of the higher resolution, we can enhance the quality of the X-ray images or zoom in on specific areas of interest.
The primary benefit to patients is the significant reduction of radiation exposure. Digital X-ray sensors are much more sensitive to radiation. Therefore, they reduce the amount of radiation needed for an X-ray image. Studies have shown that digital X-rays can require up to 80% less radiation than PSP X-rays and up to 90% less radiation than traditional X-ray films to produce a higher-quality X-ray image so that you can receive the diagnostic benefits of X-ray imaging with minimal radiation exposure.
Digital X-ray sensors also eliminate the need for chemical processing and individual film packaging waste, making this dental technology more environmentally friendly.
Intraoral Camera
An intraoral camera is a dental device that captures high-quality images of a patient’s mouth and teeth. These cameras are small, lightweight, and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for capturing detailed images of hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
Intraoral cameras are wand-like and equipped with a camera and a bright LED light. The camera captures images of the teeth and gums, which we can display on a computer screen in real time or save for future reference. Intraoral cameras capture images for documentation and analysis purposes for future reference to track if any changes occur over time. However, the main benefit of intraoral cameras is that they allow patients to understand the condition of their dentition. Patients can see the surfaces of their teeth, almost like what the dentist can see. Thus, it makes it easier for patients to understand their oral health and presents treatment options.
Overall, intraoral cameras are valuable dental technology for professionals and patients to understand their oral health.
3D Scanner
A dental intraoral scanner is a device used in digital dentistry that captures a three-dimensional (3D) image of a patient’s teeth, gums, and oral structures. It is a hand-held wand with a camera placed inside the patient’s mouth to capture images of the teeth and gums from various angles. The intraoral scanner uses a combination of light projection and imaging technology to capture detailed images of the patient’s teeth and gums. These images are stitched together utilizing computer software and a graphics processing unit to create 3D models of the patient’s teeth and surrounding gums. An intraoral scanner can capture a full arch for as little as 60 seconds and the color detail within the teeth. With a 3D model of the patient’s teeth, planning and completing a range of dental procedures is possible.
Intraoral scanners are commonly used for various dental applications, including orthodontics, implant planning, restorative dentistry, and smile design and monitoring of a patient’s dentition for any changes that may occur over time. Intraoral scanners are predominately used to create digital impressions of the teeth, eliminating the need for traditional impression materials that can be uncomfortable for patients.
Overall, dental technology such as intraoral scanners have revolutionized digital dentistry, providing an accurate, efficient, and patient-friendly way to capture a model of the patient’s teeth and gums.
Air Particle Abrasion
Air particle abrasion is a dental technology that involves the use of a high-pressure stream of air and abrasive particles to prepare teeth for restorative procedures such as fillings, sealants, and crowns. This specialized handheld device delivers a steady stream of water and fine aluminum oxide particles for air particle abrasion. The aluminum oxide particles will microscopically roughen the prepared tooth surface, creating more surface area for better adhesion for bonding restorations such as fillings and crowns. Air abrasion is also used to clean out the anatomical grooves on posterior teeth before placing sealants.
Overall, air particle abrasion is a valuable dental technology that allows for precise cleaning of the tooth before sealants are applied. Resulting in better adhesion for restorations.