DIODE DENTAL LASER

The Acronym LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Dental lasers use this energy in the form of light. Using a highly concentrated beam, we can control the wavelength and amplitude of the light to precisely perform procedures that include: biopsies, frenectomies, gingivectomies, gingivoplasty,aesthetic gingival recontouring, crown lengthening and periodontal debridement. Scanning the periodontal pockets along the gum line can essentially target bacteria and reduce their numbers from billions to hundreds.

DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY

We use digital radiography exclusively at our office. This significantly reduces the radiation exposure to the patient. To have a frame of reference, these produce 90 percent less radiation than the old type of dental X-rays using film. Four posterior digital X-rays produce about 0.005 millisieverts of radiation. Most North Americans are exposed to about 3.1 millisieverts each year just from the environment (which is 620 times your exposure for bitewing X-rays). But we do take radiation seriously and only recommend X-rays that are necessary.

The images obtained by digital X-rays are much sharper, with superior resolution than traditional dental X-rays. This offers us a more powerful diagnostic tool. We are also able to zoom in and out of the images and change the contrast if needed.

The other benefit of digital radiography is our ability to send these images electronically through the computer to doctors, specialists, and insurance companies.

PAPERLESS OFFICE

Aside from the benefit of being more environmentally friendly, our fully computerized charting and billing system allows us to instantly send insurance claim forms, cost estimates, X-rays and photographs to insurance companies and specialists for faster service for you.

STERILIZATION

We implement state of the art infection control at our office, and we take this very seriously. With previous epidemics including SARS, West Nile Virus, and Ebola, not to mention HIV, we have always and will always adhere to the most stringent parameters set out by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. We adhere to the guidelines by performing regular spore testing and daily sterilizer function testing.

AUTOMATED APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION

You can tell us if you prefer to be contacted by phone, email, or cell phone to receive a courtesy reminder of your upcoming appointments.Or you can choose not to receive any notifications.

SEDATION

We offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. Nitrous oxide is excellent for children or apprehensive adults who prefer to drive themselves to and from their appointments. Nitrous oxide acts as an anaesthetic, which is why many procedures on children can be done without freezing. Nitrous relaxes the patient and alleviates tension and also suppresses the gag reflex. If you would like nitrous oxide for our restorative appointment, you should come with an empty stomach.

Oral conscious sedation is basically an oral sedative taken at the office one hour before your procedure. We will stay with you an monitor your vitals before, during and after your appointment. Oral sedation will make you more groggy and less aware during your appointment, although you may not fall asleep. Oral sedation is best for long appointments involving oral surgery, wisdom teeth extractions, and long restorative appointments where patients require a heavier sedation than nitrous oxide, but don’t want general anesthesia. You will need a driver and someone to stay with you for 24 hours after your dental appointment.

MERCURY-FREE BONDED RESTORATIONS

We do not have mercury silver filling material in our office. Since our governing body does not allow us to flush this material down our drains or in our garbage cans, we don’t think we should put it in your mouth. Alternately, bonded composite resin restorations or “white fillings” have superior characteristics and produce a more predictable result. Resin fillings bond to the walls of the tooth, within a cavity preparation. This actually holds the walls together and strengthens the tooth itself. A silver amalgam filling has no bonding capacity and in essence, sits in your tooth like an axe, waiting for the final blow to crack off part of your tooth. Plus, the mercury inside each silver filling expands with hot food and contracts with cold food, like a thermometer.It’s no wonder that so many teeth with old silver fillings are full of cracks.

INTRA-ORAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Ever wonder what we’re looking at? We will always show you what we see using our intra-oral camera. Whether there is an infection, cracked tooth, canker sore, or suspicious lesion, we always take pictures. These photos always stay in your file and are frequently used for comparison purposes, to educate you, or to correspond with specialists and insurance companies.