We have invested in some of the latest technologies over the last few years and we are working toward continually improving our standard of care and patient education.
DIGITAL (PAPERLESS) CHARTING.
We are working towards a “paperless” office. An upgrade of our present computer system now allows us to store information, including treatment planning, photographs and x-rays securely in our computer system, thus allowing immediate access to your records. This improves the speed and efficiency of your appointment, and also allows us to share this information instantly with insurance companies and specialists.
DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY (X-RAYS)
Our brand new intra-oral radiography system provides virtually instant images using significantly less radiation than conventional film techniques. Digital x-ray technology also benefits the environment by eliminating the need for toxic film processing chemicals.
The ability to instantly display a large-screen X-ray image to you means that you will be more involved with the diagnosis and treatment planning of your next visits..
INTRA ORAL CAMERA
Also new! Our digital camera system allows you to see what we see inside your mouth. The magnified images make it easier to see cracks, cosmetic details and other defects in the teeth. We can show you why you may need a filling, for example, which will help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
DIODE DENTAL LASER
We now have a diode laser at Lake Dental. Having used one for years in downtown Vancouver it is a great pleasure to be able to have such a useful tool again. The laser has many uses in a dental practice. One use is for germ reduction during root canal therapy. Much of the success in root canal treatment depends on how well the canals are cleaned and disinfected. The laser is a wonderful tool for achieving this. With new ultra fine filaments we are now able to get the laser impulses right down to the apex of the tooth thereby insuring more successful germ reduction. This translates into greater long term success of the root canal therapy.
The laser is also very helpful when taking impressions for crowns as it can trough around the tooth making the impression more accurate. It’s also used for stopping bleeding from gums during the same procedures.
The diode laser is also very helpful in soft tissue surgery like gingivectomies and especially for laser pocket disinfection. If you have some perio issues, like pockets, we can lightly pass the laser through the pocket area and disinfect the area thereby drastically reducing the harmful bacteria that are the cause of gum disease. This and many other laser procedures require no local anaesthesia.
Another really neat application is for treating apthous ulcers (canker sores) and herpes lesions (cold sores). If you feel a cold sore coming on, get in right away and with a few
passes of the laser the cold sore disappears in a couple of days.