Technology

We believe technology has a key role in dentistry. Its usefulness can range from making a procedure more efficient to potentially saving a life. We pride ourselves on keeping our technology relevant and updated to serve our patients with the best dental care available. Here are a few of the many current technological tools we use each day to serve you better:

CAESY Patient Education System

CAESY provides live-action videos with crisp, state-of-the-art 3-D animations to explain complex procedures in easy-to-understand language. CAESY is available at all of our dental chairs, consult room and even our waiting area to explain diagnoses, procedures, alternatives, and post-operative instructions. With over 270 presentations available there is no question that goes unanswered or any treatment option unexplained.

Digital Radiography

Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This
technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the
digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping the
dentist and dental hygienist detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduces radiation to 80-90% less than traditional dental x-rays.

Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information that is not visible during a dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

Conscious Sedation

At Springbank Dental Centre we offer numerous tools and methods to decrease anxiety levels and apprehension of dentistry. Conscious sedation is an altered level of consciousness where the patient can still respond to verbal directions. First, a patient’s medical history will be carefully reviewed to determine if they are an appropriate candidate for conscious sedation. Next, certain sedatives are administered in combination with nitrous oxide to achieve the appropriate level of sedation. The entire procedure is discussed in detail with the patient prior to the appointment date. Both Dr. Luke Szott and Dr. Joey Woo are certified by the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS).

Velscope

In North America, oral cancer takes the life of one person every hour of every day! That is nearly double the rate of cervical cancer. The reason for the high death rate of oral cancer (70-80%) is the inability to detect the cancer until it is too late. The Velscope can detect cancerous tissue before it is visible to the naked eye. With early detection the survival rate is 80-90%.

The Velscope works by emitting a safe blue light into the oral cavity to make the tissues
fluoresce. Then by looking through a special lens the clinician can read the fluorescence of the tissue immediately. Cancerous tissue does not fluoresce and appears black through the Velscope lens.

The Velscope exam can be incorporated into your normal check-up and cleaning and only takes 2-3 min.

Invisalign

Invisalign is your answer to straight, beautiful teeth without the need for metal braces and wires. Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of aligners that are switched approximately every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. Since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth, you know you'll end up with a smile that truly fits.

Not only is Invisalign effective but the trays are nearly invisible and comfortable to wear. Because they are removable you can eat, brush and floss as you normally would. Come in for your Invisalign consultation to see if you are a candidate.

Soft Tissue Laser

The use of lasers in dentistry has made many dental procedures more efficient while decreasing recovery time and post operative sensitivity. We use a soft tissue laser in many procedures including crowns, bridges, and fillings. We also use laser in deep periodontal pockets to kill bacteria deep below the surface to decrease the pocket depths and restore the gingival health.

Lasers can also be used on aphthous ulcers and cold sores (herpetic lesions). Through the use of the soft tissue laser, the amount of time the lesion is present can be painlessly and quickly reduced. Sometimes they can be prevented from recurring entirely!

Under Armour Performance Mouthwear

How would you like to increase strength and endurance while decreasing stress and impact to your body? Under Armour Performance MouthwearTM powered by ArmourBite Technology®, is changing the lives of athletes all across North America. Developed by scientists at Minneapolis-based Bite Tech, Inc., the mouthwear line prevents the teeth from clenching together and pivots the jaw down and forward. This relieves pressure on the TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) and opens airways, reducing levels of lactate and cortisol, a stress hormone. Athletes from football players to golfers to bikers and runners are discovering that with UA Performance Mouthwear, they’re able to play harder, move faster and endure longer at their sport.
Independent studies conducted at some of the nation’s top universities and research centres have proven the undeniable advantages of UA Performance Mouthwear which include the following:

Increase Strength:

With improved airflow and less stress from clenching, UA Performance Mouthwear has proven to increase strength by an average of 17% with the UA Performance Mouthpiece and 12% with the UA Performance Mouthguard.

Increase Endurance:

UA Performance Mouthwear enlarges airway openings, resulting in 25% less lactic acid build-up after 30 minutes of intense exercise.

Speed Up Reaction Time:

Athletes may respond faster when wearing UA Performance Mouthwear. Clinical trials show an improvement in responding to auditory cues and potential improvement in response to visual cues.

Reduce Athletic Stress:

Excess cortisol causes stress, fatigue and distraction. UA Performance Mouthwear decreases cortisol production, which means you feel and play better.

Reduce Impact:

When the jaw suffers an impact, energy can be transmitted to the head, which can cause a concussion. UA Performance Mouthguards have been shown to reduce the G-Force impact of blows to the jaw by up to 20%.

Under Armour Performance Mouthwear can only be fitted by an Authorized Dental Provider. Come in today to get fitted for your personalized Performance Mouthwear.

Intraoral Cameras

Patient communication is very important to us at Springbank Dental Centre. The intra-oral camera allows for co-diagnosis and co-treatment planning between the dental practitioner and the patient. The patient should always feel comfortable and be fully informed about a proposed treatment. Often the dentist sees things in the patient's mouth that the patient is not able to see. That is where the intraoral camera is useful. Using the intraoral camera we can show you exactly what we see so you know what is being treated and why, before treatment commences. The intraoral camera is also useful for documenting and monitoring cracks, chips or even discolorations in order for us to track their progress.