Dental Technology
Laser Dentistry
Lasers are an advanced technology which we often utilize at our practice in Arvada, near Denver. Laser dentistry is used in several areas of our practice; it offers many opportunities to increase the accuracy of our work while keeping patients comfortable during the treatment. We use lasers to:
- activate the whitening gel during a teeth whitening treatment
- detect and repair cavities
- shape and sculpt gum tissue during cosmetic gum contouring
- treat gum disease
- remove lesions or biopsies
- clean out pockets of plaque
- place metal-free fillings
The Advantages to Laser Dentistry
With laser dentistry, there are no shots, anesthesia, or drills. We can make highly controlled and precise movements. Also, patients experience less pain, swelling, and bleeding with laser treatment than with the use of a traditional scalpel. The laser's high beam reduces the occurrence of bacteria and infection by sterilizing the area. If you are interested in learning more about the advantages of laser dentistry, please contact New Era Dental today.
DIAGNOdent®
Often used at our Arvada and Denver-area practice, an advanced laser dentistry tool called DIAGNOdent® helps us to identify cavities that might otherwise go undetected. The laser scans teeth, especially those in the back of the mouth, looking for even the smallest bit of decay. Once we discover any sign of infection or decay, we can clean and repair the area before the damage has the opportunity to spread and become more serious.
Digital X-Rays
Dental x-rays detect cavities, plaque build-up, and other symptoms of disease that the naked eye cannot see. Since these x-rays are such an important part of preventive care, we want to be sure that we're using the most up-to-date and effective tools, including digital x-rays. We insert a thin sensor into the patient's mouth, and an x-ray passes through the tooth to record an image of the area and display it on a computer screen in the treatment room. This is repeated until all of areas of the mouth have been x-rayed. The digital system ensures that x-rays are taken quickly, and the patient does not experience any discomfort during the process.
Nitrous Oxide
For some of our patients, visiting the dentist's office can provoke anxiety. Even though our dentists have skilled and gentle hands and work in a state-of-the-art facility with sterilized equipment, dental treatment can make some patients uneasy. In these situations, we can administer nitrous oxide, also called "laughing gas." Nitrous oxide is a combination of nitrous and oxygen gases, delivered in a small dose, which puts patients in a completely relaxed - yet responsive - state. Nitrous oxide eliminates any nervousness or discomfort, and makes treatment seem to pass more quickly.