technology @ our practice

Odyssey I Water Sterilization

One of the biggest problems in dentistry is dental unit waterlines biofilm (layers of microorganisms that accumulate within water lines). We are one of the few offices in the nation to provide disinfected water in our dental operatories. Odyssey I generates ozone from oxygen through exposure to ultraviolet light. In less than ten minutes the ozonated gas sterilizes the distilled water in the reservoir. As it passes through the lines it destroys biofilm. It has been shown the amount of bacteria in dental waterlines to be greater than 1,000,000 CFU/mL. With Odyssey I that amount is reduced to 10 CFU/mL. This is well below the 500 CFU/mL acceptable levels in potable water.

Nitrous Oxide

Inhalation sedation using nitrous oxide has been proven to be a safe and effective drug for more than 150 years. Within 3-5 minutes the effects of sedation can be seen. Rapid and complete recovery occurs within minutes of nitrous oxide termination. The equipment we use is high quality and state of the art. Our machine allows us to give an exact amount of nitrous oxide needed to relax a patient, and can be given in incremental doses. The machine contains a pin-index and diameter-index safety system to ensure proper attachment and flow of gases to the patient.

Magnification Lenses (Loupes) and Zeon Illumination

Along with our desire to produce excellent dentistry comes the need to be able to see what we are doing more clearly. Without a doubt, the most important vision enhancement aid is a pair of high quality magnification loupes. When you see a magnified image of a tooth through a pair of loupes, your ability to render precision care rises tremendously. We believe magnification should be the standard of quality care. Orascoptic Research leads the way in its commitment to developing innovative magnification and illumination. In light of the new techniques being used in dentistry, a high level of precision is paramount. With the new prismatic magnification from Orascoptic 4.8X power with wide fields of view is possible. We find this to be indispensable in our office. Using a headlight is just another step beyond loupes. Headlights eliminate most shadows, since your head can never get between the source of the light and the tooth being illuminated.

KaVo ELECTROtorqe TLC

This technology provides fewer traumas to the tooth and its very quiet compared to conventional drills that use air turbines. Kavo Electrotorque simply makes precision in preparation easier to achieve. It provides outstanding tactile response and optimal control. This Kavo electric motor is far and above the finest hand piece we have ever used.

Panoramic Radiographic Imaging

Panoramic radiography is a unique technique that allows the dentist to view the entire mouth and related structures on one film. The design and operating principles of the PM 2002 EC Proline are based on the latest scientific research. This unit includes many features that have never been available in radiography before:

Reduced exposure and the ability to further reduce the exposure for children and small adults.
Many programs in one unit. Panoramic, double TMJ, maxillary sinus, vertical segmenting (desired area can be exposed separately) and pediatric programs.

The Wand Anesthesia

It doesn't feel like a syringe. We know that some patients get more nervous than others at the mere site of a needle and syringe. That's why this office performs injections with a revolutionary system called the Wand, a computer controlled local anesthetic injection system. The microprocessor inside the Wand automatically ensures a steady flow rate regardless of tissue density. The flow of anesthetic into your tissue is the source of discomfort for most injections-not the needle. The Wand delivers anesthetic with an optimal, constant, slow flow to achieve a comfortable and virtually painless injection. The computer also provides a flow of anesthetic ahead of the needle, a pathway of anesthesia, so you hardly feel the needle at all.

The CariFree system

Tooth decay is mainly caused by a bacterial infection on the teeth. The CariFree system allows us to test for and treat the bacterial infection before it causes tooth decay.

CariFree employs advanced infection testing and treatment technology to promote long term dental health, instead of simply treating symptoms.

How is it possible? The advanced CariFree system measures the magnitude of harmful bacteria on your teeth. If harmful decay-causing bacteria are identified, the CariFree treatment plan will be prescribed.

The CariFree system was specifically developed to embrace the new science of testing for and treating dental bacterial infection. Here is how the CariFree System works:

The quick and easy CariScreen test determines your level of decay-causing bacteria. It takes only one minute to determine if you are at a low, moderate, or high risk of developing cavities in the future.

Since risk factors change over time, it is recommended that CariScreen test be taken once per year.

For the most accurate test results, do not eat or brush your teeth for at least one hour prior to the test.

Canon Eos 1Ds Mark II

The success of restorations (Veneers,Crowns) cases hinges on numerous factors. One of the main obstacles is communication with the ceramist. Relaying the desires of our patients to our ceramist can often be a difficult task. Communicating nuances of color,translucency,shape and micro anatomy of teeth can only be achieved with proper knowledge and superior photography skills. Digital photography with the best professional camera allows the next best thing to having the ceramist right there with us. Instead of interpreting a shade map, the ceramist will have an exact representation of the colors, texture and anatomy.

An update to the tremendously popular EOS-1Ds, the EOS-1Ds Mark II is a must have in our office. With a full frame 16.7 megapixel CMOS image sensor, combined with Canon's DIGIC II Image Processor, the EOS-1Ds Mark II has dramatically decreased startup and card-writing times in comparison to the EOS-1Ds.

