Digital & Laser Technology

Melanie L. Throne, DDS, PA - General Family Dentist located in Fort Worth, Texas

The complex devices all around us — from long-range satellite links in our cars and offices to powerful computers in our hand-held gadgets — prove beyond a doubt that we live in a technology-driven world. In the field of dentistry, new technology is constantly changing the way diseases are diagnosed, routine procedures are performed, and illnesses are prevented. Although they may seem unfamiliar at first, new and improved dental technologies offer plenty of real benefits for patients. Here's a look at some of the latest examples, coming soon to (or now appearing at) a dental office near you.

• Digital X-Rays. Diagnostic x-rays have long been invaluable to dentistry. The emergence of digital technology in the past decade, however, has made dental x-rays safer and even more useful. Digital technology cuts radiation exposure to patients by as much as 90% over traditional x-rays. And there are other advantages including the elimination of waiting time for pictures to develop, and sharper images that can be enhanced instantly to show detail.  We are proud to use the very popular Dexis digital software system and sensors that result in a tiny fraction of normal radiation making the patient experience much safer. 
• Intra-Oral Camera. A picture is worth… plenty, when it comes to helping you understand your dental examination, diagnosis and treatment! With these tiny cameras, you can see what the dentist sees on a small chair-side monitor. The images of your teeth can be saved as stills or video — or even printed out — so you can see exactly what's happening in your mouth and track changes or progressions.
• Laser Diagnosis and Treatment. They're inside DVD players and scanner wands — and now, they are making their dental debut. Lasers are being used to detect tiny spots of tooth decay, treat gum disease, and remove cancerous cells in the mouth. They are also employed in all sorts of soft tissue surgical applications like snoring treatments, intra-oral facial wrinkle reduction, minimally invasive gum surgery, tethered oral tissue release, and even cavity treatments!  Use of lasers in dentistry requires less anesthesia; they are quicker than traditional scalpel techniques, and often result in less inflammation, bleeding, and post-operative pain.  

Laser Healing of HUGE Cold Sore

Days 0-7

CariVu Compact, Portable Caries (Decay) Detection Device

DEXIS CariVu is a compact, portable caries detection device that uses patented transillumination technology to support the identification of occlusal, interproximal and recurrent carious lesions and cracks.

CariVu continues the long DEXIS tradition of providing intuitive, easy-to-use diagnostic tools for the dental community.

What makes CariVu unique?

• Uses transillumination technology that makes enamel appear transparent while porous lesions trap and absorb light
• Allows the clinician to see through the tooth, exposing its structure and the development of any carious lesions
• CariVu images read like familiar X-ray images
• Uses non-ionizing radiation which is ideal for children, pregnant women and patients who are X‑ray averse