Dental Technology In San Jose, CA
At My AZ Dental in San Jose, CA, dental technology services bring modern tools into everyday care to make visits more precise, efficient, and comfortable. This guide explains the common technologies used, how they support diagnosis and treatment, the steps involved, and what patients can expect before, during, and after care.
Dental Technologies We Use:
Dental Technology Services Explained
Dental technology services encompass a range of devices and software designed to improve diagnosis, planning, and treatment outcomes. Digital dental imaging uses sensors to capture detailed X-rays with significantly lower radiation than traditional film. Three-dimensional cone beam CT offers cross-sectional views that help evaluate bone, nerves, and tooth roots for implants, root canal treatment, and complex extractions.
Intraoral scanners create a precise digital model of the teeth without trays of impression material. This supports accurate fitting for crowns, bridges, and aligners. Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) can mill ceramic restorations in-office, often enabling a crown in a single visit. Dental lasers may be used to contour gums, manage periodontal pockets, and aid in soft-tissue procedures with minimal bleeding. Additional tools, such as fluorescence-based cavity detection and high-resolution photography, support early diagnosis and digital smile planning.
How Dental Technology Supports Your Care
- Improved Diagnosis: High-definition images and scans help find issues earlier and in greater detail.
- Comfortable Appointments: Digital impressions reduce gagging and the mess of traditional molds.
- Fewer Visits: CAD/CAM restorations can streamline treatment, reducing temporary crowns and return trips.
- Conservative Care: Lasers can target soft tissue precisely, helping preserve healthy structures.
- Clear Communication: On-screen visuals make it easier to understand conditions and treatment choices.
- Consistent Monitoring: Stored digital records allow accurate comparisons over time.
How Dental Technology Works
Assessment And Imaging
The visit typically begins with digital X-rays, photographs, or a cone beam CT if three-dimensional views are needed. These images answer common questions such as “What is digital dental imaging?” and show tooth, bone, and gum conditions in clear detail.
Treatment Planning And Simulation
Software merges scans and photos to map bite alignment, tooth shape, and bone volume. This step guides implant positioning, root canal access, or the shape of a crown. Digital models help explain how a procedure will proceed and what results to expect.
Precision Treatment
Intraoral scanners replace putty impressions, capturing teeth in minutes. For crowns, CAD/CAM software designs the restoration, and an in-office mill shapes it from a ceramic block. Lasers may be used to refine gum contours or disinfect periodontal pockets, supporting comfort and healing.
Verification And Follow-Up
After care, digital images confirm accuracy and fit. Stored files make future comparisons straightforward, which is helpful for orthodontic tracking, bone healing, and gum health maintenance.
What To Expect During Tech-Enhanced Visits
- Before Imaging: Notify the team of pregnancy or medical devices. You may be asked to remove metal items such as earrings for clear scans.
- During Scans: You will remain still for a few seconds while sensors or scanners capture images. Most patients find intraoral scanning easy to tolerate.
- For CAD/CAM Crowns: Many crowns can be designed, milled, and placed in one visit, depending on case complexity.
- For Laser Procedures: You may feel mild warmth or tingling. Minimal bleeding and faster comfort are common benefits of dental lasers.
- Afterward: Most patients can resume normal activities right away. The team reviews images and provides home care guidance as needed.
Patients in San Jose, California often ask how an intraoral scanner works or how CAD/CAM crowns are made. These tools capture accurate data, improve fit, and support durable results when paired with sound diagnosis and clinical technique.