Cone Beam Computed Tomography
CBCT stands for "cone beam computed tomography". This is a particular x-ray machine that is used in situations where standard x-rays are not sufficient. The CBCT uses advanced technology which allows us to view 3D images of a patient's dental structure, soft tissues, bone and nerve pathways within the face and mouth. These special x-rays allow for precise treatments to be put in to effect due to its high quality images and the details within. When the CBCT x-rays are called for, we ask that patients wear comfy and loose fitting clothing and will have to remove any type of metal that can interfere with the scan itself. This includes but is not limited to; jewelry, hairpins, underwire bras and glasses.
Some of the most common procedures in which the CBCT is used are:
- Impacted teeth
- Locating oral pain
- Evaluating jaws, nerves, nasal cavity, and sinuses
- Reconstructive surgery
- Implant placement
- Diagnosing TMJ
Guided Biofilm Removal Therapy
In 2019, we were proud to be one of the first dental offices in the United States to offer the EMS Airflow System—an innovative advancement in dental technology designed to give you a cleaner, healthier smile. This advanced treatment uses Erythritol powder, a gentle yet highly effective cleaning agent, to remove harmful plaque biofilm from your teeth and gums more thoroughly than traditional methods. It’s safer, more comfortable, and less abrasive, making it ideal for both natural teeth and dental restorations.
This Swiss-Engineered technology targets biofilm (plaque) along the gumline while helping to balance the pH in your mouth, supporting improved overall oral health. It represents a significant step forward in modern periodontal care.
At our office, we’re committed to providing the highest standard of care. That’s why we continuously invest in advanced training and proven technology—so you leave with a smile that’s not just clean, but truly healthy.
Guided Biofilm Removal has been particularly effective for the precise and minimally invasive removal of biofilm, which is the primary cause of gum inflammation (gingivitis) and gum disease (periodontitis). By systematically targeting and removing harmful bacteria both above and below the gumline, biofilm removal helps reduce inflammation, promotes gum tissue healing, and is a cornerstone of long-term periodontal maintenance.
How it supports periodontal repair:
- Targeted biofilm removal
- Biofilm Visibilty: Therapy starts by using a disclosing agent to make bacterial biofilm visible. This allows the dental professional to identify and target bacteria-laden areas in need of cleaning, including tricky-to-reach spots.
- Reduced invasiveness: Unlike traditional scaling and root planing, which uses metal tools to scrape the tooth surface, the EMS AirFlow system uses a gentle stream of warm water, air, and fine erythritol powder. This approach is less invasive, protecting delicate gum tissue and root surfaces.
- Specialized cleaning for deep pockets
- Subgingival cleaning: For deeper periodontal pockets (4–9 mm), the system uses a specialized PERIOFLOW nozzle. This nozzle delivers the erythritol powder effectively and safely into deep pockets, where harmful bacteria accumulate, for a thorough, subgingival debridement.
- Reduced inflammation: By effectively removing biofilm from these periodontal pockets, it directly addresses the source of inflammation and infection. This helps reduce bleeding, swelling, and pocket depth.
- Gentle calculus removal
- Minimally invasive scaling: After the AirFlow and PerioFlow steps remove most of the biofilm and stains, any remaining hard calculus is gently removed with ultrasonic and hand instruments applied with precision and skill.
- Protected surfaces: This targeted approach significantly reduces the need for heavy-handed mechanical scaling, protecting the integrity of the hard and soft tissue without causing damage.
- Effective periodontal maintenance
- Long-term control: Gum disease is linked to systemic health including heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. The use of AirFlow technology is an ideal tool for supportive periodontal therapy. Regular sessions help control the growth of harmful bacteria and minimize plaque buildup over time, which supports overall health.
- Patient education: Disclosing biofilm (plaque) and customized oral hygiene instruction allows patients to see precisely where improvements in home care help them to better manage their oral health.
- Safe for implants
- Peri-implantitis prevention: For patients with dental implants, guided biofilm removal therapy provides a safe method for cleaning around implants to prevent implant related diseases like peri-implantitis. The gentle nature of the system ensures the implant surfaces and surrounding tissue are not damaged.
WaterLase
Our commitment to providing the highest quality of care is reflected in our use of state-of-the-art technology like the Biolase Waterlase system. For managing early, moderate, and severe periodontitis, we utilize the proven REPAIR Perio™ protocol. This scientifically advanced approach uses a patented combination of laser energy and water to decontaminate and promote the natural regeneration of your gums.
How the Waterlase works for periodontics:
- Degranulates diseased tissue: The laser precisely removes inflamed tissue and bacteria from deep periodontal pockets.
- Detoxifies the root surface: It effectively removes toxins from the tooth root that contribute to gum disease.
- Stimulates healing: The protocol encourages the formation of a healthy fibrin clot, which is essential for improved periodontal wound healing and new attachment.
- Less invasive than traditional surgery: The Waterlase removes diseased tissue and calculus without the need for a scalpel or sutures, which results in significantly less discomfort and a faster recovery.
