Check-up

A dental check-up is a routine examination to evaluate the overall health of a person’s teeth, gums, and mouth. It is typically recommended that people have a dental check-up every six months to maintain good oral health and prevent dental problems.

During a dental check-up, the dentist will examine the mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer and other oral health problems. It may also be necessary to take X-rays to check for hidden cavities or other issues.

If required the dentist will refer the patient to the dental hygienist who will typically perform a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar build-up.

If any problems are found during the dental check-up, the dentist will discuss treatment options with the patient and may schedule follow-up appointments as needed. In addition to a dental check-up, it is also important to practice good oral hygiene at home, including brushing and flossing regularly, and eating a healthy diet to maintain good oral health.

X-ray

Intra-oral X-rays are the most common type of X-ray taken and provide a lot of detail, allowing your dentist to find decay, check the health of the tooth root and bone surrounding the tooth, check the status of developing teeth, and monitor the general health of your teeth and jawbone. X-rays can often highlight problems at an early stage long before you begin to feel any pain or discomfort.

If required we can arrange to have an extraoral X-rays taken (OPT), this shows us the teeth, but their main focus is the jaw. This type of x-ray is useful when assessing impacted teeth, monitoring growth and development of the jaws in relation to the teeth and to identify potential problems between teeth and jaw and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or other bones of the face.

Intra Oral Scanner

An intraoral scanner is a dental device used to capture highly detailed three-dimensional images of the inside of a patient’s mouth. It is a digital alternative to traditional dental impressions, where a physical mould of the teeth and gums is made using impression materials.

We use the latest technology with the Trios 5 wireless intra oral scanner.

How it works:

1. Handheld Device: The scanner is a handheld device that resembles a small wand or pen. It is equipped with a camera and a light source.
2. Image Capture: The dentist or dental professional uses the intraoral scanner to capture images of the patient’s teeth and oral tissues. The scanner is moved around the mouth, and as it does so, it rapidly takes multiple images.
3. Optical Technology: The scanner uses optical technology, such as structured light or laser-based systems, to capture the images. The light emitted by the scanner is projected onto the surfaces of the teeth and soft tissues, and the reflected light is recorded by the camera.
4. Real-time Feedback: As the images are captured, they are processed in real-time by the scanner’s software. This allows the dental professional to view the digital impressions immediately on a computer screen or other display device.
5. Accuracy and Detail: Intraoral scanners can capture highly accurate and detailed images, allowing for precise measurements of the teeth, gums, and other oral structures. The software combines the captured images to create a complete three-dimensional digital model of the patient’s mouth.
6. Digital Data: The scanned images are converted into digital data, which can be stored, manipulated, and shared electronically. This eliminates the need for physical models and allows for easy transfer of information to dental laboratories or other dental professionals involved in the treatment process.
7. Applications: Intraoral scanners have various applications in dentistry. They are commonly used for creating digital impressions for restorative treatments like crowns, bridges, and veneers. They are also used in orthodontics to create digital models for clear aligner treatments or to monitor tooth movement progress.

Benefits of Intraoral Scanners:

• Improved Patient Comfort: Intraoral scanners eliminate the need for messy and uncomfortable impression materials, making the scanning process more pleasant for patients.
• Time Efficiency: The digital scanning process is generally faster than traditional impressions, reducing chair time for patients.
• Enhanced Precision: Intraoral scanners provide highly accurate digital impressions, resulting in better-fitting restorations and orthodontic appliances.
• Digital Workflow: The digital data captured by the scanner can be easily integrated into CAD/CAM systems, allowing for efficient and precise fabrication of dental restorations.

Intraoral scanners have revolutionised the dental industry by streamlining the process of capturing dental impressions and improving the overall patient experience.

CT Scan

A dental CT (computed tomography) scan is a special type of CT scan that focuses specifically on the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissues. It is also called a dental cone beam CT (CBCT) scan.

During a dental CT scan, the patient sits or stands while a small cone-shaped X-ray beam is used to capture detailed, three-dimensional images of the mouth and teeth. The images produced by a dental CT scan are much more detailed and accurate than traditional X-rays and allow dentists and oral surgeons to see the teeth and bones in greater detail, making it a valuable diagnostic tool for a variety of dental and oral conditions.

Dental CT scans are often used to plan dental implants, assess the jawbone for fractures or infections, evaluate impacted teeth, and diagnose other conditions affecting the teeth and jaw.