These improvements are complemented by Canon's renowned build quality for reliability in even the most rugged conditions. EOS-1Ds Mark II is the most remarkable combination of resolution and speed in the history of digital SLRs.

Features

16.7 Megapixel, Full Frame CMOS Sensor with DIGIC II Image Processor
Fast and Responsive, EOS-1 Class Performance
Improved Image Display
Professional-level Image Software

Computerized Treatment Rooms

Our patients have realized many benefits since we computerized and networked our treatment rooms. Each treatment room is computerized and networked with each other. All intraoral and extraoral photography, DIFOTI images, patient records, written communication and clinical information can be shared between the Doctors and treatment areas instantly from anywhere in the office.

Automatic reminders to patients when they have decided it's time to see us again.
Daily submission of insurance forms so that reimbursement to our patients is much quicker.
Immediate access to the Internet with our DSL hookup.
E-mail to patients and to referring dentists about specific patient concerns.
Document scanning and remarkable backup systems to insure against loss of patient information from fire, theft or vandalism.
E-mail with the restoratives labs to achieve better cosmetic results for our patients.
Patient education using real-life digital photographs.
Processing of daily procedures, payments and insurance claims are done quicker and more efficiently.

Computer Imaging

Imaging allows us to create a new smile for patients without ever touching your mouth. We find it to be a great tool in improving communication and education with our patients because it gives the patient an opportunity to participate in creating their own smile. Imaging can also prevent unrealistic expectations with the final result. We also use imaging to improve our communication with our restorative labs. We create what we want and send this to our lab with our prescription, leading to more predictable and esthetic results and patient satisfaction. This is all done through the magic of a computer, color monitor, our camera and our specialized software. We basically take a still photo of the patient and save it on the screen using the computer. We then create simulated procedures on the computer including closing spaces, repairing fractured teeth, veneers, crowning, bleaching, recontouring, and orthodontic and tooth lengthening. We can even correct a gummy smile to show what you would look like with that procedure done.

Trophy Digital X-ray Imaging

The latest advancement in dental technology uses a computer and low-radiation X-ray to produce X-ray images directly onto a computer screen! With sophisticated software, the computer-generated X-ray can reveal information not previously available from a conventional X-ray machine. X-rays taken by the Trophy RGB X-Ray can be colorized, magnified and computer-enhanced to indicate things such as bone density! Although every patient can benefit from the 90% DECREASE in radiation exposure, the digital X-ray machine offers special benefits to DENTAL IMPLANT PATIENTS. With the "instant" development time of the computer and the ability to view an enlarged X-ray on a computer screen at the patients' chairside, Dr. Tabib has the ability to make sure the patient's nerves and sinuses are protected and the implants are properly seated by taking digital X-rays at various points during the procedure!

Added patient safety, more predictable treatment, much lower X-ray radiation, and instant feedback clearly make the digital X-ray machine the X-ray technology of the future.

Sterilox Water Treatment System

We take many precautions to keep our office clean and sanitary for your safety. In the past few years studies have brought to light the fact that water lines necessary for many of the dental instruments can be contaminated with tens of thousands of microorganisms. Because of the structure of the narrow tubes and the way dental units are made, biofilm (a thin layer of bacterial slime that coats the inside of the dental tubing) is able to form inside the lines or tubing. When treating our patients with the dental equipment, these bacteria become airborne in tiny droplets and are constantly being inhaled. Most of these bacteria are harmless. But in the interest of your safety and the safety of our dental team we are taking some special steps to alleviate any potential problems. In response we have adopted the Sterilox water treatment system. Sterilox provides our office with a safe, fast, effective and ongoing solution for the removal of biofilm and microorganisms. The solution is a non-toxic, tasteless odorless antimicrobial germicide that you will not notice but will keep our water lines and the air we breathe safe.

Tekscan III

For years, dental occlusion has been largely a matter of guesswork for dentists. . Tekscan has developed technology, which provides data to evaluate the intricate inter-relationship of how teeth meet. In clinical situation it is extremely difficult to determine the order of tooth contact or the force contained within them. The T-scan III system occlusal analysis system quickly and precisely determines the amount of force generated and premature contact points for predictable occlusal control during adjustment procedure.

Benefits are:

Improved Diagnosis
Increased quality of care
Decrease treatment time
Reduces risk of implant failure and porcelain fracture

BioJVA

BioJVA (Joint Vibration Analysis) is a system which provides a unique capability to evaluate temporamandibular joint injuries, internal derangements and degenerative conditions. It is a non-invasive test that measures any friction or vibrations caused by a change in the position of the mandible.

JVA provides a fast, non-invasive and repeatable measurement of TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) function to aid in diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction. Understanding TMJ function is vital anytime you are changing the vertical, lateral or A/P position of the mandible. Common treatments that change mandibular position such as TMD (Temporomandibular Dysfunction) treatment, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and reconstruction can all benefit from JVA testing.