Dr. Dana C. Jackson received his certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from Howard University Hospital in 1987. He served as Chairman and Program Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Howard University Hospital and the College of Dentistry from 1993-2006. Dr. Jackson is recognized as an outstanding educator and clinician. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award as Outstanding Educator at Howard University College of Dentistrys Alumni Program in May 2008 for over twenty years of dedicated services to the students, the dental community, and the practice of dentistry. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is well versed in all aspects of surgery including out-patient sedation and general anesthesia. Dr. Jackson has maintained a private practice for over 20 years and has recently opened his new practice in Oxon Hill, Md. and continues part time at Howard University Hospital and College of Dentistry. He is an active member in organized dentistry including the Robert T. Freeman Dental Society and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Jackson is married to Dr. Eva Scott, an orthodontist, who is also part of the practice. He has two children Tyree and Dana Jr. He is currently President of DC Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Dr. Eva R. Scott has been a practicing orthodontist since 1987. She grew up in Chicago, IL and received her undergraduate degree from Bradley University in Peoria, IL (1980). She obtained her doctor of dental surgery (D.D.S.) from Howard University College of Dentistry, graduating with honors (1984). Following dental school she obtained a postgraduate degree in General Dentistry from St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington DX, (1985) and returned to Howard University to receive a postgraduate certificate in orthodontics (1987).
Dr. Eva Scott has been treating patients for more than 25 years. She treats patients of all ages and absolutely loves creating beautiful smiles. Her treatment philosophy is to develop individualized treatment plans to greatly enhance the patient's overall health and appearance and to have fun during the process.
Considering herself a lifelong student, to stay abreast with the latest advancements in orthodontics, she maintains membership in many prestigious professional organizations including: the American Association of Orthodontists, the Mid-Atlantic Society of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and the Maryland State Dental Association.
Dr. Robert D. Waters received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1970; and his Doctorate of Dental Science from Howard University in 1974. Dr. Waters served as a member of the United States Air Force Dental Internship Program from 1975-1977, where he specialized in the field of Restorative and Prosthetic dentistry. He was selected as one of the top 10 Air Force dentists to attend their advanced Prosthetic Training Course at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Waters continued his military career as a Reserve Officer at Andrews AFB, and received his Honorable Discharge from the Air Force in January 1997.
Dr. Waters taught Prosthetic and Restorative Dentistry at Howard University from 1987-79 and maintained a private practice for over 25 years. His past and present memberships to Dental Organizations include the American dental Association, Southern Maryland Dental Association, Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity, Maimondies Society, Academy of General Dentistry, Oral Cancer Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Dr. Waters received his Fellowship Degree from the Academy of General Dentistry on1982 for his commitment to continuing education in the Dental Profession. His interests include art painting and sculpturing, stamp and coin collecting, as well as writing poetry. He has had several of his poems published, and received letters of appreciation and acknowledgment from President George W. Bush for his poetry commemorating the events of September 11th, 2001.
Dr. Waters is engaged to Ms. Ruth Cohen from Montreal, Canada. He has two children, Jeffery Todd Waters, and Stacy Elise Brooks; daughter in law Krista Waters, and son in law Ari Brooks. He is also blessed to have four incredible grandsons; Alex Kenneth Brooks, Korey Ryan Brooks, Aiden Shon Waters, and Grayson Jack Waters.
Another member of his family is his faithful best friend Zeke; his yellow Labrador Retriever. They have been together for over 8 years. Dr. Waters is honored and privileged to be associated in the practice of Dr. Dana Jackson for the past two and a half years in the field of Prosthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry. He is committed to providing his patients with the highest level of excellence that the profession offers that the profession offers; and quality that all the patients truly deserve.
Dr. Daryll White completed his bachelor of science at University of Miami in 1980 and attended Howard University College of Dentistry and received his DDS degree in 1984. Dr. White has been in private practice in Southern MD since 1989. Dr. White is married and has a son, he is an avid surf fisherman and classic movie fan. Dr. White attends multiple continuing education courses every year with a particular focus on the latest restorative and prosthodontic techniques. He also focuses on removable prosthodontics, ie partials and dentures.
Dr. Valencia D. Barnes, D.D.S. is licensed to practice dentistry in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Alabama, her Masters degree in Biomedical Sciences from Rutgers Graduate School (formerly UMDNJ), and her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. After receiving her D.D.S., she completed a postgraduate residency in General Dentistry at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Queens where she received additional training in Endodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontic, and Oral Surgery. Dr. Barnes understands the importance of personalized care and treats each patient according to their unique needs. Dr. Barnes strives to ensure each patient has a positive experience in the dental chair. Her goal is to achieve healthy gums, teeth, and confident smiles in each of her patients. She has a compassionate and calm approach and this is exemplified through numerous volunteer activities throughout the year. Dr. Barnes is an avid learner. She attends numerous dental lectures, continuing education courses, and is an active member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, District of Columbia Dental Society. Dr. Barnes resides in Maryland. Outside of the office you can find her at museums, cycling, reading, discovering new restaurants, spending time with her family and friends, sporting events, and especially watching football!
