Our Dental Technology

There is no doubt that we live in a technologically advanced world given the complicated technology all around us, from long-range satellite communications in our automobiles and offices to powerful computers in our hand-held devices. In the realm of dentistry, new technology is constantly changing how diseases are identified, routine procedures are carried out, and illnesses are avoided. Although they can initially seem strange, new and enhanced dental technologies provide patients various practical advantages. Here are a few of the most recent examples that you can find at a dentist in your area right now (or in the near future).

  • Air Abrasion Technology. Are you bothered by the dental drill’s noise and vibration? This air-powered device could put an end to that annoying high-pitched whine! This hand-held gadget eliminates tiny quantities of tooth material with precision control, similar to a mini-sandblaster for teeth.
  • Anesthesia Wand. If you’re afraid of needles, this pen-like device that measures out the exact amount of anesthesia you need — and even pre-numbs the insertion site so you won’t feel a thing — could be just what the doctor ordered.
  • CAD/CAM Same-day Crown Fabrication. Do you despise waiting? Permanent crown restorations can now be done in a single day thanks to a combination of 3-D digital imaging and computer-aided design and manufacturing technology — far better than leaving the office with temporary crowns and returning weeks later for permanent ones!
  • Cone Beam CT Imaging. What could be better than a dental x-ray? A moveable 3-D simulation of your jaws on screen! Cone Beam CT imaging builds a virtual model of your mouth by taking a succession of x-ray “slices” and stitching the pictures together with a powerful computer program. It can be used to detect disease, plan procedures, and visualize internal structures that would otherwise be hidden without surgery.
  • Dental Implants. With the widespread use of dental implants — today’s favored technique of tooth replacement — tooth replacement took a major leap forward. Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace the missing tooth’s root. After that, a lifelike dental crown is fitted to the implant to create a substitute tooth that looks and feels much like the one you were born with.
  • Digital Dental Impressions. Do you recall biting down on a tray of putty-like material so that a model of your teeth could be made? This is no longer essential thanks to digital imaging devices. Instead, a fine reflective powder can be “dusted” on your teeth, which is then recorded by a specific camera. A 3-D model is created from a set of photos that can be used to analyze the condition of a tooth or construct dental restorations.
  • Digital X-Rays. X-rays have long been a significant tool in dentistry. However, the advancement of technology in the last decade has made dental x-rays both safer and more useful. When compared to traditional x-rays, digital technology reduces radiation exposure to patients by up to 90%. There are also benefits such as eliminating the need to wait for photos to develop and clearer photographs that can be improved instantaneously to display detail.
  • Intra-Oral Camera. A picture is worth… plenty, when it comes to helping you understand your dental examination, diagnosis and treatment! With these tiny cameras, you can see what the dentist sees, on a small chair-side monitor. The images of your teeth can be saved as stills or video — or even printed out — so you can see exactly what’s happening in your mouth.
  • Laser Diagnosis and Treatment. They’re inside DVD players and scanner wands — and now, they are making their dental debut. Lasers are being used to detect tiny spots of tooth decay, treat gum disease, and remove cancerous cells in the mouth. They are also employed in gum surgery… even cavity treatments!

A tooth that has been structurally damaged by decay or trauma sometimes needs to be crowned or “capped” so that it can look good and function properly again. A crown is a durable covering that is custom-made to fit over the entire tooth from the gum line up. Crown fabrication traditionally takes place in a dental laboratory. But these days, there’s a much more convenient alternative: same-day crowns made in the dental office.

Advanced dental technology known as Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing, or CAD/CAM, makes it possible to fabricate laboratory-grade crowns and other dental restorations in minutes. It’s an amazing innovation when you consider that traditionally, crowns take two or three visits and just as many weeks of waiting. Now you can have a restored tooth without the wait.

Best of all, studies have shown that CAD/CAM tooth restorations are just as successful as crowns made with traditional materials and techniques. And the amazingly lifelike appearance of a same-day crown means that no one will know your tooth has been restored.

How It Works

The process of crowning a tooth starts out the same way, whether it’s a same-day crown or traditional crown: with “preparation” of the tooth. This involves removing any decay that’s present, and shaping the tooth with a dental drill so that it will fit perfectly inside the crown. But the similarities end there.

If you were getting a traditional crown, the next step would be to take an impression (mold) of your teeth with a putty-like material, and use it to construct a model on which to create the crown. With a same-day crown, your teeth are simply given a light dusting of reflective powder and then a small scanning wand attached to a computer is used to take digital pictures inside your mouth. In seconds, the computer will generate a highly accurate 3D model of your teeth. But it gets even better.

With the help of the CAD/CAM software, your crown will be designed while you wait. The software can even be used to create a mirror-image twin of the same tooth on the other side of your mouth, for the most natural-looking result possible. Then a block of dental ceramic material is chosen in the shade that most closely matches your own teeth. The computer’s digital design is transmitted to a milling machine that carves the crown from the ceramic block in about five minutes.

Once the crown’s fit has been verified, and any necessary aesthetic enhancements have been made to the crown’s surface (staining and glazing, for example), the crown will be bonded to your tooth. With a traditional crown, you would have to wear a temporary restoration for several weeks while the permanent crown was being fabricated at the lab. With a same-day crown, you walk out with the real thing.

Caring for Your Same-Day Crown

Crowned teeth require the same conscientious care as your natural teeth. Be sure to brush and floss between all of your teeth — restored and natural — every day to reduce the build-up of dental plaque. When you have crowns, it is even more important to maintain your regular schedule of professional cleanings at the dental office. Avoid using your teeth as tools (to open packages, for example). If you have a grinding habit, wearing a nightguard would be a good idea to protect your teeth and your investment. A well-cared-for same-day crown will last for years to come.

Meet Your Top-Rated Family Dentist in Spokane Valley

Bradley J. Harken, D.D.S.

Our Dental Services

Dental Crowns

Emergency Care

General Dentistry

Implant Dentistry

Orthodontics

Pediatric Dentistry

The Proof is in our Patients

Sophia Garcia
This will be my new dentist. I needed an emergency appointment, and they told me to come in right away. They were so friendly and Dr. Harken made me feel comfortable. They made me feel like they really cared that I was in pain. They worked with us on payments to get the root canal that I needed, and I left that office pain free!! From the receptionist to the dentist, everyone was awesome. I highly recommend going there!!!
Joann Brown
The hours attracted me to this office, I just can't take the time off work for the amount of work that I need done over the next couple of years so Saturday appointments are extremely nice. I have had a few major things done - most recently a root canal and every thing they have done has been great
Margie Bradfute
The staff is gentle, knowledgeable and helpful. I really love the convenience of the hours they are open. They work with me financially. Overall...a great dental experience.

Our Spokane Valley Office

13314 E Nora Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216

Hours

Monday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The Ultimate Patient Experience