Our Technology
Cone beam CT – clearer, faster dental imaging
A dental cone computed tomography (cone beam CT or CBCT) is a special type of x-ray equipment that can be used by your dentist to provide three-dimensional images of your teeth, nerve pathways, soft tissues and jaw bones in a single scan.
Cone beam CT scans provide much higher resolution images, then other dental radiographic imaging options such as bitewings, or OPG.
Therefore, CBCT imaging can be used to diagnose dental cavities, issues with nerve canals, visualization of the temporomandibular joint (which can cause pain in some patients). It can be used for planning of dental implants as well as bone grafts.
CBCT produces less radiation than a traditional CT scan. It is smaller in size than a traditional CT scan and easier for a dentist to accommodate in their offices. It is thus an ideal option for a dentist to use to provide a non-invasive image of a patient’s mouth.
What happens during a CBCT?
Preparing for a cone beam CT is similar to preparing for a traditional CT scan. We will ask you to remove any glasses, metallic body accessories as well as jewelry and hearing aids. you can continue to wear comfortable shoes and clothing during the scan.
You will either sit or stand in the room and gently bite on a piece of plastic to position your teeth properly. The CBCT machine has a head positioning device which ensures that your head is in the right position. It is very important that you stay as still as possible so we are able to get the sharpest images.
When the CBCT is capturing images, the machine will move around your head, and during this time, you will hear a beeping sound. The total duration of scanning is at most 60 seconds. Unlike MRI machines the noise you will hear is much less.
What are some of the advantages of cone beam CT?
These include-
● High quality imaging of bone, teeth and soft tissues.
● CBCT provides more detailed information than traditional dental x-rays.
● Lower radiation and less claustrophobic compared to traditional CT machines.
● It is much faster as a single rotation scans your entire mouth.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding CBCT imaging, please contact our reception team or speak to your dentist.
The 3Shape TRIOS 3D Scanner- Quick, Convenient Intraoral Imaging
The 3Shape TRIOS 3D Scanner is a small hand-held scanning tool and camera conveniently and comfortably scans the inside of your mouth while you are sitting in the dental chair. We can quickly produce accurate high resolution images of your teeth, palate and gums, then email the “images” to any lab for making aligners, retainers, dental implants, orthodontic appliances, night guards, sleep apnoea appliances, crowns and bridges.
Traditional dental impressions can be messy, uncomfortable for some people, cause gagging and can leave a bad taste in your mouth.
People are often impressed by the speed at which it scans the surface of the teeth and gums and displays an enlarged, realistic portrayal of all sides and angles of the teeth and gums. The result is an incredibly detailed digital impression that shows an enlarged version of what the dentist sees during an examination.
What Happens During a 3Shape TRIOS Scan?
The 3Shape TRIOS scanner is used while you are seated comfortably in a chair.
This hand-held scanner means that you do not need to hold your mouth open for extended periods of time as we can now take a few quick scans, and then look at the digital images on the display screen.
Advantages of the 3Shape TRIOS 3D Scanner:
The 3Shape TRIOS 3D Scanner offers several benefits for our patients:
● No need for traditional impressions.
● Digital documentation: The 3Shape TRIOS instantly creates accurate, three-dimensional images that can be used for treatment planning.
● Delivers no radiation.
● Enhances Patient Communication. Your dentist can show you an enlarged image of your teeth and gum tissue and show any issues as clearly as if you were looking right into your own mouth.
● Scans can be immediately sent to laboratories to begin the fabrication process.
● Fewer appointments needed.
● Fewer “remakes” due to the incredible accuracy of the scans.
● Digital scanning is less intimidating for small children who may be scared or gag with traditional impression taking.
● The scanner also uses a Real Colour and a Colour Matching feature that shows your mouth in natural colour thus making it easier to plan proper treatment.
We look forward to introducing this new scanner into our office and creating an exceptional dental experience for you.
Low-level laser – is used for faster healing and pain relief
At the Dental Gallery we use the multi wave laser system (MLS). This laser has two wavelengths, which are combined to provide greater results for our patients.
Low-level laser therapy can be used for:
● Relieving TMJ and orofacial pain.
● Reducing the pain and inflammation of oral inflammation, such as oral mucositis, gingivitis and stomatitis.
● Reducing the pain associated with dental extraction.
● Reducing dentine sensitivity, and hypersensitive teeth.
● Reducing swelling after dental extraction and dental injuries.
● Assisting with the healing of soft and hard dental tissue post treatment as well as after injury.
Intraoral camera
The intraoral digital camera allows us to comfortably inspect your mouth and display the results on our overhead screen, letting you see what your dentist sees. With the intraoral digital camera we can now diagnose fractures the human eye cannot detect.
Digital x-rays
Emitting only 10% of the radiation of conventional x-rays, our in-house digital x-ray machine can display results almost immediately on an overhead monitor, for a more efficient service.
VistaCam iX + Proof
The VistaCam iX is an intraoral camera that gives us invaluable help with the early detection of tooth decay and the visualisation of plaque. The imaging software then saves the images as photographs and provides diagnosis through software analysis. The interchangeable Proof head enables us to precisely locate decay-causing bacteria, which are excited by a fluorescent light and glow red, while healthy enamel glows green instead. You can imagine the benefits of such a clear diagnosis.
