Drs. Hootnick, Keller, and Goldstein choose carefully which and when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that we follow. Radiographs allow us to see everything we cannot see with our own eyes. Radiographs enable us to detect cavities in between your teeth, determine bone level, and analyze the health of your bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess damage when trauma occurs.
Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. Drs. Hootnick, Keller, and Goldstein utilize digital imaging technologies within the office. With digital imaging, exposure time is about 50 percent less when compared to traditional radiographs. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information. We may be able to see cavities better.
Digital imaging allows us to store patient images, and enables us to quickly and easily transfer them to specialists or insurance companies.
Digital X-rays offer more precision since we view the image on a computer monitor, instead of holding up a 35mm film up to the light. Digital X-rays results in 1/6th the radiation exposure to you.
Many patients, especially younger patients, are very familiar with the latest technology and are comfortable with the high tech practice. Computers and TV screens are their primary method of information processing.
Drs. Hootnick, Keller, and Goldstein utilize intraoral camera technology that helps enhance your understanding of your diagnosis. An intraoral camera is a very small camera - in some cases, just a few millimeters long. An intraoral camera allows our practice to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums, in order for us to accurately make a diagnosis. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair-time for you!
Intraoral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These images can be printed for you, other specialists, our dental lab, and insurance companies.
Removing decay without a drill or local anesthesia? The air abrasion technique employs a machine that sprays air and an abrasive powder (like a mini sandblaster) in the grooves of the tooth to remove shallow decay in preparation for a composite filling. Air abrasion is a conservative approach to restoring smaller cavities, and, when indicated, is a quick and painless way to restore a tooth!
Laser dentistry is one of dentistry's latest advances. The laser delivers energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a "target." In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, gum tissue, or whitening enhancers. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others. Laser dentistry can be used for both tooth and soft tissue related procedures. We use a soft-tissue diode laser for some periodontal treatments, including aesthetic gum recontouring, removing excess gum tissue, and treatment of canker sores. For soft tissue (surgical) procedures, the laser eliminates the need for suturing and healing is much faster and more comfortable.
Lasers can also be used to diagnose cavities. They can find hidden decay in teeth in early stages, and in some cases the decay can be reversed through hygiene and fluoride treatment and may never need filling. We use the DiagnoDent to aid in the diagnosis of cavities that may be invisible on the radiograph or during your clinical examination.
Dental lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for treating both children and adults.
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Serving The Following Massachusetts Cities:
Quincy MA • Hull MA • Braintree MA • Weymouth MA • Hingham MA • Milton MA
Boston MA
Address: 66 Mayor Thomas J. McGrath Highway • Quincy, MA 02169 • Phone: (617) 472-1036
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