Dental Technology in Tacoma, WA

Many say there’s nothing exciting about going to the dentist, just poking and prodding with no results to show. However, modern dentistry has changed dramatically in the last few decades thanks to technological advances that have improved the level of care patients receive and the overall health of their smiles. And one of those advances in modern technology in dental technology.

If you’re curious about gentle dental care and how it can benefit your smile, visit My Tacoma Dentist - David Wagner DDS. We’ll answer any questions and discuss your concerns, so you can enjoy a healthier smile in less time than you thought possible!

The Different Types Of Dental Technology Procedures

CEREC Primescan

At My Tacoma Dentist- David Wagner DDS, We are proud to offer our patients the latest 3D technology dentistry has to offer. 3D technology in the dental field provides us with the tools to provide accuracy to the cases we do and overall give the patient a better product. 

One way we offer this technology is in the way we take a dental impression. Taking dental impressions is a way for Dentists to study the teeth and present treatment cases for each induvial patient. Before, we would use a material called alginate and stone to make these study models. We would take impressions that would form on the teeth using the alginate. You would have to wait 3-5 mins with this material in your mouth before we could take it out. For some patients, this caused gaging and an unpleasant experience. With the new technology of CEREC, Primescan is one of the most accurate intraoral scanners in digital dentistry. The technology’s speed allows you to scan the entire jaw (upper, lower, and buccal) in less than 60 seconds to decrease the length of appointments and increase your comfort as a patient.

Sprint Ray 3D printer

Another tool we use is a Sprint Ray 3D printer. This 3D printer provides an accurate study model for better fitting results for Night Guards, Dentures, Bridges, and much more. 

3-D X-rays

Lastly, we use 3D X-rays, also known as cone beam scans. This scan allows us to get a better understanding of your specific needs. With  3D images, we can plan the accuracy of implant placement, pinpoint where the pain is coming from and detect tumors in the jaw.  

Intraoral Cameras

An intraoral camera is a small handheld device that allows the dentist to get a closer look inside your mouth. By getting a closer look at your teeth and surrounding structures, such as the tongue and gums, it is much easier to determine if you have any underlying problems that may need treatment. The camera can also help to show patients what the inside of their mouth looks like so that they can be fully informed about their dental health.

Digital X-Rays

A digital x-ray machine is another way for dentists to examine your mouth and provide an accurate diagnosis thoroughly. This machine makes the images much more precise and detailed than traditional film x-rays. The images can be saved in the patient’s file and compared over time to determine if any changes in your mouth need to be monitored.

Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry is used to treat various types of oral soft tissue. This includes periodontal disease, cold sores, canker sores, and tongue ties. They promote faster healing with little to no bleeding or pain. 

Advantages of Dental Technology

Dental Technology has numerous advantages for dentists and patients alike. It streamlines the workflow and reduces the need for physical records, saving time and effort. It also reduces human error and makes record-keeping more accurate and convenient. Images taken with intraoral cameras can be immediately viewed and stored on a computer, eliminating the need for bulky paper files and film processing. The images can also be enhanced or magnified digitally for better viewing. The technology helps create better patient education and improved communication with patients. Patients can view images on the computer chair side and make more informed decisions about their care. Digital image capture also provides more image detail than a film x-ray.

Digital radiography also improves the patient’s experience because the process is faster than traditional x-rays. This is especially beneficial for children and those with difficulty sitting in a dental chair for a long time. 

Advancements in dental technology have made it possible for dental procedures to be more comfortable and convenient than ever before. For the best dental care, visit My Tacoma Dentist - David Wagner DDS at 1919 N. Pearl St. Suite A-3, Tacoma, WA, 98406, or call (253) 761-5299.