Technology is improving dental precision and increasing your comfort. New techniques are refining traditional procedures and
creating all-new treatment options. The ability to detect issues while they’re still minor means less-invasive treatment and
faster recovery times. At Cox Family Dentistry, we’re excited by the opportunity we have to share these new advances with
our patients.
Dentistry Without Drills or Needles?
Can you imagine going to the dentist and never feeling a drill or suffering the pinch of that dreaded needle? One of the most
remarkable advances in modern dentistry is called air abrasion. Unlike a traditional drill, this tool aims a stream of small
particles and air at the region of decay and gently sprays it away! Many patients need little or no anesthesia for this
procedure. The sound and vibrations of the drill have vanished – and so has most of the pain! For many procedures, it’s good-bye
needles, good-bye drill!
A New View for X-ray Images
Conventional X-rays provide a limited view of your mouth in a single flat image and multiple image captures are needed to get
the “entire” picture. With digital images, we can obtain true panoramic views and present them on a display monitor, along with
the traditional individual images. Digital X-rays upload immediately from the image sensor to our computer, alleviating the lag
time that occurred while film was being developed, which means a quicker office visit for you. In addition, this new technology
reduces your exposure to radiation by 75% as compared to conventional non-digital X-rays. Also, because no chemicals are required
to develop film, this type of X-ray produces no environmental pollution.
Breathe in Relaxation
It’s a simple procedure. We slide a small mask over your nose and you inhale the sedative nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen, also
known as “laughing gas.” As you breathe normally, the medication produces a feeling of relaxation. Local anesthetic will then be
dispensed in conjunction with the nitrous oxide to prevent pain in most cases. For patients who require extensive work, we can also
provide IV sedation at a partner facility. This is a safe, controlled medication that makes you feel as if the treatment only took
a few moments.
Protect Your Teeth from Sports Trauma!
Sports-related accidents cause roughly 5 million teeth to be “knocked out” every year across the United States, which is why we
advocate a custom fit mouthguard to protect your teeth. Unfortunately, the one-size-fits-all mouthguards found in stores don’t
usually fit well. A sloppy fitting mouthguard restricts your capacity to breathe properly during strenuous activities. On the other
hand, a custom-made mouthguard fits and protects well, may enhance your performance, and can be worn for any sport. In fact, the
American Dental Association advises both children and adults to wear a custom mouthguard for nearly all their sports activities.
The Cleanest Your Teeth Can Be
To increase your comfort, we use a Piezo Scaler™, which works by using high-frequency vibrations to effortlessly strip deposits
from your teeth. With this device, there is minimal to no pain associated with the removal of plaque and tartar deep below your gum
line in the pockets where gum disease likes to take root. Faster than regular scaling instruments, this tool will leave your teeth
feeling cleaner than ever before.
State-of-the-Art Sterilization
We don’t gamble with your continued good health. For this reason, sterilization is taken very seriously in our practice. In addition
to scrubbing and sterilizing all instruments after every use, single-use tools are used wherever possible. Our autoclave, which is the
special unit we use for sterilization, is regularly monitored by an independent lab to uphold the highest level of safety and cleanliness.
Nothing beats an easier, more comfortable dental visit. If you have questions about the latest dental
technology, give us a call today at (864) 226-4300.
