Advanced Dental Technology for Your Comfort and Oral Health
CEREC® Technology
Our CEREC® system can create a precise 3-D map of your teeth, negating the need for messy traditional impressions. With these images, Dr. Frederick Hoffer or Dr. Grace Kim can design customized restorations that are virtually identical to your natural teeth. Your dentist can also send these images to our in-office milling machine. Thanks to this technology, we can often provide same-day crowns and bridges. Dr. Hoffer can also combine CEREC® with cone beam computed tomography (CT) scans to determine the best placement for dental implants.
Digital X-rays
For years, x-rays have been one of the most important diagnostic tools in dentistry. They allow dentists to create personalized treatment plans and understand where the root of a problem is. At Redlands Family Dentistry, we proudly employ digital x-rays. This imaging system can provide precise pictures of individual teeth and your whole dental arch. They can be magnified many more times than traditional x-rays, and they also involve very little radiation exposure. Additionally, your dentist can show the x-rays on a computer screen to discuss your dental health and any concerns.
CT Scans
CBCT scanners are one of the most exciting pieces of equipment that dentists have today to help in treatment planning. CBCT scanners create precise 3D pictures using xrays taken at different angles. Using sophisticated computer software, we are better able to monitor bone densities, destructive pathology situations, plan bone regeneration, virtually place implants, and monitor temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. CT scans use to be only available in hospitals at a very expensive cost and a high dose of radiation. This is not the case anymore. These machines operate on a very low dose of radiation and provide information second to nothing in regards to your health and the proper planning that helps place implants in an exact location for long lasting success.
Laser Technology
With advanced soft tissue lasers, our dentists can provide precise treatment that involves little to no discomfort. During laser gum contouring, your dentist will remove a small amount of excess gum tissue to give you a brighter, bigger smile. The laser seals blood vessels and stimulates healing as it goes. Similarly, in a frenectomy, your dentist will remove the tag of skin that connects your upper lip to your gum. This excess skin can cause speech impediments and dental misalignment. Lasers can also stimulate healing for canker sores and cold sores.
Oral Cancer Screening
At each of your biannual appointments, your dentist will check your soft tissues for signs of oral cancer. These symptoms could include lesions, white or red patches, or bleeding gums. If the dentist notices anything unusual, he or she will order a biopsy. We will send a tissue sample to an off-site lab to test for cancerous or pre-cancerous growths. If you test positive for cancer, we will refer you to a local, trusted specialist. With early diagnosis, oral cancer patients typically have a favorable prognosis.
In-house Laboratory
Our in-house lab is equipped with everything we need to provide highly lifelike dental restorations. Whether you receive a CEREC®- or lab-fabricated restoration, we can further customize it here in the office. We will carefully shape your restoration to maintain your natural bite alignment and prevent future dental damage. Our team can also custom-color your crown or bridge to blend in with your smile. Thanks to our advanced technology and uniquely artistic approach, your restoration will be virtually identical to your natural teeth. Our lab can also provide custom splints for treatment of TMJ disorders as well as many other devices used everyday in the office to better your care.
Intraoral Cameras
Small, handheld intraoral cameras provide extremely detailed pictures of your individual teeth. Dr. Hoffer or Dr. Kim can use these cameras during treatment and the images will appear on an exam room computer. In this way, the dentist can provide highly accurate treatment plans. You will also be able to see the images, so you will stay informed about your oral health. Additionally, intraoral cameras can reveal tiny signs of decay and other damage that might otherwise go unnoticed. The imaging process is quick, easy, and comfortable.
Digital Photography
We will use a variety of digital images to plan your treatment and keep you engaged throughout your dental care. We take numerous photos before beginning any procedure. With these images, your dentist will have a complete view of your teeth from all angles. Then he or she can determine the optimal treatment for your needs. We will also keep your photos on file so we can monitor your dental health. If needed, we can also send the images to a specialist or another health care provider.
