Advanced Technologies
At Berardi Dentistry, we are committed to providing modern dental care. This requires the ability to keep abreast of enhanced methods of treatment and new technologies. The field of dentistry is continually evolving and we pride ourselves with the desire to stay on the leading edge. We have added numerous technological devices that allow for us to carry out dental treatment with more predictability ensuring comfort for our patients.
We believe in the old adage that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’. Many of our newer devices allow the patient to see just what we are seeing. Through the use of intraoral cameras and digital x-rays, we can show our patients their dental condition on a computer monitor.
Please review the listing of advanced technological devices used at Berardi Dentistry. Select a topic for more information. If you should have any more questions or would like to contact us to schedule an appointment, we can be reached at 716-633-2327. We are always here to help you.
Digital X-Rays
Dental x-rays, or radiographs, have been used in dentistry for decades and allow us to view things going on in your mouth that we are unable to see with our own eyes. X-rays enable us to detect cavities between your teeth, determine bone levels in your jaws, and evaluate the health of your bone. Digital x-rays also help us to assess bone for cysts, tumors, abscesses, and fractures. Therefore, x-rays are a valuable tool for diagnosis of dental disease.
At Berardi Dentistry, we use a digital x-ray system. These x-rays are taken with the same machines as the traditional x-rays but without the use of film. Instead, after the x-ray is taken an image appears on a computer monitor screen. This image is the dental x-ray and because of its digital capabilities can be stored and accessed again when necessary. Dental imaging software allows us to enlarge the image for more specific viewing.
Some of the other benefits found by using digital x-rays are:
- Less exposure time is necessary to take the x-ray resulting in about 1/3 of the radiation compared to a traditional x-ray.
- The digital format allows for easy storage and transfer to any specialist or insurance company.
- The digital image appears on the computer monitor within three seconds of taking the x-ray.
Intraoral Cameras and Chairside Monitors
Have you ever looked in your mouth? No, really looked? Even with lights and mirrors it is impossible to really see what your dentist sees. Now you can see the same things that we are viewing when we use an intraoral camera.
By using an intraoral camera we are able to show you areas of your mouth on a computer monitor screen. The camera is wand shaped and a little larger than a pen. It is covered with a disposable plastic sheath and placed in the mouth. The camera is able to take an image of your mouth and send it wirelessly for you to view on a monitor that you view while never leaving your comfortable chair. The image is enlarged and in color and shows your teeth and gums in remarkable detail. Now you’re able to really look into your mouth!
The intraoral camera allows you to become an active participant during your dental examination. By looking at your teeth and gums together you can understand why we recommend certain treatment. Viewing the inside of your mouth on a computer monitor may be a bit overwhelming at first but you will come to appreciate how this technology is extremely helpful. Many dental problems start out with the patient experiencing little or no pain. This is important because gum disease is one of these types of problems. Therefore, you will be able to judge whether or not your home care is good enough. You will also be able to see small fractures within your fillings or teeth as well as any cavities that are present. The intraoral camera definitely validates the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words”.
Soft Tissue Laser
At Berardi Dentistry, we have incorporated the use of a soft tissue laser into many of our dental procedures. This exciting technological advance can be used on gum and other soft tissue in the mouth. Laser usage in dentistry is coming to the forefront. As scientists refine this tool, it will find a more common place in all dental procedures. It may, one day, entirely replace the drill as the principal method of removing decay and preparing teeth for fillings and crowns. Currently, our soft tissue laser has many of the following capabilities:
- Periodontal therapy- following cleanings, or scaling and root planning treatment, the laser may be used to kill remaining bacteria in the gum tissue
- Soft tissue biopsy
- Cold sore and aphthous ulcer treatment
- Removal of excess gum tissue to allow better access to tooth structure
- Reduction of extra gum tissue that causes a ‘gummy-smile’
- Frenectomies
VELscope®: The Oral Cancer Screening System
The rate of oral cancer is steadily rising. As such, we at Berardi Dentistry are pleased to announce the acquisition of the VELscope: The Oral Cancer Screening System. Until recently, the dental profession was without an instrument that could help with the early detection of oral cancer. The VELscope® emits a blue-green fluorescent light that causes normal, healthy tissue to remain green under the light. Under this same light, pre-cancerous or malignant tissue will appear irregular and dark, allowing it to stand out therefore causing concern.
It has always been noted that oral cancer is found in a higher percentage of patients who use tobacco products. This group has seen a steady decline in population due to smoking cessation, yet oral cancer diagnoses and related deaths are on the rise. Non-smokers, age 20-50 are the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population.
It is expected that the VElscope will help reduce oral cancer rates, just as the Pap Smear and mammogram have helped reduce cervical and breast cancer. These cancer deaths are reduced because of one primary reason: early detection. Today, it would sound unreasonable to refuse any of these life saving tests. The majority of oral cancer lesions are not noticeable until they are in Stage 3 or Stage 4. Although I carefully examine all of your tissues (and pull on your tongue) at each examination, most of the pre-malignant changes occur below the tissue surface. The ability to identify these changes below the tissue surface would result in oral cancer detection at a much earlier stage. Therefore, the ability to detect oral cancer at an earlier stage would result in an increase in long term survival rates and ultimately save lives.
The VELscope® examination will occur during your oral evaluation and dental cleaning appointment. This instrument will become part of the check-up protocol on an annual basis for patients ages 21 and older. It takes only minutes to perform but may save the life of any patient with oral cancer. This testing will require an additional fee of $22. Hopefully dental insurance companies will understand the importance of this technology and begin to cover this procedure. I am confident that you share our concern regarding oral cancer and realize why it is so critical to focus upon its early detection. We ask that you approach this examination with the same interest as any other medical cancer screening test or device.
For more information please visit www.velscope.com
Invisalign® – Clear Braces
Invisalign® is a series of clear orthodontic appliances, called aligners that allow you to straighten your teeth without having to wear traditional braces. Without brackets and wires, Invisalign® is very comfortable and is worn day and night except for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
After your initial examination, I will decide if Invisalign® is right for you. A treatment plan will be created and an impression of your teeth will be taken. This impression, along with x-rays and photographs, will be submitted to Invisalign®. Using the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign® carefully translates my treatment plan into a series of customized, plastic aligners. These aligners are worn for two-week intervals and move your teeth incrementally into the desired final position. Read More »
