Technology

Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the most advanced technology available. We offer intra oral cameras, diagnostic lasers, and the best whitening products available. Our sterilization procedures meet the center for disease control guidelines. We heat sterilize all hand pieces and instruments after each use.

• Intra Oral Camera
• Sterilization and Patient Safety
• DIAGNOdent

Intra Oral Camera

This wonderful new technology allows you to relax in your chair while simultaneously observing a real-time pictures of the inside of your mouth magnified beyond normal size on an adjacent computer monitor! Not only does this make it simple to see and understand what the doctor is telling you, but it makes it simple for us to keep incredibly accurate records from one visit to the next.

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Sterilization and Patient Safety

Our office uses state of the art sterilization to ensure patient safety. Sterilization and disinfection are the basic steps in instrument processing and surface asepsis. Sterilization refers to the use of a physical or chemical procedure to destroy all forms of microorganisms, including the highly resistant spores.

We use Rapid Steam Autoclave at 275º F(35psi), for 15-20 minutes

First, the instruments are prepared for the sterilization process. Patient debris and fluids are removed by placing the instruments in 3.2% glutaraldehyde for 40 minutes .Following this pre-disinfection step the instruments are transferred to an ultrasonic cleaner for another 15 minutes .Then the instruments are rinsed, dried, placed in self sealing sterilization pouches and sterilized in the autoclave. Instruments which can not be heat sterilized, are immersed in 2% glutaraldehyde for 10 hours to cold sterilize.

We use Biological, Chemical and Mechanical indicators to monitor our sterilization process.

Using bacterial spores to monitor the sterilization process is referred to as biologic monitoring (or spore-testing), and the bacterial spores used for monitoring the sterilization process are referred to as biologic indicators (BIs). Of the three methods, biologic monitoring is regarded as the most valid for monitoring the sterilization process, for it uses live, highly resistant bacterial spores.
We biologically monitor our sterilizer once a week to ensure complete sterilization using spore strips and keep accurate records for our monitoring. These strips are enclosed in a glassine envelope and processed through the sterilizer. They are then sent to our spore testing center where they are tested for live spores.

Chemical monitoring involves using chemical indicators (CIs) that change color or form when exposed to specific high temperatures or to the sterilizing conditions within a sterilizer. This is referred to as chemical monitoring (or process monitoring). We use sterilization pouches that have special marking that change color when subjected to sterilizing temperatures.

Mechanical monitoring involves observing and recording the physical aspects (e.g., temperature, pressure, or time) of the cycle when the sterilizer is being operated. Our Sterilizer is serviced regularly to ensure proper functioning.

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DIAGNOdent

DIAGNOdent is a patented fluorescent laser beam technology used to detect incipient or initial cavities. Your dentist uses it as a part of the routine dental exam to scan below the tooth surface and identify subsurface cavities which otherwise go undetected. It allows dentists to treat questionable sites with confidence. In the past questionable sites were put on a ‘wait and watch’ list, since not all cavities are visible on radiographs. The initial demineralised area goes undetected until it is extensive enough to be picked up on the x-ray.

How is it used?

The DIAGNOdent is first used on a non-restored anterior or front tooth to get a baseline reading. Then it is used on other teeth. As the DIAGNOdent scans the pits, fissures and grooves of the teeth the florescent light is converted into an acostic signal when a suspicious area is detected. A digital reading is displayed on the screen. A reading of 0-10 usually requires no treatment. A reading of 11-20 suggests preventive treatment such as professionally applied fluoride treatment. A reading of 20-30 calls for restorative treatment such as fillings.

DIAGNOdent Advantage

DIAGNOdent technology allows us to detect areas of decay sooner and with more precision. Further, it requires no x-rays, and is a painless, non-invasive comfortable procedure. Not only can it help prevent the spread of decay, but detecting decay early means fillings required are simpler and shallower, preserving more of the tooth. This allows us to use minimally invasive filling procedures, such as drill-free air abrasion. Finally, we're able to objectively monitor any suspicious areas without repeated x-rays.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We encourage regular dental check-ups, cleanings and home care. Early detection of problems minimize the expenses related to major tooth repair. New technologies take us a giant step forward to helping you achieve the goal of minimally invasive dentistry.