Technology and Dentistry
As well as advanced training in various niches in dentistry, the office possesses various unique forms of technology not found in most dental settings.
Mini Head and Neck CT scans can be done for a fraction of the cost of Hospital CTs and with considerably less radiation. The scans can actually be viewed in 3D as if the skull image can be rotated and turned as well as super-imposition of external soft tissue features and even importing hard tissue dental data to create a true full scan of the head and neck. CDs can be burned with auto viewing software or in raw data to be loaded into image reviewing software and interpreted by a radiologist. Scans can reveal soft tissue airways; enlarged turbinates and obstructions, mal-positioned bones and fractures as well as dental pathology useful in medical screenings.
Most patients and doctors understand the impact of pathology related to the Temporal-Mandibular Joint of TMJ but it is not always understood exactly the nature of the condition, the cause, and possible course of treatment. Most TMJ related pathology is related to mal positioned articular disk and bones.
The gold standard for screening and diagnosing TMJ pathology is an MRI but MRIs sometimes require pre-authorization and can cost from $1800 to $2500. A quick and inexpensive method for screening with an accuracy of approximately 90% according to literature is Joint Vibration Analysis or JVA. Both JVA-Quick and JVA with more detailed Jaw Tracking can shed light on misleading symptoms and allow for a working diagnosis while the more Gold Standard MRI is pre-authorized. A JVA can distinguish a dislocated disk/joint assembly, the direction of the dislocation anterior or medially, the timing in the open and close sequence, and arthritic changes in the joint. Along with the JVA data, muscle EMG data can be used to determine pathological overuse of some muscles and lack of coordination that can lead to head and neck pain sourcing from the muscles of mastication.
Other technologies in the office are used in treatment of Obstructive sleep apnea following a full medical work up and diagnosis. From Acoustic measuring devices for establishing maximum airway development through mandibular positioning thru ambulatory screening devices to verify efficacy of sleep appliances before returning patient for a follow up Poly Sonogram, every effort is taken to create the most effective treatment to assist the patient in sleeping better and providing empirical data to provide the treating medical doctor finalizing patient treatment.
Along with the advanced diagnostic equipment, treatment for pain, particularly emergency treatment for head, neck, facial and joint pain can be achieved through the use of advanced lasers, ultrasound equipment for PhonoPhoresis or Electrical methods like Iontophoresis to push medicaments through the skin before tried and true but somewhat more stressful conventional injections need to be done.
If you have any questions about any of the technologies employed in our office, please feel free to contact us.
For more information on the technology we use, please visit our photo gallery.