Dr. Arlene Baluyut is a Frankfort & Louisville, KY dentist utilizing the most up-to-date dental technology to improve patient comfort and provide you with the smile of your dreams. Below you will find information on various pieces of advanced technology and equipment found at Signature Smiles & Designing Smiles. If you have further questions please feel free to contact us today!
CBCT Dental Scanner/ 3D Imaging
Cone Beam Computed Tomography is an advanced dental technology that captures the 3D images of the mouth. It helps in detecting complex dental diseases. Dentists use CBCT during the surgical planning required to extract impacted teeth. It also helps in the accurate placement of dental implants in the jawbone.
Patients who require reconstructive surgery require CBCT scanning during several stages of the treatment. It helps in diagnosing, detecting, and treating tumors inside the mouth. Owing to the several benefits it imparts to dental diagnosis, CBCT is an excellent technology that helps treat complex dental conditions.
CEREC
CEREC is a unique CAD/CAM system for patient individual all-ceramic restorations in one single appointment. The chairside 3-dimensional scanning is fast, easy, and precise. The CEREC computer allows us to fabricate the restoration specifically to your anatomy and needs. The restoration, whether it is a crown, bridge, or veneer, is then milled quickly and glazed precisely to your shade specifications. The results are produced fast and beautifully.
Intra-Oral Camera
The intra-oral camera broadcasts images for both the patient and doctor to see. Instantaneously, the images of your X-rays are sent to a computer screen so that both the patient and doctor can review your oral health together. This wonderful new technology allows you to relax in your chair while simultaneously observing a real-time movie of the inside of your mouth magnified beyond normal size on an adjacent computer monitor. Not only does this make it simple to see and understand what is happening in your mouth, but it makes it simple for us to keep incredibly accurate records.Â
The intra-oral technology provides X-rays at a much lower dose and delivers up to 60-80% less radiation than standard X-rays. These intraoral cameras not only increase the dentist-patient communication but can also aid in insurance claim reimbursement, by including color images along with traditional radiographs.
Dental Imaging Software
Our state-of-the-art dental imaging software is used for viewing and storing dental images as well as providing patients with a preview of various treatment options. Using this software and digital images, we can generate a simulation of the proposed treatment.
Digital X-Rays (CDR)
Computer Digital Radiography (CDR) otherwise known as a 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 reduce radiation by 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental X-rays.
Dental X-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular 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.
Waterlase MDâ„¢
The Waterlase MDâ„¢ is a revolutionary dental device that uses a combination of laser energy and water, a process called HydroPhotonicsâ„¢, to perform many traditional dental procedures using "energized water" with less anesthesia or none at all.
When combined with offering a less invasive, more precise form of treatment that conserves healthy tooth structure, the Waterlase MDâ„¢ transforms your dental experience. It reduces patient anxiety, minimizes pain and trauma, and creates a more comfortable experience for patients.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Removal of adherent plaque and calculus with hand instruments can also be performed on patients without periodontal disease. This treatment would then be referred to as a prophylaxis (a cleaning, although literally, it means "prevention") or a prophy for short. Sometimes this device may be electric, known as an ultrasonic or sonic scaler. At present, there is inadequate research evidence to claim that periodic pre-emptive scaling reduces the incidence of periodontal disease.
Two ultrasonic instruments, sonic and ultrasonic scalers, are powered by a system that causes the tip to vibrate. Sonic scalers are typically powered by an air-driven turbine. Ultrasonic scalers typically use either magnetostrictive or piezoelectric systems to create vibration. Magnetostrictive scalers use a stack of metal plates bonded to the tooltip. The stack is induced to vibrate by an external coil connected to an AC source. Many ultrasonic scalers also include a liquid output or lavage, which aids in cooling the tool during use. The lavage can also be used to deliver antimicrobial agents.
Prophy-Jet
Prophy-Jet is an alternative to traditional rubber cup polishing that uses a pressurized spray of water mixed with a baking soda paste to clean plaque from teeth and polish them. The pressurized water removes plaque, while the baking soda acts as a combination stain remover and acid neutralizer. It is recommended to clean tooth surfaces prior to bonding procedures and placement of dental sealants and is highly effective in use on patients wearing orthodontic appliances.
Shade Match System
An important piece of restorative dentistry includes achieving a smile with restorations that match the same shade and color of your natural teeth. Variable factors such as lighting, fatigue, and eyesight are all reasons why dentists rely on pieces of equipment to help them accurately shade match.
