Dental Technology

• Digital Radiography
• Lasers
• CEREC
• VELscope
• Laser Cavity Detection
• Intra-oral Fiber Optic Cameras
• Online Services

Digital Radiography

The digital x-ray system used in our dental practice allows us to provide instant x-rays while reducing the patient's exposure to radiation by as much as 90 percent. We provide this level of care to our valued patients because digital x-rays are quicker, safer, and more convenient than traditional x-rays. We have the ability to enhance and magnify digital x-rays which greatly aids our ability to diagnose and assess any problems. Also, because these films are digital, they can be easily emailed to any specialist if necessary.

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Lasers

Laser dental instruments offer many dramatic advantages over traditional treatment methods. Different lasers are necessary for different procedures. In an effort to provide our patients with the most up-to-date technology, both soft and hard tissue lasers are available for use in our office. Soft tissue lasers are more precise and gentle than conventional instruments. The use of laser therapy will minimize bleeding, swelling, infection, inflammation, and soreness. This results in greater comfort and reduced recovery time for our patients.

Hard tissue lasers enable us to use less drilling than traditional treatments and often no drilling at all, resulting in less healthy tooth structure being removed. This can be done with fewer injections and often no injections at all. this is an ideal option for children. This translates to more comfort for the patient.

Dental lasers are used for a variety of treatment procedures. Dr. Hewlett knows which types of patient care are more appropriately performed with the aid of a laser. Depending on your treatment needs, he may use the laser for a long period of time or possibly only for brief moments. However, even those procedures that require only a short period of laser usage benefit from the advantages of laser therapy. The dental hygienist may also incorporate laser therapy when treating periodontal (gum) disease. In addition, soft tissue lasers can be used to treat cold sores. We can reduce their size and healing time while making them less noticeable.

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CEREC

CEREC is an acronym for "Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic." This is an advanced dental restorative system that allows Dr. Hewlett to restore decayed teeth or defective fillings with an all ceramic crown or veneer in just one appointment. The system uses CADA (computer assisted design) technology. This allows you to have the highest quality, most lifelike permanent dental restoration in just one visit. With the traditional method of fabricating a crown or veneer the patient would require two visits. During the first visit the tooth is prepared, an impression taken, and a temporary would be placed. The temporary does not fit or insulate the tooth like a permanent restoration, often resulting in an increase in sensitivity. It may take a couple of weeks to have the permanent crown or veneer made and during that time the patient may be uncomfortable with the temporary, or the temporary may be easily lost since it is only placed with temporary cement. Why put up with a temporary and have to go to the dentist a second time when with CEREC the procedure is done in a single appointment, start to finish. A CEREC restoration isn't just convenient, it is also healthy. With CEREC we can use strong tooth-colored ceramic materials to restore your teeth to their natural strength, beauty, and function. Also, the materials are chemically bonded to the tooth, so Dr. Hewlett can save as much healthy tooth as possible while providing you with a dental restoration that strengthens your tooth. In summary, with CEREC technology, Dr. Hewlett can restore damaged teeth or enhance your smile with biocompatible, tooth-colored materials in a single appointment.

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VELscope

We are one of the first offices in the nation to be able to offer our patients the most current state-of-the-art technology used in the diagnoses of oral cancer. It is called VELscope and it is a revolutionary hand-held device that provides an easy-to-use instrument for the early detection of oral cancer. Oral cancer is often curable when detected and treated early. Unfortunately the tissue changes that lead to oral cancer actually start below the surface. These changes may not be visible to the naked eye until the disease has progressed to the surface. The VELscope handpiece emits a safe blue light into the oral cavity which excites the tissue beneath and at the surface and causes it to fluoresce. We are able to immediately view the different fluorescence responses of healthy vs. abnormal tissue. VELscope allows us to detect lesions that are below the surface, thus demonstrating the incredible advantage of using VELscope for cancer screening.

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Laser Cavity Detection

The diagnodent laser cavity detection system is used to scan teeth for hidden decay. This harmless laser light is able to detect microscopic decay before it is visible to the naked eye. This technology allows us to detect tooth decay at an earlier stage, before the decay has an opportunity to progress. When coupled with our no drill laser cavity preparation, you will get the best, most conservative, most painless treatment available today.

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Intra-oral Fiber Optic Cameras

Our treatment rooms have both intro-oral cameras and patient computer monitors. The intra-oral cameras allow Dr. Hewlett to view your teeth and gums in precise detail. These images are transmitted to the patient computer monitor allowing Dr. Hewlett to communicate information about diagnosis and treatment options with patients more easily than was possible in the past. These images may also be sent to dental insurance companies to help facilitate payment for the patient. The images may also be of value to a specialist, should a referral be necessary.

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Online Services

For your convenience, we offer several online services. You may request an appointment, send email and print patient forms. If you prefer, we can also use email to confirm your dental appointments.

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