All staff members are CPR certified and cross trained to assist you through all aspect of your dental treatment. Each are informed of administrative and clinical procedures and well versed in patient care and insurance policies. Customer service is our main goal. We are eager to answer your questions and assist you in your dental experience.
Carmen is a dental hygienist who has been with the practice since 2008. She made becoming a hygienist her goal after being a dental assistant for 6 years. In 2004, she graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School earning her Bachelors in Dental Hygiene. Her interest in the ongoing innovations with technology as well with her devotion to the health care field helped her pursue and earn her Masters in Health Administration informatics from the University of Maryland in 2012.
Harborview Dental Associates has provided personalized dental care to thousands of families. Our patients come from near and far to experience the warm, individualized care we provide. We pride ourselves in utilizing the most modern equipment and methods available.
In order to provide nothing but the best to our patients, our office uses state-of-the-art technologies in all our procedures. These new technologies allow us to detect dental concerns at early stages, treat your dental issues with precision, and provide stunning and customized restorations. Our premium dental software system maximizes your time and our office efficiency. When you visit our office you can be confident that you are receiving the finest and most advanced in dental care.
The foundation for natural teeth, restored teeth, and implant supported teeth is healthy gum tissue and bone. We know that 90% of all adults have gum disease of various levels. Three out of four adults over the age of 50 have bone loss which is called periodontitis. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, bone and ligaments that support the teeth and anchor them in the jaw. It can be localized (one tooth) or a generalized condition (many teeth). As periodontitis progresses, more bone is lost which can lead to eventual tooth loss. Recent studies indicate that periodontitis has been associated with diabetes, heart disease, and low birth weight infants.
The main goal of periodontal treatment is to eliminate the disease from the gums, ligaments, and bone that surround the teeth. With early detection of gum disease, we can restore your oral health and help you maintain it for a lifetime.
Initial treatment involves educating patients in the proper methods of effective oral hygiene. Scaling and root planing is performed to clean the tooth structure and remove bacterial plaque and calculus deposits from the gum pockets. This will allow the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In less severe cases, this may be the only treatment required. Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis.
Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling 'bonds' with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth.
Tooth bonding can also be used for teeth fillings instead of amalgam fillings. Many patients prefer bonded fillings because the white color is much less noticeable than the silver amalgam fillings. Bonding fillings can be used on front and back teeth depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.
Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and usually can be completed in one visit to our office. However, bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers. If it does break or chip, tell your doctor. The bonding can generally be easily patched or repaired in one visit.
Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown, also referred to as a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth's appearance, shape and alignment.
A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth that are cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support, hence the name. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material made to match your natural tooth color. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.
Braces are the most economical and traditionally used braces. Method braces are also idea for those with more extensive realignment needed. Your orthodontist will advise you if metal braces are required for your treatment.
The Damon bracket uses a sliding-door technology called self-litigation. This new technology allows a wire to slide back and forth inside the bracket. This method requires no elastics, creates less friction and is therefore more comfortable for the patient than traditional braces. Damon brackets require fewer adjustments and a shorter treatment period.
A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Most dental cleanings take only between 25 and 30 minutes. Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. A routine dental cleaning should include scaling, root planing and polishing.
Dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand. However, new and advanced technology has led to more modern methods such as electric scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time. To achieve best results, both electric and manual scaling methods are combined for dental cleanings.
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!
Complete Dentures - This restoration method is used to restore your smile and mouth function if all your teeth have been lost. The dentures are custom created to resemble natural teeth and are positioned into a patients mouth to take the place of where the natural teeth used to be. Complete dentures are removable and may require adjustments in order to create a proper fit with the gums and mouth.
Partial Dentures - A removable partial denture is a device used when one or more natural teeth still remain in the upper or lower jaw. They usually consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base which is held in place in the mouth. A fixed partial denture acts the same as a removable denture, but it is cemented into place using the adjacent teeth for support. This fills the space created by missing teeth, as well as creates a support for remaining teeth to prevent shifting.
Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still some occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:
After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.
A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with a pain killer and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.
There are a variety of filling materials available including gold, silver, plastic and porcelain. The dentist will work with you to determine which material is best for you, depending on the extent of repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed, and cost. Each of the filling materials is briefly explained below:
Halitosis is the sophisticated word for 'bad breath'. Depending on the cause, bad breath may strike on occasion or may be a more persistent condition. The most common cause of bad breath is bacteria. Because the mouth is moist and warm, it creates perfect conditions for the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth. In fact, approximately 80% of bad breath is caused by something in the mouth.
Bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth can easily be treated. Brushing your teeth, tongue and gums after meals as well as flossing and rinsing with mouthwash will usually take care of the problem. Regular visits to the dentist should be made for dental examinations and for professional teeth and gum cleaning.
Some types of bad breath, such as 'morning mouth,' are considered fairly normal and are not usually health concerns. However, persistent bad breath may be a sign of more serious problems with the gums and teeth.
Call our office promptly if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums that bleed easily or loose teeth. We will perform a physical examination of your mouth to determine the cause. If we discover that systemic problems are the cause, we may refer you to your family physician. In severe cases of gum disease, we may recommend a doctor specialized to treat gum disease called a periodontist.
The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for one's teeth. All structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of unhealthy periodontium include: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these may be a sign of a problem. With proper gum treatments, however, it may be possible to return gum tissue to a healthy state. If you're having a problem, come in and see us so we may treat it right away. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic agents. If the gum disease gets too severe it may need to be treated through surgery or extraction. This is why it is important to have it treated at the first sign of a problem.
A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. A dental implant is a metal post that a periodontist or oral surgeon surgically positions into the jaw. Once in place and bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post. While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last 10-20 years. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.
To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.
The Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear, snap-on, custom fit, removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth, forcing them to shift. The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but since the trays are made of clear plastic, they are virtually invisible. In addition, because Invisalign trays are removable, they can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
The Invisalign System works begins by first creating a series of trays that will each moving your teeth gradually until the end result is achieved. At the end of each two-week period, you will switch trays. Throughout the process, you will visit your dentist every six weeks to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. Once your treatment is complete, you will likely wear a clear retainer to ensure your new smile stays in place.
As with all orthodontic appliances, the cost of Invisalign varies according to the complexity of the case. However, Invisalign is generally more expensive than traditional braces. Insurance policies generally cover Invisalign to the same extent that they cover traditional braces.
LUMINEERS BY CERINATE are porcelain veneers that offer the painless way to a permanently whiter and perfectly aligned smile. These contact lens-thin 'smile shapers' can be applied to teeth without any grinding or shaving, transforming teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that looks perfect for every individual. LUMINEERS can even be placed over existing crown or bridgework without having to replace them.
Custom designed mouthguards and nightguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports such as boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth may get hit. In addition, these guards protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. Nightguards are also recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite.
If you have decided a guard is right for you, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth which will then be sent to a lab to make a custom fit guard for you. In most cases you can choose from a variety of colors and styles for your guard. On average, guards last between 3 and 10 years.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.
Orthodontics is the art of using appliances to straighten and align teeth. Most commonly it involves the use of braces to move teeth into their proper positing. In this method, brackets are bonded to the teeth and arch wires are threaded through the brackets. The arch wires act as a track, and guide each tooth to its proper position. There are several types of orthodontic braces available to consumers, including the more traditional metal braces, ceramic 'tooth colored' braces, as well as clear plastic braces.
Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to the pulp. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy, also. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth.
Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup. A root canal is then performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp, and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal therapy.
Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time, and you don't want that. So the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.
Dental sedation is a technique that can be used when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or dental phobia. We are happy to offer a number of solutions for our patients to make their dental visit as comfortable as possible. Sedation dentistry techniques enable patients - who might otherwise avoid the dentist - to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile.
Nitrous Oxide sedation, also known as 'laughing gas' is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable. This sedation is inhaled through a mask that allows you to breathe in the medication and induces a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain.
Dental sedation is used to help patients who suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia. There are multiple levels of sedationfrom conscious to unconsciousto ease every level of anxiety. Sedation dentistry techniques enable patients who might otherwise avoid the dentist to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile.
IV Sedation IV Sedation is commonly called sleep dentistry. As evidenced by the name, the drug is delivered through an IV. Though you may technically remain conscious, IV sedation puts patients into an extremely deep relaxed state and often induces amnesia. It will feel as if you were asleep for the procedure. Often reserved for oral surgery, IV sedation is also available to those with intense dental anxiety and phobia.
TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in it's where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Aside from the two bones that meet there, cartilage buffers them and five muscles are involved in the area. If something goes wrong a good deal of trouble can result.
Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite, filling gaps between teeth, etc. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Sometimes a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If untreated and taken to extremes, surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged joint.
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that much less tooth material is removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.
Tooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whiten stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure ideal for most patients. Our office offers two methods of whitening: in-office whitening and tray whitening.
