Choosing the right dentist is one of the most important decisions you can make for your smile. There are a lot of factors that come into play when making this decision, including staff size and qualifications, insurance coverage, and price.
It is also crucial to choose an office that feels emotionally comfortable to you and your family. The following tips will help you determine if an office is the right fit!
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays are more high-definition than traditional film and allow us to better detect hidden problems, such as a tooth cavity or impacted wisdom teeth. They also emit about 90% less radiation, which is much safer for our patients. Additionally, digitized images can be easily shared with other doctors and specialists, eliminating the need for expensive film processing and storage.
With traditional X-rays, you’ll have to stand in front of a large machine that produces short bursts of radiation to capture an image of your mouth and teeth. While these X-rays are necessary for diagnosing oral issues, we strive to minimize your exposure as much as possible. With digital X-rays, the same high-definition images are captured, but the images are displayed on a computer screen, according to one Plano cosmetic dentist. This allows your dentist to easily manipulate the photos, such as enlarging or cropping them, and they are instantly available for viewing.
Because of the lower radiation level, digital X-rays are also safer for children and individuals with sensitive teeth or gums. In addition, digital X-rays come standard with advanced safety protocols that allow dentists to customize the amount of radiation a patient receives. This is especially important for patients who need frequent X-rays or have other medical conditions that could increase their risk of radiation exposure.
Another benefit of digital X-rays is that they are much easier to interpret than traditional film. Because the photos are displayed on a computer screen, your dentist can quickly zoom in and analyze them for any changes, such as tooth decay or bone loss. This enables your dentist to provide you with more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
With traditional X-rays, your dentist will have to wait for the films to be developed. This can take time and may require you to schedule an appointment just for your X-rays. With digital radiography, your X-rays are ready almost immediately on the computer screen, which means you’ll save valuable time during your appointment. In addition, these X-rays can be saved to a file that your dentist can share with specialists or your primary care physician in minutes, which is an excellent way to streamline the process of getting you the treatment you need.
Diode Lasers
When it comes to getting a dental filling or root canal, most people dread the idea of having to deal with the pain and discomfort of traditional drilling. But modern dentistry has evolved into a much less invasive process that allows dentists to treat dental problems with laser technology.
Diode lasers are semiconductor chips that convert electrical energy directly into laser light. They are by far the most common type of laser used today due to their lower cost, wider choice of output wavelength (color) and power, compact rugged packaging, and superior (semiconductor) reliability as compared to other laser types.
When a diode laser is activated, it emits photons that interact with the tissue it’s targeting through selective absorption and scattering, causing the target material to heat up. This action is known as selective photothermolysis (abbreviated SPTL). When it’s used to remove unwanted hair, the melanin in the hair follicles is targeted and damaged, which results in the hair growth being disrupted. In the case of dentistry, the lasers are used to remove soft tissue such as gums or teeth, and they also have bactericidal properties.
The most popular dental laser in use is called the WaterLase iPlus, and it’s the fastest and most precise of its kind. It uses a high-powered diode laser that interacts with water to perform minimally invasive soft tissue procedures such as gum disease treatment, tooth extractions, and tooth whitening. This type of laser is very accurate, which means less healthy tissue is affected, and it also helps reduce bleeding, swelling, and the need for sutures.
Our team of caring dentists are proud to offer the most advanced dental technology available today, including diode lasers. We take the time to get to know each patient, listen to their concerns and needs, and provide personalized care every step of the way. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help improve your oral health, please don’t hesitate to contact our office today. We look forward to assisting you! We offer a wide range of general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments.
Digital Records
Unlike traditional paper documents, digital forms allow staff to process patients more quickly. Getting patient records from the front office to the dentist is easier and faster when everyone uses the same software platform. In turn, this reduces waiting times for new patients and frees up time to focus on other tasks. A paperless workflow is also better for the environment, as it eliminates wasteful paper, toner, and ink consumption.
A family dentist is not just a healthcare provider, but also an adviser for the overall health of the entire family. For children, this means prioritizing preventive care and guiding them into a lifetime of positive dental habits. For adults, it involves identifying and treating any dental problems before they become more serious.
Family dentists are also experienced in handling a variety of emergencies. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth during sports or a sudden painful toothache, immediate treatment can make a huge difference in the long run. In addition to offering prompt treatment, family dentists also provide guidance on emergency preparedness for the home.
Orthodontic care is another key component of a family dentist’s expertise. In fact, choosing the right Plano dentist for your orthodontic needs is a major decision that can affect your quality of life. A family dentist will guide you through the pros and cons of different treatment options such as braces or Invisalign.
For those seeking a more discreet and attractive option for straightening their teeth, a dentist in Plano will offer clear aligners like Invisalign. The Invisalign system has a proven track record for effectively straightening misaligned teeth. Invisalign can be used in conjunction with conventional braces or as a standalone procedure. The most important consideration is to find a dentist that will listen to your individual concerns and understand how different treatment options can address them. In this way, you can make the most informed decision about your teeth’s future. Word of mouth remains a powerful tool in selecting the right clinic for your family’s dental care, so ask friends and colleagues for recommendations. Their personal testimonials can give you insight into the values, skillset, and approach of a potential dentist.
Emergency Dentistry
Keeping up with preventative dental care, such as regular professional dental cleanings and checkups, is a key element to maintaining good oral health. However, unforeseen dental emergencies may arise that require immediate attention. When this occurs, you will need emergency dentistry. Emergency dentists provide urgent and critical treatment for patients that are experiencing pain, bleeding, knocked-out teeth, severe tooth decay or infections, and more. Emergency dentists are also able to repair restorations like crowns, bridges, and fillings that have fallen out.
A dental abscess is one of the most serious dental conditions that can be life-threatening if it’s not treated quickly. Severe tooth pain, pus, swollen glands, and a bad taste in your mouth are the hallmark signs of an abscessed tooth. A 24-hour emergency dentist can administer antibiotics, drain the abscess, and perform surgery to ensure that the infection doesn’t spread.
Toothache is another common dental emergency that can occur for a variety of reasons. Rough play, work-related accidents, and eating hard or sugary foods can all cause tooth pain. It is important to call your emergency dentist as soon as you experience any of these symptoms so they can schedule you for a same-day appointment.
If you have a toothache, you can rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out and apply a cold compress to the area to manage the pain. Over-the-counter pain medications can help with the discomfort until you can see your emergency dentist.
If you are in need of a dentist, look no further than the professionals at Energy Square Dental on Greenville Avenue. This highly competent, customer-focused practice prides itself on providing individualized care and exceptional clinical results. Their staff is very knowledgeable about the latest advancements in dental technology, such as diode lasers and digital X-rays, and they are trained in a new procedure for correcting periodontal disease that doesn’t involve surgery or gum grafting. They are also certified in a new procedure for treating canker sores with laser therapy. Contact them to find out more about their services and how they can help you maintain your best smile!