In order to ensure that our patients receive the best care, we make a habit of researching and putting into the use the most current technology available. From digital impressions to Piezosurgery, our office utilizes a wide variety of technology to achieve the best results no matter what the treatment.

Low Dose Digital X-Rays

More dentists are switching from traditional x-ray film to digital x-rays. This type of diagnostic technology uses electronic sensors connected to a computer to get all the same images possible with traditional x-rays. Some benefits include:

• The patient receives 80-90% less exposure to radiation.
• Images created with this technology can be viewed instantly and can be enlarged on the spot.
• No film is required, meaning there’s no need to use or dispose of harmful waste and chemicals.
• Low dose digital x-rays are more accurate, giving us a better chance of finding any problems in your mouth.
• We perform these scans outside of the mouth, making it a much more comfortable process

X-rays are essential to the dental process. They allow us to examine problem areas in your mouth that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Areas between your teeth and under your gums are exposed, allowing us to find problems such as:

• Bone loss
• Decay between your teeth
• Abscesses
• Cysts

CBCT Scanner

Another way we can take x-rays of your mouth is through our CBCT scanner. This system makes taking images at different angles simple. A CBCT machine is a special unit that requires the patient to sit in a chair while a mounted camera moves around their head. The benefit to this is that instead of having to stop and adjust the camera after every image, the machine simply moves itself, taking images as needed.

This machine captures detailed images of your teeth, gums and jawbone. From these images, it constructs a 3D image of your mouth. All of this is done using a low dose of radiation, ensuring that your x-rays will not harm your health.

Computer-Guided Implant Surgery

This technology is especially useful for our patients researching dental implant treatment. Through the models created by our CBCT scanner, we can virtually place an implant before the surgical appointment. Through these simulations, we are better able to plan a patient’s treatment and ensure the highest chance of success.

Digital Impressions

The days of stone models and messy materials are over, as we are now able to create impressions digitally. This cutting-edge technology allows us to create computer-generated replicas of the soft and hard tissues in your mouth. We do this using lasers and other scanning technology. With this tool, we can have clear and accurate impressions of your mouth in minutes. And these digital impressions can be taken without any of the traditional, messy materials used in the past.

Currently, there are two types of technology that allow us to capture the images needed to create these impressions. The first of these is through laser scanning, which uses a concentrated and precise light to record all aspects of your teeth and gums. The second of these tools is a digital optical scanner. While safe and accurate, this technology requires that the teeth be coated with a powder before we perform the scan.

There are significant advantages to using digital impressions:

• Better image quality, allowing for better restorations
• Impressions can be taken quicker, requiring less chair time
• Process requires no materials that put a bad taste in your mouth
• More accuracy means fewer chances of mistakes in the creation of your restoration
• More comfortable, causing less anxiety in the patient
• Process is complete in as little as five minutes
• Impressions are completely electronic, making them easy to transfer while saving paper

Blood Platelet Processing

Blood platelet processing, also referred to as platelet-rich plasma or PRP, is “a new approach to tissue regeneration and it is becoming a valuable adjunct to promote healing in many procedures in dental and oral surgery, especially in aging patients” (Albanese, Licata, Polizzi, and Campisi). Through this procedure, we can ensure that the healing process following any procedure is quicker and more effective.

But how does platelet-rich plasma help to heal the body? When your body is injured, the first thing it will do is deliver platelet cells to the injury site. These platelets are full of growth and healing factors which help the wound repair itself with the assistance of stem cells.

For this treatment, we will create a concentrated dose of platelets by taking a sample of your blood and running it through a centrifuge. We will then make these platelets into a serum and inject it into and around the surgical site, which will kick start the healing process. And the best thing about this style of treatment is that there is no risk for transmissible infections and a low risk for allergic reactions.

Piezosurgery

Used in implantology, periodontics, and oral surgery, Piezosurgery is a new technique that is gaining popularity among patients receiving bone surgery. This device uses ultrasound frequency modulation to allow for precision and safety when removing infected bone tissue. Because this treatment operates at a low frequency, it can cut mineralized structures without even touching soft tissues in the patient’s mouth.

With Piezosurgery, we can remove infected bone tissue without destroying soft tissues in your mouth. This allows us to perform treatments like tooth extractions, crown lengthening and implant site preparation without removing any of the vital tissues needed for these treatments to succeed. We can do this while causing minimal discomfort, less swelling or bleeding, and faster healing.

While this method of treatment may be slower than older methods, the fact is that the increased precision and effectiveness make it a far more attractive process for patients.

Receive The Treatment You Need With The Latest Technology

We want our Havre de Grace area patients to feel confident that they are receiving the best possible care. To do this, we make sure that we’re utilizing the latest technologies that provide the best results. We’re always on the lookout for new techniques and tools, and you can rest assured that we keep our office up to date as needed.

When you are ready to receive the oral care your mouth requires, contact our office and schedule your no-obligation consultation with Dr. Richard V. Grubb today.