Digital radiography utilizes computer technology and digital sensors for the acquisition, viewing, storage, and sharing of radiographic images. It offers several advantages over the older traditional film based methods of taking x-rays. The most significant of theses advantages is that digital radiography reduces a patients exposure to radiation. Other benefits are that images can be viewed instantly after being taken, can be seen simultaneously as needed by multiple practitioners, and can be easily shared with other offices. Digital x-rays are also safer for the environment as they do not require any chemicals or paper to develop.

An electronic pad, known as a sensor is used instead of film to acquire a digital image. After the image is taken, it goes directly into the patients file on the computer. Once it is stored on the computer, it can be easily viewed on a screen, shared, or printed out.

An intraoral camera is a miniaturized camera that can take high-resolution images inside of the mouth and display them for viewing in real time on a computer screen. It is a pen-sized device that provides an up close, full-color and high-resolution view of the teeth and surrounding soft tissues.

An intraoral camera is a wonderful communication tool that allows the dentist to directly show a patient a close up view of every tooth and the nearby soft tissues. With this technology any areas of concern can be instantly displayed and discussed.

The intraoral camera can also capture individual images that can be saved as part of a patients permanent record. These saved images can be reproduced when needed for use by other dental specialists, a dental laboratory, insurance companies, and others.

The Solea Dental Laser enables your dentist to provide gentle care with the ultimate precision. Representing one of the most advanced dental laser systems available today, the Solea Dental Laser operates without direct contact to the tooth or tissues, and does not create the uncomfortable heat, vibration, or pressure like other methods of care. Combining light energy with water and air, it safely and accurately cuts and shapes the targeted tissues in the mouth.

Whether its the removal of tooth decay or the treatment of gum disease, dental care can be provided more quickly and comfortably, reducing the need for injections and dental anesthesia. And, while pain-free dental work is just one of the many benefits offered by the Solea Dental Laser, it also minimizes bleeding and speeds the recovery and healing times following surgical procedures.

As part of a comprehensive exam, the dentist will perform a screening for oral cancer. To start, the dentist will review the patients medical and dental histories and ask if there have been any changes to his or her oral health or overall health. The dentist will then carefully check in and around the oral cavity as well as the head and neck area for any of the following signs or symptoms that may indicate the presence of a problem:

If a suspicious lesion, tissue abnormality or unusual symptoms are present, the dentist will refer the patient for a more comprehensive assessment. Early detection of oral cancer offers the most favorable outcomes of care.

In addition to taking small, individual diagnostic images of specific teeth or sections of teeth as needed, we also take a single digital x-ray to obtain a two-dimensional view of the all the teeth, the upper and lower jawbones, the nasal sinuses and the temporomandibular joints (the TMJ). This extra-oral image is known as a Panorex X-ray. As a simple, comfortable, and fast diagnostic procedure, it produces digital images with minimal x-ray exposure to the patient. Because this picture is taken from outside of the mouth, the only requirement for the patient is to hold still while resting the jaw on a platform in the center of the unit, while the x-ray tube rotates in a semicircle around the head. A panorex x-ray can be viewed on the computer by the dentist and patient as well as shared with others as needed. A highly valuable diagnostic tool, panorex x-rays are useful in checking for conditions such as periodontal disease, growths in the jaw, the dental development of the unerupted and erupted teeth, impacted teeth, TMJ disorders and sinusitis.

Rotary endodontics facilitates precise and efficient root canal procedures. Using flexible Nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments powered by an electric handpiece, the curved and nuanced anatomy of the involved tooths inner canals can be gently cleaned and shaped in preparation for sealing them with a specialized filling material. In addition to being a faster and more consistently reliable method of care, rotary endodontics ensures a more comfortable patient experience.

Some doctors still take physical impressions using a soft putty. These impressions are then scanned by Invisalign technicians to create the 3D image for use in the ClinCheck software and manufacturing aligners.

Dr. Gillesby grew up in the Dowagiac area (Keeler Lake) and graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1992. After earning a degree in biology from Hope College in 1996, he attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He graduated with his Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 2000 as part of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. He and his wife, Rose, moved back to their hometown to begin their careers, and Dr. Gillesby joined Dr. Burling in the Spring of 2000.

Continuing education has been, and continues to be, a top priority for Dr. Gillesby. Following extensive courses in both traditional braces and clear aligner therapy (Invisalign and ClearCorrect) he has been proud to offer both modes of treatment since 2005. Dr. Gillesby has also completed rigorous hands-on education in dental implant placement, enabling our patients to have the majority of implant cases completed right here in our office. Other areas of focus have included cosmetic dentistry (including Lumineers), endodontic advancements (root canal therapy), implant-based restorations, and sleep apnea treatment.

Dr. Gillesby is currently a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, American Orthodontic Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (Dental Honor Society), and Lakeland Valley Dental Society, where he has served on multiple committees. Dr. Gillesby, his wife Rose, and their two boys, Ryan and Nathan, enjoy many outdoor and sporting activities together.

Having grown up by the beach, Dr. Stickler is so excited to be moving closer to Lake Michigan to enjoy all that lake life has to offer. She is thrilled to join the wonderful team at Dowagiac Family Dentistry to serve patients in the community with compassion, humor, and quality dentistry.

Dr. Stickler loves to travel, and even met her future husband while abroad in Athens, Greece! While not at the office, she enjoys cooking and baking, reading novels, spending time at the beach, and trying new restaurants.