From wireless technology and networked computer systems to CD graphics and DVDs, digital science has changed the way we look at the world. Educating patients on oral health is not new, but at Marlborough Dental Centre, we find today's technology creates a valuable communication tool for our patients. We utilize the latest in dental technology, including laser dentistry to ensure you receive the best treatment possible.

Laser Dentistry

Here at Marlborough Dental Centre, we use laser dentistry for hard and soft tissue procedures. We are one of the few practices in our area to utilize laser dentistry.

Laser dentistry can be used for soft tissues (gums) and hard tissues (teeth). Soft tissue laser dentistry includes:

• Gum reshaping and contouring
• Periodontal (gum) therapy
• Excision of small growths on the gums or lips
• Crown lengthening, which eliminates “gummy” smiles by removing excess gum tissue and exposing more tooth

Hard tissue laser dentistry includes:

• Removal of decay within a tooth
• Preparation for fillings
• Curing and hardening of composite fillings

Laser dentistry is a good option for patients who have a fear of dental drills and needles. Because lasers do not make whirring or whining sounds, you should be able to relax during your dental treatment. There are several other advantages to laser dentistry, including:

• No drills, no shots, no pain!
• Laser dentistry results in less discomfort during gum treatments
• Hard tissue laser dentistry results in faster composite curing and harder composites, which makes your teeth stronger
• No cutting or stitches during gum surgery, which results in less bleeding and promotes healing
• Less post-operative discomfort and swelling
• Laser dentistry reduces or eliminates the need for anesthesia
• Hard tissue laser dentistry preserves more tooth structure during cavity removal

Here at our practice, we utilize the Kavo Key Laser 3 and the DIAGNOdent® laser.

Kavo Key Laser 3

"The only universal laser to combine a diagnostic system with a therapy system."

• Suited for surgery, periodontics, endodontics, and conservative therapy
• Gentle, effective, and low-pain preparation
• Sterile procedure
• Maximum possible germ reduction
• Faster wound healing
• No vibrations or drilling noise
• Minimal need for anesthetic
• Extensive range of applications

DIAGNOdent® Laser

A DIAGNOdent® Laser Caries Detector is a machine that uses laser dentistry technology to look "inside" teeth to detect cavities. It eliminates the guesswork in detecting decay and allows the dentist to eliminate decay earlier with smaller fillings.

Cavities have changed with the advent of fluoride. Teeth now have very hard surfaces but still have developmental fissures. Cavities form undetected in these deep grooves of back teeth where only a laser can see.

If you would like to learn more about our laser dentistry options, contact our office today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Technology

When you visit our practice, you will notice many high-tech helpers. Treatment room computers, education videos, digital photography, and cosmetic imaging software are helping our patients see things they have never seen before. You can visualize what's going on in your mouth and co-diagnose with your dentist to determine your needs.

Microscope

We utilize a 20x magnification microscope for our most delicate procedures to ensure the success of these tedious treatments.

Computerized Charting

All of your important dental information is documented and stored in a secure networked system. This allows long-term tracking and comparisons to measure the success of treatment.

At Marlborough Dental Centre, our standard is excellence!

Cosmetic Imaging

Our latest innovation allows you to see what your new smile may look like BEFORE you proceed with treatment! This advanced software helps the dentist determine the changes that are possible with new bonded ceramic restorations. We can lengthen, re-shape, realign, and even lighten the colour of your teeth to demonstrate possible cosmetic changes.

T.E.N.S (Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation)

This machine uses mild electrical stimulation to relax the muscles that control jaw function. This allows us to determine a patient's ideal physiological bite position in preparation for further treatment. Scientific methods including neuromuscular TENS (transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation) therapy and computerized tomography are utilized to determine the most harmonious jaw and teeth position. Orthotic appliances or splints are then fabricated to test the improved occlusion (bite).

When the patient is comfortable in his or her new jaw location, permanent esthetic ceramic additions are fabricated and bonded to the existing teeth to achieve maximum cosmetics and function. In other words, a physiologically stable and beautiful smile.

Fiber Optic Hand Pieces and High Speed Curing Lights

New fiber optic technology has allowed us to bring light to the instruments we use in the operative field. This improved illumination and vision helps us to produce superior restorations and results.

High intensity curing lights are now available to greatly increase the speed at which procedures can be done. These new lights have cut the "curing time" by half.

Intra-Oral Camera

The intra-oral camera allows you to see what the dentist sees. An intra-oral camera is essentially a small television camera fitted onto a pen-sized wand. By placing the device inside your mouth, your dentist can explore and record images 40 times larger than the actual size. You can now have a first-hand tour of your mouth to better understand your dental concerns. High-resolution computer monitors show your teeth on a screen, and our color laser printer can even print your photographs for you!

As well as helping with diagnosis, the intra-oral camera allows patients to have a better understanding of their own mouth. It offers incredible views that, until recently, could only be described.

If you would like to learn more about the technology we utilize, including laser dentistry, contact our office today.