We stay at the cutting edge of technology in order to enhance your experience and to further our pursuit of perfection in dentistry. Dr. Forgosh researches new developments as they become available and utilizes his contacts through his extensive continuing education to help evaluate new products. This effort is made simply so that you can benefit from the very best that dentistry has to offer. What follows is a list of some of the advanced technologies we have invested in for your benefit.
CEREC – Single Visit Crown
In a true example of a 21st-century miracle in dentistry, this computer-aged technology allows you to have a beautiful porcelain crown prepared, fabricated, and delivered in a single visit! Imagine no more temporary crowns, no more gooey impressions, and no more inconvenient second (or third) visits for your crowns.
We use digital optical impressions made from incredibly accurate 3D photos to build a virtual model of your teeth. Dr. Forgosh then personally designs the fit and contour of your restorations as you watch. Once the design is complete, your crown will be milled automatically from a block of solid porcelain. When complete, it is almost impossible to tell the difference between porcelain and natural tooth enamel. Advances in dental materials now make it possible to use these beautiful materials even on most back teeth where we used to resort to gold or less esthetic porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. This means no more “black lines” where your crown meets your gums!
Digital X-rays
The days of holding a one-inch film up to a light and trying to diagnose your dental needs are over. Digital x-rays are taken with about 10% of the radiation exposure of traditional films and allow us to view your images on high-definition computer monitors. What this means for you is that your (and our) radiation exposure in our office is almost non-existent, and our ability to make a proper diagnosis is greatly enhanced. You will be able to see what we see on the monitor mounted on the dental chair, so together, we can come up with the best treatment plan for you.
An added benefit of digital x-rays that you may not consider is the elimination of toxic chemical developer and fixer solutions from our practice and waste stream. We only have one world, and we are doing our best to be good neighbors.
Intraoral Cameral
Simply put, digital photography lets you see what we see. We find that the more you understand about your mouth, the better equipped you are to make the best decisions for your care. Another benefit of photography is that it allows us to document existing conditions with a tiny camera so we can better monitor for changes.
Diagnodent
The Diagnodent is another diagnostic tool that has become essential to our practice in the 21st century. It uses laser light absorption to detect and measure the presence of pit and fissure cavities. Why is this important?
The use of fluoride creates enamel that is strong and resistant to decay. However, the pits and fissures on the chewing surface of back teeth are still at risk if the lobes that develop the separate cusps fail to coalesce fully. Cavity-causing bacteria collect in these “cul de sac” shaped defects in your teeth. As tooth structure deep in these grooves breaks down, it undermines the overlying enamel. In previous generations, without the benefits of fluoride, the weakened enamel would break away, revealing an easily diagnosed cavity. But now, with stronger enamel, the decay can remain undetectable to our traditional diagnostic tools and visual inspection.
Diode Laser
Thanks to their precision, speed, and comfort, lasers have a wide scope of applications in dentistry. They have become a valuable tool in esthetic dentistry, as they can recontour gum tissue to create symmetry in your smile or “lengthen” your teeth by removing excess soft tissue. They can also be used to expose impacted teeth, difficult-to-reach root decay, and painful canker sores quickly.
Isodry
This is a reinvention of the wheel in dentistry. For over a century, dentists have used rubber dams to isolate the teeth they are working on to protect your cheek and tongue. They also improve visibility and prevent contamination of restorative material. The Isodry is a brilliant evolution beyond the rubber dam. This soft, comfortable, latex-free device easily retracts your cheek and tongue. It also gives you a bite block on which to rest your jaw. The whole system connects to our high-volume suction, so you will not feel the need to swallow throughout the procedure.
Composite Bonding
The ability to bond materials to tooth is one of the greatest advancements in the practice of dentistry. With proper technique, composite resin is a superior restoration than silver/mercury amalgam in almost every way. We have used composite as a direct restorative material for years. Our team has witnessed its strength, beauty, and versatility firsthand.
Surgical Magnification and Lighting
Dr. Forgosh and our hygienists also use surgical magnification loupes with intense vision-directed lighting to see meticulous detail.
Air Polishers and Cavitron
Our hygienists use traditional scaling instruments in combination with Cavitron ultrasonic scalers to break up calculus and flush out periodontal pockets. They then polish your teeth with an air polisher that uses air, water, and a baking soda-like powder. This will beautifully polish the most stubborn stain off all the contours of your teeth.