 Lasers
Heavily promoted but of limited use. Useful in certain areas of Periodontal surgery and
in office bleaching.
Rating: A lot of hype!
Air Abrasion (no drill)
Basically a mini-sandblaster that uses small particles blown at accelerated speed with
compressed air. Usually limited the very top of the tooth. Promoted as anesthetic free,
but often not the case. Patients need to wear a rubber dam to protect
other teeth as well as protection against particle inhalation.
Rating: Somewhat Useful.
Digital
Radiographs
Uses about 90% less radiation than conventional dental x-rays. An oral sensor delivers
Radiographic image directly to computer screen. Requires no chemicals to develop film.
Resolution isn’t as good as conventional film but getting better. Some dental
insurance won’t accept digital radiographs.
Rating: Useful!
The Pump (no
needle)
Heavily promoted as a no needle technique is a misnomer. A needle is attached to a
plastic tubing connected to a computer controlled pump. Recently inquires by the FTC where
dentists were receiving kick back for testimonials. Probably useful for those dentists
that have a heavy handed injection techniques.
Rating: Somewhat Useful.
Bleaching
Very easy, very useful, very quick. Custom made dental tray filled with a bleaching gel
are placed over teeth. Patient wears trays either at night or a few hours a day for a 10
day period. Bleaching gel comes in different concentrations. Teeth get 2-3 times whiter in
10 days. Expect to pay from 180-400.
Rating: Very Useful!
Implants
Basically a titanium screw within a screw that is surgically placed in the jaw. After
it heals for 3-12 months a replacement tooth is simply attached to it with a small
"setscrew". 92-99% successful in the lower jaw and somewhat less successful in
the upper Smoker and or bruxers have a significantly lower success rate.. Very useful for
those patient that: don’t like a removable appliance, have a chronic ill fitting
denture, and those patient that don’t want a tooth prepared for a bridge. May require
additional x-rays (tomograms or CT scan) to help with placement. Expensive
Rating: Very Useful! |
