Dental Tech

Science and technology are ever changing and advancing, which means at Washington State Prosthodontics and Dental Implant Center, we are too! Advances in modern dentistry have made it easier for dentists to get extremely detailed, almost immediate information regarding a patient’s condition while also helping them to efficiently and effectively provide necessary treatments.

Dental Labs

At Washington State Prosthodontics, our office prioritizes the use of the newest technology and materials in order to provide our patients with the highest quality of care. One way we are able to do this is by working with a handful of dental labs local to our area. Dental labs, or dental laboratories are where many of the products we use for our patients are manufactured or customized. With direction from dentists, dental labs typically create the following:

  • Full dentures for patients who are missing all of their teeth.
  • Removable partial dentures and/or fixed bridges for patients who are missing only one or a just a few teeth.
  • Crowns, also known as caps, which are designed to restore the tooth’s original size and shape.
  • Veneers, which are used to enhance the esthetics and function of the patient’s teeth.
  • Orthodontic appliances and splints to help straighten and protect teeth.
  • A variety of materials dental technicians work with including waxes, plastics, precious and non-precious alloys, stainless steel, a variety of porcelains and composites or polymer glass combinations.

It’s critical we work with the best labs in the area with the newest and most advanced technology because something as ‘simple’ as choosing the right type of material when creating a restoration is essential in ensuring the best result for a patient and their oral health goals (American Dental Association, 2023).

Digital Radiographs

Our team at Washington State Prosthodontics is committed to providing our patients with not only the most convenient treatment, but the safest treatment options available in dentistry. This is why we utilize advanced digital radiograph technology in our office. Digital Radiographs, or digital x-rays, are a newer way of capturing x-ray imaging with sensors rather than photographic x-ray film, which is the traditional form of x-rays you may be used to. Traditional x-ray imaging generates images with the use of ionizing radiation, which is a form of radiation that has enough energy to potentially cause damage to DNA. This exposure can put you at risk for the possibility of negative tissue effects such as cataracts, skin reddening, hair loss, even the increased risk of developing cancer later in your life (Food and Drug Administration, 2023). Though the risk is minimal and will also vary depending on multiple different factors, we opt to use digital x-rays which use a sensor that is placed in the patient’s mouth and is linked to a computer to help capture the images needed of the teeth and surrounding bone. On top of the decreased risk from radiation in digital x-rays, there are other benefits of using this advanced method including a quicker process and more detailed, clear dental images.

Intra Oral Camera

Another form of advanced dental technology we use is that of intraoral cameras. These intraoral cameras are very small, similar to the size of a dental mirror you would see being used during a regular hygiene appointment. These cameras allow dentists to have an even better view of a patient’s oral cavity than x-rays would. The images produced from intraoral cameras are extremely clear and accurate, giving dentists a better view to identify any concerns or problem areas in a patient’s mouth as well as the proper treatment. This leads to identifying oral problems early, before they grow in severity, which means less invasive and more cost-effective treatments for you! Not only do intraoral cameras help us dentists, but they help our patients too. The images from the camera are displayed on a screen so you are able to see everything we are seeing. This gives us the opportunity to review the condition of your teeth and help you understand where your oral hygiene practices can improve, with the ability to identify specific areas that could use more targeted brushing and flossing!

Digital CT Imaging

Digital CT imaging systems are another way we are able to obtain incredibly clear and accurate imaging in order to provide our clients with the most precise and accurate diagnosis possible. In fact, just one 20 second scan can provide us enough data for a complete diagnosis! Digital CT imaging is able to provide dentists with 3D data for dental implants, wisdom teeth extractions, impactions, TMJ treatment, airway assessments and sleep apnea, and full facial and jaw images. Not only that, but there are additional benefits to digital CT images including:

  • Less radiation than traditional CT scanners, providing you with a safer experience and diagnosis.
  • A more comfortable and calming experience. When getting digital CT imaging, our patients have plenty of space while sitting in an open environment.
  • It is a more cost-effective imaging system for our patients.
  • The data from digital CT imaging can be easily shared with patients to help them stay informed as well as make educated decisions on how they want to proceed with treatment and their overall oral health.

Advanced Technology at Your Bellevue Prosthodontist

As the only board-certified prosthodontists in the Bellevue area, we take great pride in the quality and services we provide to our patients. With over 30 years of combined advanced training and experience in prosthodontic dentistry, we know just how important it is to stay up to date on not only the latest treatment techniques, but the most advanced dental technology possible. At Washington State Prosthodontics and Dental Implant Center, you can always feel confident knowing that you are receiving the most advanced dental care by doctors who truly care about your oral health and your overall well-being. If you’re looking for the best prosthodontists in the Bellevue and Seattle WA area, give us a call at (425)549-4649, or schedule an appointment today to give your oral health the treatment it deserves!