Cutting-Edge Dental Technology at Provident Dentistry in Novi & Plymouth
A lot has changed in the world of dentistry over the last 30 years. At Provident Dentistry, we know the importance of keeping up with the latest dental technology so we can provide our patients with the most cutting-edge treatment options that improve the comfort and outcomes of procedures. Our team is committed to following new developments in dentistry and implementing proven winners into our practice.
Digital Radiographs (X-rays)
Our offices utilize digital radiography technology, which has revolutionized patient experience within our practices. They help to end the discomfort, pain, and inconvenience that patients used to experience with traditional x-ray methods. Digital x-rays use significantly less radiation than conventional film x-rays, with the actual amount of radiation exposure per image being less than the amount you would receive standing out in the sun for 10 minutes on a bright summer day. We are also very careful to minimize the exposure of our patients to radiation by using lead aprons and special x-ray equipment that restricts the x-rays only to the area of interest. Using this imaging technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it to the computer in the operatory. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnose dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.
Orthophos SL 3D
Perhaps the most advanced piece of equipment that we employ is the Orthophos SL 3D, which generates, with limited radiation doses, the most detailed three-dimensional dental imagery available (CBCT – cone-beam computed tomography). Using Sidexis 4 Imaging Software, we can create an unrivalled 3D image of the highest quality, showing the smallest detail, to enable the most precise treatment planning. This machine also has the capability to capture two-dimensional panoramic radiographs, which are often needed for treatment planning一 whether for general dentistry or orthodontics. The device is equipped with a ‘child mode’, which decreases radiation dosage and ensures the safest X-rays for your child. It also has the capability to take single x-ray shots, which are ideal for children (and adults) who have trouble sitting still or tolerating our Dexis sensors. The result is the perfect image, every time.
Digital Scanning
The latest in scanning technology, the CEREC Primescan AC and the 3 Shape TRIOS 3 Intraoral Scanner enables efficient and detailed scanning of your teeth and gums. An intraoral scanner is a device that is used to capture a direct optical impression by projecting a light source onto the area to be scanned. The images are captured by imaging sensors and are processed by scanning software, which then produces a 3D surface model. With the capacity to provide information about the shape and color of your teeth and about your bite, the camera can be used instead of traditional impressions to relay all information required for custom-fit crowns, bridges, and veneers to our partner dental laboratories
CEREC Technology
At our Novi location, we are proud to offer CEREC same-day restorations. If you have a damaged tooth that may need a crown, or you would like to improve the appearance of your smile by capping an unappealing tooth, we can use advanced CEREC technology to customize your ideal dental restoration or crown in as little as one appointment.
Same Day Care
When you know you need a tooth crowned, receiving treatment is an immediate need. With CEREC, we can see you and treat you on the same day.
In-Office Milling Unit
Our in-office CEREC Primemill unit allows us to produce dental crowns on-site. No need to send impressions to outsourced labs or wait for restorations.
No Temporary Crowns
Because we handle the entire process in-office, there are no waiting periods, no third party timelines, and no need for uncomfortable temporary crowns.
What is CEREC?
CEREC, also known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic, uses computer-assisted design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to restore areas of damage and decay, and create a stronger, more natural-looking smile in as little as one visit. Using high quality porcelain and ceramic, dental restorations with CEREC look natural, feel strong and are built to last – just like your natural, healthy teeth.
Our CEREC Process
If you have experienced severe tooth decay and require a filling and dental crown, your dentist may administer a local anesthetic before preparing the affected tooth. Next, an optical impression is made of the mouth in the form of comprehensive digital images. CEREC 3D software interprets these images to build a custom dental restoration in the form of a 3D virtual model. From this, a color-matched ceramic block is placed in the CEREC milling machine to carefully produce your new dental restoration. Finally, the new dental crown or restoration is adjusted and polished before attaching it permanently to your prepared tooth.
IntraOral Cameras
Digital Doc Iris Usb 2.0 Intraoral Dental Camera
To better visualize and understand the conditions in your mouth we use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums. With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology
Soft-Tissue Laser
Our offices use a variety of soft-tissue dental diode lasers to treat a wide array of dental issues. These advanced lasers are ideal for procedures that involve cutting or contouring oral soft tissues, which minimizes pain and discomfort. As a clinical tool, diode lasers offer a wide range of clinical treatment possibilities as they are capable of creating precision cuts in gingiva and other soft tissues while also eliminating bleeding at the site and reducing the healing time for the patient. Soft tissue lasers are an amazing new technology for the dental office that allow us to:
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Contour and trim soft tissue -
Remove abnormal tissue
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Treat gum disease and destroy the bacteria that cause it
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Treat cold sores
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Treat temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
Drufomat Scan Pressure Machine
The Drufomat Scan Pressure Machine with Essix® Brand Plastics allows the team at Provident Dentistry to fabricate removable dental appliances with better internal adaptation (more pressure = more detail). The Dreve Drufomat Scan combines material recognition software with outstanding design. Built-in barcode scanner programs critical material-related parameters such as heating and cool-down times to assure the highest quality appliances with the best possible fit are delivered to our patients.
VELscope VX
The Drufomat Scan Pressure Machine with Essix® Brand Plastics allows the team at Provident Dentistry to fabricate removable Oral cancer is often deemed as the “forgotten disease”. It kills more people than brain cancer, testicular cancer and cervical cancer each year, but receives little public attention. Prevention and early detection are the two best ways of fighting oral cancer. At Provident Dentistry, we perform visual oral cancer screenings, and also offer supplemental methods of detection with the FDA approved VELscope VX. This examination is non-invasive and requires no unpleasant stains or rinses in your mouth. appliances with better internal adaptation (more pressure = more detail). The Dreve Drufomat Scan combines material recognition software with outstanding design. Built-in barcode scanner programs critical material-related parameters such as heating and cool-down times to assure the highest quality appliances with the best possible fit are delivered to our patients.
The VELscope is an additional examination tool designed to help us detect oral cancer in its earliest stages using 400 to 460 nanometer light to help detect precancerous and cancerous cell changes. The safe blue light enhances the contrast between healthy and unhealthy areas that have been disturbed due to disease or trauma. Healthy tissue will fluoresce in a greenish color under the VELscope light, while unhealthy areas do not and will show up much darker. This cancer screening only takes a few minutes and is a powerful tool in keeping our patients safe and healthy.
Sterilization Equipment
To prevent the spread of any infection in dentistry, it is imperative to uphold government standards of sterilisation. All Provident Dentistry locations boast Midmark M11 UltraClave sterilizers, Statim hand-piece autoclaves, and ultrasonic baths to meet the sterilization needs of the practice. In addition, all dental assistants receive regular, ongoing infection control training to ensure that professional standards are always maintained. This, in turn, gives our patients the peace of mind that comes from having all equipment continuously sterilized to professional standards.
