Dental Technology at Smile Tustin by Dr. Ezzy
At Smile Tustin by Dr. Ezzy, our Tustin dentist is committed to using the latest dental technology to provide our patients with the highest level of care possible. Incorporating advanced technology into our practice allows us to diagnose and treat dental issues more accurately and to provide a comfortable experience for our patients. From digital X-rays and intraoral scanners to Fotona laser technology and cone beam CT scans, we use a range of advanced tools and techniques to help us achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Benefits of Dental Technology
- More accurate care
- Reduced treatment times
- Gentler for patients
- Minimally-invasive
- Digitally mapped procedures
Digital X-rays
Digital X-rays are now preferred as the gold standard of care for a number of reasons. One of the main benefits of digital X-rays is that digital X-rays produce a clear, high-resolution image, allowing the dentist to more accurately diagnose and treat any issues that may be present.
Because the X-rays are captured digitally, it is easier for patients to view them on a monitor alongside our Tustin dentist, playing a key role in co-planning and co-diagnosing their care needs.
In addition, digital X-rays emit a much lower dose of radiation compared to traditional film X-rays, making them a safer option for our patients. Some of the most common types of digital dental X-rays we use include:
- Bitewings
- Panoramic or CBCT
- Periapical
- Full mouth (FMX)
Each type of X-ray is used for its own unique purposes, so the type of X-rays you need may be different from one visit to the next.
Intraoral Scanners
Intraoral scanners are a modern technology that eliminates the need for messy dental impressions by capturing a 3D virtual model of your teeth. These scanners use lasers and cameras to create an accurate and detailed digital model of the teeth and surrounding structures.
One of the main benefits of using an intraoral scanner is that it eliminates the need for traditional dental impressions, which can be uncomfortable and unpleasant for some patients. With an intraoral scanner, there is no need to bite down on gooey impression material, which can be difficult for patients with a strong gag reflex or who have difficulty keeping their mouths open for long periods of time.
Intraoral scanners also produce a more accurate and detailed model of the teeth and mouth compared to traditional impressions. These 3D digital models can be easily stored and accessed electronically, making them beneficial during treatments involving clear aligner orthodontics, custom dental crowns, and similar procedures.
Laser Dentistry
Our practice uses advanced Fotona laser technology to provide precise, comfortable dental care. Fotona’s award-winning LightWalker laser system represents the latest innovation in dental lasers, offering exceptional performance for both hard and soft tissue treatments.
Soft Tissue Surgery: Lasers can be used to perform a variety of soft tissue surgical procedures, such as gum reshaping, gum disease treatment, tongue and lip ties, crown lengthening, and the removal of overgrown tissue. The Fotona laser allows us to gently reshape soft tissues without any incisions, resulting in less redness, post-operative bleeding, and little to no inflammation afterward.
Tooth Preparation and Drill-Free Fillings: The Fotona laser can be used to prepare teeth for fillings, crowns, and other restorations, removing decay and shaping the tooth with greater precision and less discomfort compared to traditional drilling. Because the laser produces minimal heat and vibration, numbing may not even be necessary during the appointment, making the experience more comfortable—especially for anxious patients or children.
Laser-Assisted Debonding of Veneers and Orthodontic Brackets: Fotona laser technology provides safe and efficient removal of orthodontic brackets and ceramic veneers. The laser energy weakens the bonding material without damaging the tooth enamel, resulting in quick, painless removal with significantly lower risk of tooth fracture compared to traditional methods.
Teeth Whitening: The Fotona laser offers enhanced in-office teeth whitening using specialized light technology to activate bleaching agents. This approach reduces the sensitivity commonly associated with traditional whitening treatments while delivering faster, more effective results.
Biopsies and Surgical Procedures: Lasers can be used to perform soft tissue biopsies and various dental surgical procedures, providing more precise treatment with enhanced healing. The Fotona laser reduces the need for incisions, eliminating swelling and bleeding after the procedure while speeding up the healing process.
Gingival Depigmentation: Some patients have dark spots or patches on their gums caused by excess melanin pigmentation, which can make them feel self-conscious about their smile. The Fotona laser offers a safe, effective solution for gingival depigmentation, gently removing the pigmented tissue layer to reveal the naturally pink gum tissue beneath. This minimally invasive treatment requires no scalpels or sutures, and the laser’s precision allows us to target only the affected areas while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
3D Conebeam/CBCT Scanners
Conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) scans are an important tool in modern dental care, providing detailed and accurate 3D images that can be helpful for a variety of dental procedures. The equipment allows our Tustin dentist to produce 3D images of the patient’s teeth, jaws, airway, and surrounding structures. These images provide a detailed and accurate view of the mouth and are helpful for a variety of dental procedures, such as:
- Assessing wisdom teeth
- Planning dental implant placement
- Orthodontic evaluations
- Full mouth reconstruction
- Sleep apnea screening
One of the main benefits of CBCT scanning is that it allows dentists to get a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s oral anatomy. This can be especially helpful for complex cases where traditional 2D X-rays may not provide enough information. For example, CBCT scans can be used to plan for dental implants, evaluate the position of teeth and roots, and even identify issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
CEREC® One-Visit Dentistry
Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramics or CEREC® for short, is a state-of-the-art method of creating tooth restorations. CEREC® uses computer-assisted design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to offer single-day restorations for patients. This technology has revolutionized ceramic restorations such as crowns and veneers, eliminating the wait between preparing the restoration and receiving the finished product. With CEREC®, the technology is used while you are in the dental chair, making it both economical for you and your dentist. The restorations created are metal- and tooth-colored to restore your tooth to its natural beauty, strength, and function. With CEREC®’s CAD/CAM technology, these ceramic restorations can all be done in one single visit to the dentist. Sources and related content
Experience the Difference
Smile Tustin by Dr. Ezzy utilizes the best technology for our patients because it allows us to provide safe, quality, efficient care for all ages. Not only does our technology help us provide minimally invasive procedures and a gentler experience, but it could also help reduce the need for additional therapies in the future.
To learn more about how state-of-the-art care can change your outlook on your next trip to the dentist. Call our Tustin dentist today to reserve your next appointment.
