Dental Technology

CEREC Same Day Crowns

Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) is an instrument that we use to restore your teeth. The CEREC allows us to provide you with ceramic fillings that are naturally colored and can be bonded to your teeth quickly.

With this instrument, we no longer have to provide you with plastic temporary crowns while we wait for your permanent crowns to come in from a dentist laboratory. We can do the entire crown procedure in one day, thanks to CEREC one visit crowns.

Learn more about how CEREC same day crowns can help you.

Digital X-rays

X-rays are a primary tool for early identification of dental problems. Detecting issues with x-rays before they become problematic can save you money in the long run. Early detection can help prevent the need for more extensive, expensive procedures or surgeries. X-rays are primarily used to detect:

•	Internal tooth decay
•	Cysts (fluid filled sacks at the base of your teeth)
•	Tumors, both cancerous and non-cancerous
•	Impacted teeth
•	Teeth that are still coming in

At Pacific Oak Dental, we use digital x-rays, which have several advantages over traditional film based x-rays. Digital x-rays allow us to take x-rays with 1/5 of the radiation that you would receive from traditional dental x-rays. The worry of exposure to excess radiation is eliminated.

Large on-screen x-rays make patient communication more effective. The immediate observation of the images on the screen allows us to discuss your dental health quickly and accurately.

Digital radiography has greatly enhanced the practice of dentistry. It allows the patient and the doctor to see images of the teeth in higher resolution on a large format for easier detection of problems, all while decreasing the radiation exposure to the patient. The process we use further defines the radiograph, resulting in clinically meaningful images that are sharp, detailed and rich in contrast.

Images are available instantly after exposure, eliminating the wait and effort spent developing and mounting x-rays. If an image needs to be retaken, it can be done immediately. Digital format also allows us to send and receive your images electronically, allowing for a faster consultation with your dentist.

Intra-Oral Camera

X-rays give us a clear view of what we can't see such as decay between the teeth. An intraoral camera gives the patient a view of what the dentist sees. An intraoral camera is a device that is about the size of a toothbrush. Broken fillings, fractured teeth, decay or any other dental problem can be viewed so that we can discuss with you any treatment needed. With a clear understanding of your dental needs we can decide together what the best treatment is for you.

UltraSonic Scalers

We use ultrasonic scalers for most adult dental cleanings. These devices use ultrasonic vibrations to help break down the plaque and calculus on the teeth that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. The ultrasonic cleaners create microscopic bubbles that implode on the surface of the tooth, killing microbes and removing plaque and tartar in the process. Our instruments use a thin tip to better navigate in the periodontal pockets to help maintain optimal gingival health.

The procedure uses water and/or an antimicrobial liquid called chlorhexadine. It can remove tartar buildup in hard-to-reach areas, with no damage to the tooth enamel. Manual scaling often uses pressure for cleaning, while the vibration produced by the scaling tip of an ultrasonic scaler is barely perceptible. This makes ultrasonic cleaning suitable to those with sensitive teeth. The cleaning process is faster than manual scaling, making your visit more comfortable.

After your teeth have been cleaned with the ultrasonic cleaner, your teeth will be hand scaled to check for any residual deposits and then polished.

3D Imaging

At Pacific Oak Dental, we utilize 3D imaging in order to better understand the anatomy of your mouth. The cone beam technology provides crystal-clear and precise digital images. The 3D imaging machine gives Dr. Jared Thompson a 3D image of your jaw, which is imperative when planning the surgical placement of implants so you can avoid vital structures like nerves and blood vessels. By using this state-of-the-art technology, we can diagnose issues much more accurately and develop the best possible treatment program for you.

A typical dental x-ray will just focus on the teeth, and for each image, you'll need one exposure. Therefore, to get the same picture as a 3D image, you'd need many exposures. 3D imaging shows considerably more than a simple 2D x-ray, as this newer technology will provide more accurate and complete visual information from every angle. Best of all, the system allows us to properly give a diagnosis while exposing you to minimal radiation levels.

Our 3D imaging system is essentially a digital x-ray that is mounted to a rotating arm. Similar to a digital camera, the system uses digital technology in order to record your images rather than traditional film. When it is time for your scan, the scanner will move in a circle around your head. After one revolution, the scanner will have gathered all of the necessary data. You don't need to make any special preparations before your scan.

Using 3D Imaging & CEREC Together

You can have implants as early as the second appointment. Integrated implantology for CEREC users is now even easier, thanks to the new SICAT OPTIGUIDE method for preparing surgical guides.

In the past, the dentist had to take a conventional impression in the first session in addition to a CBCT and CEREC scan as the basis for creating an x-ray and surgical guide. The SICAT OPTIGUIDE simplifies and accelerates the process, requiring only a CBCT scan and an optical impression with the CEREC AC.

Text source: Sirona ORTHOPHOS XG 3D

Lasers

At Pacific Oak Dental, Dr. Jared Thompson uses laser technology to remove tissue, control hemostasis, and heal heretic lesions.