Dental Technology
Dentistry is a constantly changing field with new technology. Advancements strive to make dental procedures less painful and to achieve ever-higher quality results. It is important to Dr. Appleton to give his patients the best dentistry he has to offer. This is why we incorporate the latest in dental technology in our office. Click on the links below to read more about what Oak Harbor Family Dentistry has to offer.Digital Imaging
Chairside Computers • Digital Radiography
Magnification • Oral Cancer Screening
Diagnostic Wax-Ups • Articulator
Chairside Computers
Our patients have realized many benefits since we computerized and networked our treatment rooms. All intra-oral and extra-oral photography, patient records, written communication, and clinical information can be shared between the doctor and treatment areas instantly.
Digital Radiography
With digital radiography, we take x-rays of your teeth with the computer using about 90% less radiation than with a regular dental x-ray machine. Then we can store your x-rays on our computers and access them faster than ever before. Additionally, your images can be sent electronically to insurance companies, dramatically decreasing processing time and resulting in faster treatment.
Magnification
We use a pair of high magnification loops, or glasses, to help us perform perfect, precise, and accurate dentistry.
Oral Cancer Screening
In this year alone approximately 35,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with oral cancer. When found early, oral cancer has a very high survival rate. Unfortunately, when patients don’t see the dentist every six months, most oral cancer is found as late stage cancer.
Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a dental examination. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it.
Oak Harbor Family Dentistry uses the OralCDx® oral cancer screening system. It is an easy, painless and definitive way for Dr. Appleton to test the common small white and red oral spots that most people have in their mouth at one time or another. The BrushTest is used to determine if a common oral spot contains abnormal cells (known as dysplasia) that, if left alone for several years, may develop into oral cancer.
Diagnostic Model
Making sure you get the right look, feel and function is the goal. The diagnostic model of your restored smile gives us a record of what you want so we begin the process with your results already known.
We also see how your new smile will improve any bite problems you may have. With the diagnostic model you are empowered to preview, give suggestions, make changes, and approve your personal “Smile Plan” before any procedures are begun. Not only can you see the excellent quality of the esthetic changes in your new smile, the model also assures us that your restorative work will function well when chewing or talking.
Articulator
This technology has helped us better determine how teeth should be restored. Years of wear and decay can create significant bite and function problems. We use these “jaw simulators” with three-dimensional models or your current and projected restored smile. The articulator shows you and us how the function and bite will be enhanced through the restorative treatments we have recommended.
People can develop painful joint concerns and chipping and cracking problems when teeth are mismatched. Without creating equilibrium or ‘evenness,’ smile restorations can be short lived. Therefore, we take a whole-smile health view. Be assured that we will develop a comprehensive blueprint for your new smile.
