Advanced Technology

CEREC One-Day Restorations

At Sheldon Grove Family Dental, we make it fast and easy to restore your teeth with CEREC chairside technology. While more traditional dentistry required you to use a temporary restoration for several days while your crown or bridge was created at a lab, CEREC allows us to create your restorations right here in our office while you wait.

Intraoral Camera

Many patients, especially younger patients, are very familiar with the latest technology and are comfortable with a high tech practice where computers and TV screens are the primary method of information processing. For others, the latest dental technology may be new to you.

Dr. Cervantes utilizes intraoral camera technology that helps with more accurate diagnosis and treatment, as well as enhancing your understanding of your diagnosis. An intraoral camera is a very small camera – in some cases, just a few millimeters long – that allows Dr. Cervantes to take clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums. With these high-quality, enlarged images, we can see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. It also allows us to show you exactly what is going on inside your mouth. Faster diagnosis and a better understanding of your situation can mean more efficient treatment planning and less chair-time for you!

Intraoral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These images can be printed for you, other specialists, your lab or insurance companies.

Cavity Finder (SPECTRA)

The Spectra caries detection aid helps Dr. Cervantes find cavity-causing bacteria on your teeth. This new technology emits light at a precise wavelength that causes your teeth to fluoresce in different colors indicating healthy enamel and various levels of decay. Not only is the procedure non-invasive, but it is more effective in finding early decay. The pictures it generates look similar to a doppler radar image, showing the healthy parts of your teeth and areas of decay.

Digital Imaging

Dr. Cervantes chooses carefully which and when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that we follow. Radiographs allow us to see everything we cannot see with our own eyes. Radiographs enable us to detect cavities in between your teeth, determine bone level, and analyze the health of your bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess damage when trauma occurs.

Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal.Dr. Cervantes utilizes Digital Imaging Technologies within the office.With digital imaging, exposure time is about 50 percent less when compared to traditional radiographs. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information. We may be able to see cavities better.

Digital imaging allows us to store patient images, and enables us to quickly and easily transfer them to specialists or insurance companies.

Digital X-rays offer more precision since we view the image on a computer monitor, instead of holding up a 35mm film up to the light. Digital X-rays results in 1/6th the radiation exposure to you.

Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry which has proven to be safe and effective in treating both children and adults is an idealoption for patients who dread the idea of needles, drilling, or numbness.

Laser dentistry is one of dentistry’s latest advances. The laser delivers energy in the form of light.Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a target.

In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, gum tissue, or whitening enhancers. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others.

One example of the latest in laser technology is the Odyssey Diode Laser from Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc. TheOdyssey represents the latest technology available for soft tissue modification and preventive care.

With unique features such as an automated fiber management system, wireless foot control, and new innovations like uni-dose fiber tips, touch screen, and battery operation, the Odyssey Diode Lasers are the most efficient, portable, and affordable soft tissue laser in dentistry today.

These lasers now enable you to easily and safely perform many soft tissue procedures that were previously referred out of your practice, allowing you to keep control of your patients AND increase revenue.

Many doctors fear the potential of post-operative complications and discomfort for patients that are commonly associated with scalpel incisions or electrosurge. Because Odyssey lasers cut and coagulate at the same time,hemostasis is immediate. Other advantages are: less tissue charring, less post-operative healing time, and fewer post-operative complications, including less chance of infection.

The laser performs minor surgical procedures while, at the same time, reducing bacteria from the area. Suturesare rarely needed for laser wounds, and many soft tissue procedures around the gingiva can be completedwithout anesthesia for greater patient acceptance and comfort.

Lasers can also be used to diagnose cavities. They can find hidden decay while still in the early stages, andin some cases, can even reverse decay through hygiene and fluoride treatment, removing the need for fillings.

Areas of dental care that benefit from laser technology:

• Root canals
• Pediatric procedures
• Canker sore treatment
• Periodontal, or gum related, care
• Pediatric procedures
• Apthous Ulcer treatment (canker sore)
• Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) without anesthesia or sutures
• Root canals and apicoectomies
• Crown lengthening, gingivectomy and other gum corrections