Dental X-rays, also called radiographs, are an important tool for Dr. Belter to be able to see everything in your mouth. Our new Instrumentarium OP200D "is awesome," says Dr. Belter. It is especially important if you are going to have any kind of surgery. The panoramic X-ray -- gives a broad overview of the entire mouth. This X-ray gives us amazing information about your teeth, upper and lower jawbone, sinuses, and other hard and soft tissues of the head and neck.

One advantage of the panoramic X-ray is comfortable experience for our patients. Unlike other X-rays where the film is placed inside the patient's mouth, the panoramic X-ray is contained in a machine that moves around the patient's head. We had an old pan that used chemicals and film. "This new one is a top of the line digital machine that is compatible with all the new technology," says Dr. Belter. "The thing I love the most is how little radiation my patients are exposed to with this new machine. It's less than that of one of the old little bitewing images," she touts. The X-ray will also reveal deep cavities and gum disease. We only take a 'pan' every four or five years unless a medical procedure warrants it. So when yours comes up we will treat you to the new technology.

A Panorex also may detect changes in the bone caused by periodontal disease or rare tumors and cysts. We can also use it to evaluate the TMJ and determine if TMJ pain originates from an anatomical deformity requiring surgical intervention (rather than the normal palliative care we recommend from "overuse", splints nightguard, etc.

Digital radiography greatly reduces the patients exposure to radiation by as much as 80-90% from traditional intra-oral x-rays. To improve your care we've invested in a new way of looking into your mouth - a procedure that's fast, and incredibly precise - digital x-rays. What's even more amazing is that we get an image immediately that is large, clear, and accurate, right next to your chair... ready for discussion. Digital x-ray technology speeds and simplifies the diagnostic part of your treatment, and most importantly allows us to provide a much higher level of care.

Reduced Radiation, Yields Radical Results

Digital x-rays use 50-90% less radiation than old-fashioned x-rays. Additional benefits include the elimination of old fashioned dark room chemicals. Which is better for the environment. The highly detailed image of your teeth on our computer screen, can be rotated, magnified, adjusted for contrast, and even color-coded for educational purposes. Further, we can store it on our computer files, thus saving paper. For insurance purposes, referrals or patient education, it can be accurately reproduced any number of times. In summary, digital x-rays are faster, cleaner, and allow us to provide better quality care.

Allows for more precise tooth preparation in less time than a standard air driven hand piece. KaVo ELECTROtorque plus has earned the highest recognition and awards from DentalTown and REALITY publishing! Evaluators of a leading independent non-profit dental education and product testing foundation note the ELECTROtorque plus recently as a product they can't live without. In addition to saving time, it is much quieter technology creating a less stressful and more comfortable environment.

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This instrument that uses a small laser to detect cavities. It's completely safe and painless. It also allows for much earlier detection and therefore a much smaller restoration would be needed or with preventative treatment may eliminate the need for a filling entirely.

Although fluoride has greatly increased the health of our teeth, it has also created a harder enamel surface decreasing the accuracy of traditional cavity detection techniques (the explorer). This is why Dr. Belter thinks the diagnodent is " so awesome! It is as essential tool in cavity prevention and detection." The laser technology penetrates the enamel and actually quantifies the amount of decayed material present in your mouth.

More and more patients place value on healthy and attractive teeth. In order to maintain them, the earliest possible care is essential. DIAGNOdent aids in the detections of caries. Even very small lesions are detected at the earliest stage, enabling you to protect and preserve the tooth substance.

Lasers have been used in dentistry since 1994 to treat a number of dental problems. Lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light. When used for dental procedures, the laser acts as a cutting instrument.

Laser Dentistry Procedures:

Crown lengthening- Dental lasers can reshape gum tissue to expose healthier tooth structure. This reshaping provides a stronger foundation for the placement of restorations.
Gummy Smile- Dental lasers can reshape gum tissue to expose healthy tooth structure and improve the appearance of a gummy smile.
Muscle Attachment (Frenula) - A laser frenectomy is an ideal treatment option for children who are tongue tied (restricted or tight frenulum). A laser frenectomy may also help to eliminate speech impediments.
Benign Tumors- Dental lasers may be used for the painless and suture-free removal of benign tumors from the gums, palate, sides of cheeks and lips.
Gum Disease- Lasers can be used to remove diseased, infected and inflamed soft tissue within the tooth socket.
Biopsy or lesion removal- Lasers are also used to remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) so that it can be checked for cancer.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry:

-Procedures preformed using the Ezlace Laser may not require sutures.
-Certain procedures do not require anesthesia.
-Laser dentistry minimizes bleeding and swelling.
-Bacterial infections are minimized because the laser sterilizes the area being worked on.
-Damage to the surrounding tissue is minimized.
-Wounds heal faster and tissue can be regenerated.

Makes it easy to see what is going on in your mouth because it enlarges up to 150%. Since you are able to see what Dr. Belter can see, you will better understand the future treatment needed.

Injectable anesthetics that are given by Dr. Belter, such as Lidocaine, prevent pain in a specific area of your mouth during treatment by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain and numbing mouth tissues. This new machine makes insertions of any needles very gentle and just numbs one tooth rather than your whole mouth. Now you will have quicker recovery without feeling like you have a fat lip and a puffy cheek.

For example, the sterilizer Bridgeview Dental uses is a vacuum technology that allows the wrapped cassettes containing the dental instruments that are used on your teeth to come out dry and sterilized. This is very important for maintaining a sterile environment after the cassette is removed from the sterilizer. Instruments in some systems of sterilization at other practices come out wet - allowing contaminents to be wicked into the the packaging prior to use. At Bridgeview Dental our instruments are wrapped, sterilized and removed dry from the sterilizer which means they remain sterile until they are opened for the next patient. In all likelihood this technology could be incorporated into OSHA requirements, but we are ahead of the game.