Advanced Technology

gentle, modern Dentistry

Dr. Watts and her team use many advancements created by dental technology and research to enhance the quality of your care and keep it up to date.

Some advances are obvious to patients, such as the vision magnification our team wears during appointments and using ultrasonics and glycine in teeth cleaning. Other advances are ‘behind the scenes,’ including the latest in infection control, CAD-CAM dental materials, dental lasers and new techniques. A few of the many ways we use technology are featured here.

dental lasers

Lasers have many uses in dentistry, including reshaping gum tissue, relief from the pain of canker sores and cold sores and treating gum disease. Lasers allow quicker treatment and healing. Dr. Watts and our dental hygienists may use a diode laser as part of dental procedures.

Digital X-Rays:

Dr. Watts recommends x-ray images based on your individual risk level to detect problems in their earliest stages when they can be treated conservatively and inexpensively. The roots of our teeth make up half to two thirds of a tooth’s structure. They are under the gum and bone tissues and can only be viewed and evaluated with dental imaging.

X-rays enable us to detect cavities between teeth, evaluate the bone support around the roots of your teeth, and see problems that often aren’t apparent until their later stages such as dental abscesses and infections. Dental x-rays also screen for unusual problems such as tooth resorption and fractures, cysts, tumors and damage due to any past trauma.

Computed tomograph (CT) images allow 3D visualization of the teeth, bone, adjacent sinuses and nerve canals.

Radiation exposure for dental x-rays is extremely minimal. Dr. Watts utilizes digital imaging technologies within the office. With digital imaging, exposure time is up to 80 percent less when compared to traditional radiographs. A full series of dental x-rays is equivalent in background radiation to what you would receive in an airline flight across the U.S. Digital imaging allows us to easily store patient images, and quickly transfer them to specialists or insurance companies.

dental conebeam imaging (cbct)

Dental ‘conebeam’ images are a 3D image of an area of our jaws. These images allow for better viewing and information about the anatomy of the teeth and bone in our mouth in three dimensions. They may be used to see conditions and structures not easily visible on a traditional 2D x-ray image, such as the position of sinuses and nerve canals. CBCT images are often used in planning dental implants. 

intraoral cameras

Intraoral cameras help enhance your understanding of your dental health. An intraoral camera is a very small camera that allows you and us to view clear, enlarged images of your teeth, gums and mouth. This allows you to see what we can see.

CEREC CAD-CAM dentistry

CEREC is the most advanced dental restorative system available today.  For procedures traditionally requiring a messy impression of your teeth, a temporary crown or bridge, and a second visit for placement, CEREC streamlines the process…dramatically.

In ONE visit, 3D digital images of your teeth are used by Dr. Watts and her team to design customized dental ceramic restorations. Once bonded in place, these materials are strong, beautiful and look and feel like natural teeth!