Diagnodent Laser
Highly fluoridated outer surfaces make it hard to detect hidden
decay in the inner part of the tooth. Conventional detection
methods are no longer adequate to detect decay in grooves of back
teeth. Using lasers we can find hidden problems at early stages,
providing cost effective preventative treatments.
Digital Xray
Instant xray images from digital sensors allow rapid diagnosis.
Images are displayed within seconds on screens with significantly
less exposure to xray radiation - a healthier solution for clients.
Images can be enhanced and magnified allowing more scope in
diagnosis. Digital xrays can be emailed to other health
providers for easy referral to other dental specialists.
CEREC 3D One Step Porcelain Fillings
Conventional porcelain dentistry involves taking an impression
of teeth and waiting up to two weeks for the final work to return
from the laboratory. Now impressions are a thing of the past.
Using sophisticated 3-D technology we can design and create a
porcelain filling in one appointment. Our on-site ceramist
will custom glaze the porcelain to make it match perfectly with
your natural teeth.
Panoramic Xray imaging
Panoramic imaging is an important part of a new patient
assessment. It allows a full face view of the dental and
related structures. It often reveals hidden problems that
would not be detected with smaller conventional xrays.
Essential for any implant diagnosis, wisdom tooth removal and
orthodontic analysis it ensures more thorough diagnosis and
detection.
Decay Risk Assessment (CaMBRA)
CaMBRA is an acronym for Caries Management By Risk
Assessment. CaMBRA is a method of assessing the risk of
dental decay and making dental treatment and restorative
recommendations based on an individual patient's risk.
It has been recognised for some years that dental disease is no
longer a generic problem. Individuals show quite different
patterns of disease, depending upon the chemistry of events
happening in their mouths.
We now know that dental decay is a complex disease caused by
about 30 strains of bad bacteria that live alongside good bacteria
in the mouth. We call these bacteria the biofilm - the furry
layer that builds up over minutes and hours after you brush your
teeth.
We profile all new patients by taking a sample
of their biofilm and assessing the risk of decay. We profile
around 20 other risk factors such as saliva output and pH, caffeine
intake, diet, gastric reflux disease, medications, smoking,
sporting activities - all of these can have an effect on the rate
of decay in an individual.
To see the biofilm building up on clean teeth over a 20 minute
period watch this movie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q26YhisTg7U
Once risk factors are known we can develop personalised, effective
prevention to alter the course of dental disease.
Patients with a high bad-bacterial count will start a high pH
mouthwash to change the composition of the biofilm. More good
bacteria thrive in a less acidic environment and the decay rate
drops. To read more about high pH mouthwashes and
current science in this field go to:
http://www.essology.com.au/
Sometimes we are providing answers and lifechanging outcomes for
patients who have had decades of decay. For the first time in
their lives they come for an annual examination with nothing to be
done apart from professional cleaning.
CaMBRA profiling is also critical for those contemplating any
kind of recontructive or cosmetic work. Placing high value
dentistry without risk management puts the patient at risk of
costly redo dentistry after only a few years, as decay continues to
develop around newly placed restorations.
A complete risk management package - CaMBRA evaluation,
bacterial swabs and preventive products - will cost less than 2
fillings and can change patterns of dental disease for a
lifetime.
Computerised Treatment Rooms
Your clinical records are on hand at the click of a mouse.
We can update your details immediately, discuss photos and xrays at
the chairside and forward your digital details to specialists
immediately. This allows accurate and prompt follow up without the
delays of a paper trail.
35mm Digital Photography & Imaging
Using Nikon and Fiji professional 35mm cameras, we can
take detailed views of your mouth for accurate diagnosis and
treatment planning.
Images can be sent by email to ceramists and specialists, or to
you for discussion with a spouse or partner. A picture is
worth a thousand words and digital photography allows dentist and
patient to discuss treatment based on visual recognition and
understanding.
Environmentally Friendly Equipment
Currently local authorities do not require old fillings to be
separated from waste water. In our quest to be
environmentally responsible we installed amalgam separators that
extract old mercury fillings as they are sucked up by our vacuum
system. The mercury amalgam is separated before waste water
is discharged into public sewers and the amalgam is disposed by
collection agencies.
Water used for treatment in all units comes from a dedicated
supply of distilled water, free from potential contamination in
public water supplies.