What is dental technology?

Dental technology refers to all electronically powered devices and tools that are used in the dental field.

What are dental lasers?

A laser uses light energy to reshape the gumline, remove decay, and prepare the area for a filling or crown. Lasers can also treat gum disease and infected root canals. Lasers are precise and can minimize bleeding, pain, and swelling during dental procedures. Some patients even report less anxiety and fear when a laser is used. This is because they are less invasive than many other common dental treatments and procedures. Lasers are considered advanced technology dentistry because they provide patients with better outcomes with less side effects. They are safe for both children and adults. Dental laser treatments are often recommended over traditional treatments because the recovery time is lower and the results are better. Lasers are also often recommended for those who have sensitive teeth or gums. This is because of their ability to seal off nerve endings during the procedure. Lasers can significantly reduce feelings of sensitivity after the procedure is complete. This can help decrease discomfort throughout the healing process. Patients find that the recovery process is less irritating with laser dentistry versus traditional methods. Because of this, many patients choose to receive more treatments that require the use of a dental laser. This makes their appointments more enjoyable and helps them maintain good dental health in the long run.

Digital x-rays

Dental technology is any tool or instrument used in a dental office that makes dental care easier, more accurate, and more efficient for patients and staff. When it comes to digital radiography, this equipment allows patients to avoid traditional x-ray films — which used to require film developing and chemicals — and instead enjoy the safety of digital technology. Images are available instantly and can be enhanced with various image filters for greater detail. Patients can easily view their images on a screen in the treatment room and discuss them with Dr. Chen directly. Feel free to contact our Houston, TX office with any questions about digital radiography!

Why might I need x-rays taken of my teeth?

X-rays are used to capture images of areas of the mouth that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Your dentist will use these images to assess your oral health and look for signs of decay, infection, gum disease, and other damage that may not be visible to the naked eye. Such damage may include bone infections, abscesses, cysts, tumors, impacted teeth that may need to be removed, and more. X-rays may also show impacted wisdom teeth to plan for extraction.

How often do I need x-rays taken?

Most adults will need x-rays taken of their smiles at least once every two years. An x-ray set may consist of anywhere from six to 14 images, so patients should plan to spend around one to two hours every six months for this procedure. Children and teens may need more frequent exams if orthodontic treatment is being planned or being performed. Talk to our team to determine your individualized needs.

Will I need to wear a lead apron when I get an x-ray taken?

Most of the time, no. There are a few instances where your dentist may recommend a lead apron be worn, such as when working with pregnant patients and children. Lead aprons do protect

Dental imaging

X-rays are a common type of dental technology that dentists use to examine a patient’s teeth, mouth, and gums. This helps the dentist determine if there are any underlying conditions that need to be addressed. Digital x-rays are an alternative to the traditional film-based x-ray because they produce better images while exposing the patient to lower levels of radiation.

In addition to diagnosing issues that may not be visible to the naked eye, digital x-rays help the dental office develop a more personalized treatment plan for the patient. For example, if a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, the dentist may be able to place a dental crown on it to protect it from further damage. But if the tooth is also infected, the dentist may take different steps to address the underlying infection before placing the crown, such as administering antibiotics.

Additionally, an intraoral camera is another common piece of dental technology that allows the dentist to show patients their problem areas up close. The camera can be inserted into a patient’s mouth to project images of his or her teeth and gum tissue onto a monitor. This makes it easier for both the dentist and patient to discuss problems and come up with an individualized treatment plan to address them.

If you’re looking for high-quality dental care but are concerned about the environment, visit Eco-DentistryTM. Our practice provides eco-friendly dentistry in an eco-friendly environment. We offer mercury-free fillings and use digital x-rays to limit the amount of radiation you are exposed to during your dental treatments. To schedule an appointment, call (949) 831-0363.

Dr. Alex Martin graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1996 and completed advanced training in pediatric dentistry at UCLA, where he also received his Master of Science degree in oral biology and pathology. Today, he is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Board Certified specialist in pediatric dentistry. He can be reached for more information through his website

Intraoral cameras

An intraoral camera is a small, pen-sized tool that the dentist uses inside your mouth to get a closer look at your teeth and mouth as a whole. The camera has a tiny lens on one end that sends images of your teeth and gums to a small screen on the handle. The dentist will look at the screen while he or she ensures everything is healthy and comfortable inside your mouth. This allows your dentist to catch small issues before they become big problems. It also allows him or her to explain the results of your procedure to you more clearly. You can see examples of what the camera sees on the screen during your exam. This is especially helpful when explaining the condition of your tooth after a filling or root canal treatment. Dental practices also use intraoral cameras to take pictures of a patient’s teeth after procedures like whitening treatments, braces installations, and more. That way, you can see your results and keep those results forever!