Expert ADVICE
New Dental Technology to Smile About
Dr. Haley Ritchey Eldorado Dental 1 Caliente Rd. 505.466.0999 www.eldoradodental.com
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f it has been a while since you last went to the dentist, you are in for a pleasant surprise; there are an abundance of new technologies available to make your appointment faster, easier, more precise and less stressful! Let's start with the exam. Digital x-rays use less than half the radiation of traditional x-rays and pop up on the computer screen immediately. There’s no more waiting for them to process and develop, and no chemical smell or fumes. We now also have quick and easy screening tools such as ViziLite and Velscope. Small intraoral digital cameras are a neat way for you to see what the dental team sees, making everything more understandable. Additionally, high powered optic magnification used by the dentist and hygienist allow for accurate diagnosis and treatment. With the advent of ultrasonic cleaning devices, lasers, and site-specific bacterial testing and treatment, the process of cleaning your teeth is more thorough and comfortable than ever. If you still have anxiety regarding dental treatment, fear
Photos by Anthony Evans
not—there are many options available to reduce apprehension. From traditional nitrous oxide gas, to oral and IV sedation, along with the all-natural NuCalm system developed for PTSD, there is a solution for everyone. If keeping your mouth open or feeling like you're drowning is an issue, we also have Isolite, which serves as a suction apparatus, mouth prop, and illuminator all in one. Let's say you do need some dental treatment — there is still the dreaded shot. However, even that is better than it ever was before thanks to pharmaceutical advances with stronger topical anesthetics, and a great little invention called "The Buzzy." Developed by a pediatric nurse, The Buzzy uses cold therapy and vibrational modalities
to distract you from the pain of injection. Biocompatibility and aesthetic concerns are addressed with newer composite resin and porcelain restorations, eliminating "the black line" of metal around crowns and the mercury in silver amalgam fillings. One of my all-time favorite advances in dentistry is the CEREC machine. It designs and fabricates all porcelain crowns in the office in about an hour through the use of CAD/CAM and 3D printing. No more goopy impressions or temporary crowns; you can have your crown the very same day. These are just a few of the latest and greatest advances in dentistry, so if you have been avoiding the dentist, come in today — there is a lot to smile about!