PATIENT INFORMATION

Advanced Technology

Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT)

Our office is equipped with a CT scanner to accurately diagnose conditions and plan a variety of oral surgeries. This technology captures 3-D images in under 20 seconds while emitting a fraction of the radiation of a hospital type (fan beam) traditional CT scanner. The images produced are distortion-free, anatomically correct, and far more accurate than traditional X-rays. This technology allows patients to make better decisions for themselves as the risks and rewards of moving forward with treatment are made clearer.  Procedures which were previously performed blind are now made safer and faster.  We have three visual imaging software programs:  InVivo (Anatomage), Simplant (Materialise) and Vision (Imaging Sciences). CBCT is perfect for implantology and other applications including extractions, root canal therapy, oral surgeries, and TMJ evaluation. When you seek care at our office, you will see that Dr. Van Stralen and his staff utilize the latest in technology to enhance the quality and fit of your dental restorations.

Microscopic Dentistry 
 
Our practice uses high power microscopes to enhance the precision of patient care.

We perform examinations and procedures using surgical operating microscopes (SOM).  Each operatory is equipped with a Zeiss SOM and a flat panel display that allows our patients to see what we see.  SOM's enable us to visualize details that are simply impossible to observe any other way.  Dentistry is form of micro-surgery. We use microscopes that are similar to the one an ophthalmologist uses for eye surgery.  Our SOM's enables us to create dental restorations with incredibly precise fit and finish. There is no other way to achieve that level of care.  As an added benefit, a microscope's light source focuses the beam of light directly on the teeth, minimizing glare for you.

Electric Handpieces

Many dentists use air-driven "handpieces" (the dental term for "drills").  While acceptable for many procedures, these "whiney sounding" air-powered handpieces all have a degree of non-concentricity; they do not rotate perfectly smoothly.  For the restorative procedures, we use electric handpieces. This results in extraordinarily precise interfaces between your tooth and your new restoration (crown, veneer, or filling). This will bring more comfort to you as well. With a more precise tool, there is less vibration and less noise.

Digital Radiographs (X-rays)  and Imaging

Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health.  Dr. Van Stralen carefully determines when one or more radiographs need to be taken. Radiographs help detect decay or "cavities" between your teeth, determine bone level, and analyze the health of the bone that supports your teeth. They also are valuable when examining the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnosing lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assessing damage when trauma occurs.

Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. With digital radiography exposure time is about 50 percent less when compared to traditional radiographs and results in 1/6 the radiation exposure. Digital radiography allows us to store patient information easier and enables us to quickly and easily transfer that information to specialists or insurance companies.

Imaging is accomplished using our inVivo software, we are able to meld a patient's 35mm photograph to their CT scan.  The underlying teeth and bone can then be manipulated to ideal virtually.  Then a touch of a button allows us to predict the soft tissue result from such a teeth or boney change.  This is especially helpful in recontructions where significant changes are anticipated because it allows us to "try-out" different treatment approaches in advance so that patients have a clear idea of what to expect when treatment is complete. 

Laser Dentistry

We employ three types of lasers, two for surgical procedures (C02 laser and Diode laser), such as gum recontouring and non-surgical periodontal treatments.  A third laser, DIAGNOdent, identifies hidden tooth decay inside of teeth before the decay is apparent on radiographs.

The laser deliver energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a "target." In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, gum tissue, or whitening enhancers. Each target absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others. Laser dentistry can be used for both tooth and soft tissue related procedures. Oftentimes minimal local anesthesia is required.  For soft tissue (surgical) procedures it eliminates the need for suturing and healing is much faster. 

Areas of dental care that benefit from laser technology:

  • Cavity diagnosis 
  • Dentinal desensitization
  • Removal of dark pigmentation from gum tissue
  • Non-surgical periodontal, or gum, treatment
  • Atraumatic (second stage) implant uncovering
  • Apthous Ulcer (canker sore) treatment
  • Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) without anesthesia or sutures
  • Bloodless microsurgery and hemostasis 
  • Soft tissue crown lengthening, gingivectomy and other gum corrections

Dental lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for treating both children and adults.

Intraoral Camera

Many patients are very familiar with the latest technology. Computers and TV screens are their primary method of information processing.

Dr. Van Stralen uses an intraoral camera as well as cameras receiving a video feed from operating microscopes that helps enhance your understanding of your diagnosis and procedure.  An intraoral camera allows our practice to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums, in order for us to accurately make a diagnosis. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard  examinations. These images involve you in the decision making process and can help you make the best decision for your dental health.

Our intra oral cameras have a feature that enable us to save images.  These images provide a permanent record of treatment and can be shared with you, other specialists for immediate join consultations, a dental laboratory to refine esthetics or insurance companies to speed reimbursement.