An Intraoral Camera is a camera which is designed to be used in the mouth for the purpose of taking video or still photography. These cameras are most commonly used in dental offices. One of the primary uses for an intraoral camera is in patient education. Dentists often find it helpful to be able to show patients exactly what is going on inside their mouths and to highlight areas where dental attention may be needed. Patients are also less likely to defer or refuse procedures when they can clearly see the area at issue.

In addition to being used in patient education, such cameras can also be used to take clear visual records for patient files and to generate material which can be used in consultations and discussions with other dental providers. For example, a general dentist might use an intraoral camera to take images of a tooth or area of the jaw which requires oral surgery so that a maxillofacial surgeon can examine the information before he or she meets the patient to get an idea of the kind of surgery which might be required.

Images taken by an intraoral camera can also be reviewed later, which can be useful for a dentist who feels a nagging suspicion that something is not quite right in the mouth of a patient. The intraoral camera can also be used to document procedures for legal and educational reasons, and to create projections of a patient's mouth which can be used in dental schools for the purpose of educating future dentists about various issues which pertain to oral health.

The intraoral cameras designed for use in dental facilities come with disposable probes or probe covers to ensure that germs are not passed between patients.

CASEY is short for Clinically Advanced Education System. It is the most advanced patient dental education system available. We can access patient education modules from any of our computers. The education modules are short movies that explain all the treatment options with a video and sound. This makes understanding various diagnostic and treatment recommendations much easier. CASEY modules cover prevention, and home care also. We can print our instructions and single page descriptions from this system for you to take home.

Dentistry now uses VersaWave Technology. If you have tooth decay, you want to treat it as soon and as painlessly as possible. At Gentle Dentistry, we have made a commitment to your dental health by offering the VersaWave Dental Laser. The VersaWave offers you the opportunity to have safe, anxiety free dental experience, without drills, and in most cases, without anesthesia.

How does the laser work?

The VersaWave removes and treats all dental tissue with the energy of light. The specialized light produced by the VersaWave laser is rapidly absorbed by the water molecules in soft tissue. In the case of treating a cavity, the laser gently removes the decay, leaving more of the healthy tooth.

How is the laser different then the drill?

The drill is a very powerful mechanical tool, and the vibration and large hole it produces causes discomfort. Anesthesia is almost always needed. The VersaWave is an alternative which offers the patient the latest in technological advances. The laser light works to destroy and remove decay without the vibration and resulting discomfort. Rather than a drilling sound, you hear only a gentle tapping.

Will I still need anesthesia?

Probably not! Most patients require no injected anesthesia when the VersaWave is used to remove decay. This means that you will not have to spend time waiting for numbing to take effect or to wear off. Additionally, multiple teeth in different parts of your mouth can be worked on in ONE visit. You may still choose to have anesthesia, while still avoiding the sound and vibration of the drill.

Is the laser safe?

Absolutely, the treatment has proven to be appropriate and safe in over tens of thousands of applications throughout the world.

The laser is ideal for both adults and children.

What else can the laser treat?

The VersaWave is effective for soft tissue procedures on gums, cheeks, and tongue with less pain, less bleeding and faster healing times. The laser is used in a variety of endodontic (root canal) procedures as well.

How do I get started?

Dr. Cannon and the staff at Gentle Dentistry will be happy to discuss the VersaWave treatment options with you.

What can VersaWave be used for?

• Root Canals
• Decay removal
• Cavity Preparation
• Smile Design
• General soft tissue procedures
• General dentistry for enamel and dentin
• Avoid the shot & being "numbed"

Other Benefits Include:

• Faster healing
• Reduced risk of infection
• Decreased sensitivity
• Less time in the dental chair
• Less Bleeding
• Less post-operative pain with no stitches needed

Dr. Cannon is proud to utilize revolutionary, state-of-the-art digital radiography as a form of x-ray imaging, where digital x-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film! Patient benefits include time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing and the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images. Also, 80 percent less radiation may be used to produce an image of similar contrast to conventional radiography.

Kodak Digital Sensors

Digital Radiography is essentially film less x-ray images. A digital image capture device is used to record the x-ray image and make it available as a digital file that can be presented for interpretation and saved as part of the your dental record. The advantages of digital radiography over film include immediate image preview and availability, a wider dynamic range; which makes it more forgiving for over and under exposure, as well as the ability to apply special image processing techniques to enhance overall image display.

Digital x-rays allow Dr. Cannon and her team to view images together with you while discussing treatment options, as well as discovering decay, un-erupted teeth, bone loss and other problems!