In-office whitening is an ideal procedure for anyone wanting immediate results. Because the entire procedure takes place in our office in about an hour, it is the perfect choice for busy individuals. In this process, a protective gel is applied to your gums to protect the soft tissue. A special light-activated gel is then applied to your teeth and a special light or laser is used to enhance the action of the agent. Finally, we take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays for at home touch-up, and give you instructions for keeping your smile bright. The result is dramatically whiter teeth that will last for years.
Tray whitening is a less expensive whitening treatment you can use while in the comfort of your own home to gradually whiten teeth. We will first take an impression of your teeth to create a customized clear tray that you will wear to whiten your teeth. Within a few days your trays will be ready to be picked up and we will show you how to apply the special bleaching material to the trays. The whitening gel trays should be worn 30-60 minutes up to twice a day. At the end of this period, you will see maximum whitening results that are nothing short of dazzling. Occasional treatment can be used at your convenience to maintain your new smile.
Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Some pain and swelling may occur but it will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.
Capture top-quality panoramic X-ray images quickly and easily with the CS 9000 System. Featuring low-dose radiation exposure to ensure patient safety, the system is designed for maximum usability. The units open, face-to-face design minimizes positioning errors and reduces the risk of retakes.
Mix & Match Technologies Offering unprecedented versatility, the CS 9000 System has the ability to blend three imaging technologies: choose one-shot cephalometric technology to capture clear, sharp cranial images just over a second, or add focused-field 3D to generate the most detailed, anatomically correct visuals you can imagine. You can even add both cephalometric and 3D imaging capabilities to view all the angles and slices you need within a given volume.
Patient Comfort The unit's open, face-to-face design makes patient positioning quick and simple. Two laser beams help adjust the patient appropriately, while a chin rest, lateral holders and bite block ensure patient stability. The CS 9000 System accommodates all body types and is easily accessible to wheelchairs. Images can even be captured while patients are sitting or standingensuring maximum comfort for each and every patient.
Xrays are a focused beam of xray particles that pass through bone to produce an image on special film, showing clearly the structure through which it passed. This creates the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and diseases. Without an xray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues, there would be no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.
Digital radiography uses an estimated 4090 percent less radiation than conventional film xrays. Digital xrays use a digital image capture device rather in place of traditional film, sending an image immediately to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of the mouth, and its contrast and resolution can be enhanced to more easily diagnose dental problems and determine the very best treatment for each case.
We use digital imaging software in our office, which allows us to take a digital picture of you and use our imaging system to predict how a particular treatment or cosmetic procedure would change the appearance of your teeth. This software is beneficial for patients who are considering cosmetic procedures but are not sure if they're ready for dramatic changes. Digital imaging also allows us to document your dental case and procedures very well. We take digital images of your face, teeth and smile to provide us with a permanent dental record and to provide a visual documentation of treatment.
Using an intra-oral camera, a photograph is taken of the tooth and the picture is loaded onto the computer. Using Computer Aided Design technology, the dentist is able to design the restoration and transform the image into a three-dimensional model. This valuable program then allows the dentist to easily calculate the appropriate restoration shape and size to create near perfect restoration. When the model is ready, a milling machine then creates the restoration using a high-speed diamond bur and calculated precision. The restoration is then bonded to the tooth using a resin material. The result is a beautiful and custom designed and produced restoration, made entirely to fit your mouth. CEREC crowns are metal-free and have been used for over 20 years.
Our office utilizes electronic claims processing. This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button. By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors. This benefits our patients because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied. We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.
With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are displayed on our screens, patients will also be able to see areas being worked on and are able to gain a better understanding of dental procedures being performed.
Our office is a completely digital (paperless) dental office. This means all x-rays and charting are made and recorded with the aid of the computer. This technology allows us to maintain your dental records electronically, and cuts down the unnecessary paperwork used with traditional paper charting. Traditional paper charting is difficult to keep standardized from doctor to hygienist to assistant. Even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by using consistent charting methods that are accurate and precise, making it easy to read your dental chart and see up-to-date information. Digital charting standardizes the charting process so it is clear, easy to understand, and enables us to provide on the most accurate and precise care to our patients. When needed, this method also allows us to quickly and securely share information with your other health care providers.
Laser dentistry is the latest advancement in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities to gum disease to teeth whitening. The lasers we use in laser dentistry at our practice are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools. These lasers direct an invisible energy beam onto problem areas and allow us to efficiently treat decayed teeth, enamel, and gums. The benefit of laser dentistry is that they minimize the pain most often associated with dental procedures, meaning more comfort to our patients. Clinical studies show that approximately 96% of all patients require no anesthesia when lasers are being used during dental treatments. Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.
Soft tissue lasers are used to safely remove soft tissue, such as excess gum tissue. The soft tissue laser can also be employed to destroy bacteria in gum pockets, preventing infection and allowing the tissue to return to a healthy state. The soft tissue laser enables the dentist to treat our patients with extreme accuracy and eliminates the need for most stitches.