By J. S. Ronette—WASHINGTON, DC—These days, changes in the dental office can be measured at lightning speed. In fact, when it comes to oral care, every-day treatments and diagnostic tools look little like they did even ten years ago! “Science and technology drive the changes and help keep teeth ‘truly ageless” says Dr. Michael Katsaros. “In fact, today’s informed dental patients now expect to preserve the youth—and beauty—of all their teeth!”
Dr. Michael Katsaros: “Science and technology drive the changes and help keep teeth truly ageless!“
Dr. Katsaros, who practices dentistry in an airy, spacious, spa-like office overlooking K Street in Northwest DC, states that it’s more important than ever to make sure your dentist is constantly keeping up. Here are his “Top 7” innovations to expect from your dental office:
1. Painless Ways to Catch Decay—Earlier Than Ever! Lasers Make it Happen
Lasers Detect Cavities! Does your dentist place a special laser probe on top of your tooth to detect decay at its earliest possible stages? In the past, dentists relied on a pointy instrument called an “explorer” to find cavities. That’s the instrument they use to poke around your mouth during a check-up. Now, a high-tech Diagnodent laser can detect cavities, even when they are tiny. The miraculous “non-invasive” laser-point identifies pockets of bacteria inside the tooth—producing a digital read-out of the level of bacteria. With this “early detection,” the dentist can remove the decay before it grows into a larger, more costly, problem.
2. CariVu Illuminator
This is another portable detection device, which uses “transillumination” light technology to detect tiny pin-points of decay also in the hidden cracks and crevices of otherwise healthy looking teeth. The CariVu bathes a tooth in safe infrared light, creating black and white screen images that show the tooth as transparent—and decay as dark areas that absorb all the light.
3. Dental “Sandblaster” Whisks Away Decay
All this early, barely-seen decay is removed in thin layers, without a “drill”—or even the need to be numb! Particles under pressure, blown onto the surface of the tooth—gently remove the decay. A liquid filling, flows into the crevice, then is stained to match the tooth and hardens in seconds under a special light. The tooth is restored to its virgin look. And the filling acts as a “seal” to prevent future decay from invading cracks in the tooth.
4. Dental Laser is the “Great Multi-Tasker”
Certain high-tech lasers can be used to painlessly reshape, lift and contour the gum line. And they also can fight infection, relieve spasms—and speed up healing.
5. Scanner Eliminates Messy Impressions
Digital impressions are here to stay. No more goop, gagging or discomfort. Need a model of your teeth? Enter the iTero Scanner to take a digital impression. The new, highly accurate technology eliminates the old tray-and-putty impressions, where many patients say the experience is like ‘stuffing a big wad of gum in your mouth.’
“Our patients are not only happy to be more comfortable, but also to learn the radiation-free laser impression is more accurate and allows us to see teeth instantly, in 3-D!” says Dr. Katsaros. The scanner is used for crowns, veneers and orthodontic procedures, such as Invisalign.”
6. Dental X-Rays with 3-D Technology: Much More Info About Your Mouth
Picture this! A 360-degree, three-dimensional image of any area of your mouth! That’s the new normal, also known as “Dental Cone Beam”—a new CAT scan technology.
“No longer are dentists limited by a two-dimensional picture of a three-dimensional problem,” says Dr. Katsaros. He also notes that the X-Rays are highly sensitive and often show previously undetected small or beginning problems, using exceptionally low radiation.
7. Intra-Oral Camera: The ‘Show-Me’ Way to Talk About Your Mouth
Call it a TV camera for the mouth. This small photo-wand inside your mouth projects a full-color image right on the computer screen—for patients and doctors to see and discuss. No more of the leap-of-faith-doctor-looks-in-and-tells-what-is-going-on moment. Now a blown-up image—right before your eyes—informs and educates. There’s that crack in your tooth that’s causing the problem. There’s that inflamed gum tissue that’s causing all the discomfort. Patients see for themselves.
J.S. Ronette is a Washington, DC writer.
Dr. Michael G. Katsaros, named Washingtonian “Top Dentist,” practices at Washington Center for Dentistry, 1430 K Street NW, in Washington, DC. 202-223-6630, washdent.com