Dental Technology

Dr. Ward and his team of dental assistants and hygienists use the latest technology in the treatment and care of all our patients.

Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays provide three major advantages over traditional x-rays. First and most important is the reduction of radiation. Digital x-rays have 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays. This is possible because the digital sensor is much more sensitive to this radiation and is designed with the patient in mind. Secondly, the x-rays appear instantly on the computer screen in the examination room. Dr. Ward can enhance them in order to better evaluate your teeth and their supporting structures. This allows Dr. Ward to detect problems much sooner which leads to a more conservative treatment. Third is the fact that the sensors are more comfortable in your mouth making it a more pleasant experience. This is especially helpful for patients who have a gag reflex and for our younger patients.

Panorex

A Panorex is capable of taking digital images and identifying many structures and issues that would not be seen in a normal x-ray. The machine rotates around your head taking a 360 degree view of the teeth, TMJ, sinuses, and bones. The panoramic image can detect wisdom teeth problems, sinus infections, TMJ (jaw), disintegration, and lesions associated with the bones in the head and neck. Since the panorex shows the head and neck in far greater detail, Dr. Ward is able to diagnose and treat the patient much more completely and conservatively.

Inter Oral Camera

The inter oral camera is a video camera used to film inside your mouth. Enhancing images by 25 percent, this hand held instrument allows Dr. Ward to diagnose a wide range of conditions from broken and cracked fillings, gum and periodontal disease. It is non-invasive and therefore a more comfortable way to evaluate these conditions.

Soft Tissue Laser

The laser is a safe and pain free method of treating soft tissue problems. Canker, or cold sores can be removed without anesthesia in less than 15 minutes. This can prevent the 2-3 weeks of discomfort that untreated sores usually lead to. The laser can also be used to remove excessive gum tissue to improve esthetics. Lasers can remove infected gum tissue especially around erupting wisdom teeth. This decreases pain and will help to allow wisdom teeth to grow into place preventing the need for future extractions. Lasers are used in orthodontics to aid in the eruption of teeth which can lessen the duration of orthodontic treatment. The laser produces no bleeding and much less post-operative pain.

DIAGNOdent-Laser Cavity Detection System

Dr. Ward uses the laser cavity detection system in order to examine your teeth for tooth decay. This is an accurate diagnostic tool and there is no xray or radiation involved. What is nice about it too is that it is quick, easy and completely painless. Dr. Ward scans the surface of your tooth. A reflection of fluorescent light and acoustic signal identify the slightest signs of tooth decay.

Rotary Endodontics

Nothing strikes fear into patients more than being told they need a root canal. Much of this fear comes from stories from friends and relatives about the length of time and trauma that occurred when root canals were performed in the past. The procedure is much less complicated now with the use of rotary handpieces.

Dr. Ward has taken many courses and is certified in the latest endodontic technique. Almost all root canals are completed in one visit as opposed to 3-4 visits as in the past. Not only does this allow for added convenience for our patients busy lives, the procedure is less invasive with less post op discomfort. Patients are now able to retain their own natural teeth longer allowing for better function and esthetics.

Don’t let the fear of a root canal cause you to delay treatment. Call Dr. Ward for your “pain-free” root canal.