Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a new, state-of-the-art, effective and gentle system in the prevention, maintenance, and treatment of removing plaque, calculus, and stains from natural teeth, restorations, and implants. It is also efficient, comfortable, and safe. The EMS Airflow system combines pressurized warm water and a specially formulated powder to clean teeth more thoroughly above and even below the gum line and especially in areas that hare harder to reach with traditional instruments. All of our clinicians have been trained and certified as GBT therapists and our patients love the way their teeth look and feel after their cleaning.
Hinkle Dentistry is excited to offer a dental CT Scan which offers the chance to look at what lies beneath the surface of the teeth in 3-D format, as opposed to traditional two-dimensional dental x-rays. This innovative technology allows us to see the bone, surrounding soft tissue, and nerve pathways in a 360 ° view all in one image. We are able to much more quickly and accurately diagnose patients as well as plan for surgical treatment. A CT Scan can be used for the following:
- Locating the origin of pain or infection
- Surgical planning for impacted teeth
- Diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- Accurate placement of dental implants
- Evaluation of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals and nasal cavity
- Detecting, measuring, and treating jaw tumors
- Determining bone structure and tooth orientation
A picture is worth a thousand words and our belief is that it’s much easier for a patient to understand what’s going on with their dental health if they can actually see what the dentist sees on a larger screen. This is done with our newest scanner, which takes a digital impression of both arches using a hand-held wand. The magnified impressions are created in real-time so that the patient can see for themselves any areas of concern and be more engaged in discussing treatment options. For patients interested in orthodontic correction, it also offers the opportunity to show, in real-time, the end results without having to schedule a return visit. As an added bonus this technology makes using messy and uncomfortable traditional impression material obsolete…win-win!
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a biomaterial derived from the patient’s own blood to aid in the healing process after dental surgery such as tooth extraction, bone grafting, or implant placement. Blood is drawn from the patient and spun in a centrifuge which separates out different growth factors and cells. These cells are then placed back into the surgical area, which helps to accelerate the healing process and provides a more successful, predictable outcome.
Digital X-rays give a 2-D view of the teeth, surrounding bone structure, tissues, and gums to help find problems and diseases within the teeth, mouth, and jaw. X-rays can show cavities, teeth that have not yet erupted through the gums, and bone loss that cannot be seen during a standard visual examination. Digital X-rays significantly reduce the amount of radiation exposure as compared to old film technology. This means the exam procedure is safer for both you and our team.
Digital models of your teeth are sent to a 3D printer, which prints a copy out of liquid resin. We use this innovative technology for the creation of occlusal guards, surgical guides for dental implants, and even entire dentures.
These lasers are designed for use during preventative care dental procedures as well as soft tissue modification. Laser technology is precise, minimally invasive and as they seal nerve endings and blood vessels while they penetrate the tissue, many experience almost no pain after laser treatment. The lasers also promote faster healing of the tissue
Some uses and benefits of the lasers used at our office are:
- Treating periodontal disease by disrupting the infection-causing bacteria and biofilm below the gumline
- Re-contouring the gum line to make your smile look better
- Speeding up the healing of cold sores and ulcers in the mouth
- Performing lip and tongue tie release and frenectomy procedures without the need for a blade or scissors