Guided Implant planning and surgery
Guided implant planning involves the collection of models, photos, radiographs and a medical history to check that patients are suitable for implants. Then we create a diagnostic guide (replacement tooth or denture to simulate ideal positioning of the missing tooth/teeth). The patient wears this guide when a 3D cone beam scan is taken. We then import the scan data into our software program to ideally position implants to replace the missing tooth/teeth in the bone, avoiding damage to nerves, sinuses and other roots of teeth. From this planning a surgical guide can be made to replicate the ideal positioning of the implants during surgery. Using the pre-designed guide during surgery usually eliminates the need to create large gum flaps. This greatly reduces post-operative swelling and discomfort. Surgery kits are used in conjunction with the guide to control angulation and the depth of the drills for implant placement. In cases where there is inadequate bone volume or depth, grafting or sinus lift procedures using artificial bone may be necessary.
Implants and any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. We will discuss the risks of the procedure during your consultation as well as examine your health to ensure you are a suitable candidate for implants. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Diagnodent- A Laser Decay Detector
Conventional dentistry using a probe and vision only picks up 25% of decay in grooves in teeth. The Diagnodent increases the accuracy to 95%. The best way to treat cavities is to find them early; before they have caused much damage to teeth. Using the Diagnodent we are able to accurately measure tooth density, which alerts us to the presence of tooth decay. By detecting decay early, we are able to treat it very conservatively, preserving tooth structure and strength. The grooves are the weaker and more decay prone areas of teeth. When we have found decay in grooves using the Diagnodent, we recommend cleaning out the decay with our dental laser. By using the dental laser, we are able to minimise the loss of tooth structure. Then we repair the clean groove with white filling material. In most cases we can achieve this with no anaesthetic (no needle).
Rotary NiTi files for root canal therapy
This beneficial treatment is designed to preserve a damaged tooth by removing infection. We use precise instruments, Rotary NiTi files, during root canal therapy, along with local anaesthetic, and our patients report feeling little if any discomfort.
We ensure comfort and a positive outcome of treatment by measuring the length of the root canal with a rotary device, and thoroughly cleaning canal walls so that optimal size and shape are accomplished for filling. Combined with dental laser disinfecting power, our level of canal cleaning and measuring facilitates a greater success rate for treatment.
Digital x-rays
X-rays have changed significantly over the years. Smile in Style uses digital x-ray imaging, which uses only 20 per cent of the radiation of standard x-ray equipment. This technology also allows the immediate viewing of images, which can be shared easily with the patient.
Based on computer files rather than films, digital x-rays are easily stored in your digital patient record at Smile in Style, making it convenient to compare records.
Digital x-ray imaging is also environmentally friendly, eliminating the release of processing chemicals into our local environment.
In our Sunbury practice, we also have digital OPG and lateral ceph equipment, which allows for accurate, full mouth images with low radiation dosage. This type of imaging is beneficial to surgical and orthodontic treatment plans.
Computerised record-keeping
Dental care should be personal, private, and convenient. Our computerised system of online appointments and patient files means that we can easily access your records when needed for answering questions or planning appointments. We use dental software that is networked, so we have access to your treatment history, financial details, medical history, dental charts and x-ray images from either office.
