Digital Radiography
We use dental X-rays as a diagnostic procedure that is considered extremely safe. Digital radiography (known as digital X-ray) uses an electronic sensor instead of traditional X-ray film to capture a high quality x-ray images which are incredibly accurate and give us an immediate picture. Digital X-rays reduce the radiation exposure to our patients by up to 90 percent compared to traditional dental X-rays.
Here at the Tanshire Clinic we use the NOMAD hand held machine by Aribex which continues to be the world's leader in intraoral X-ray units.
Cone Beam CT
Cone Beam Computerised Tomography (CBCT) has revolutionised imaging capabilities in dentistry, no more so than in the field of Endodontics, where the restraints of two-dimensional imaging give rise to best guess diagnoses and the need for invasive techniques to truly understand internal complexities of the root canal system and surrounding anatomy.
T-Scan
At the Tanshire Clinic we use the T-Scan diagnostic computerised bite analysis to measure the amount of occlusal force (or bite force) our patients use as they close their teeth together, a technology that is not available to many dentists in the U.K.
The oral cavity is a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, bones and teeth and these should all work together harmoniously, so that the force on your teeth when you bite down should be balanced. If the force is unbalanced then chronic pain and a variety of dental problems can occur such as:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Jaw pain
- Tooth wear
- Bruxism
- TMD/TMJ
- Fractured or broken teeth
- Failure of dental restorations
- Tooth pain and sensitivity
Most Dentists use coloured carbon ink paper, to asses the bite . The patient is instructed to tap the teeth together and the interpretation of the ink marks on the teeth involves a great deal of guess work by the Dentist to determine what is happening.
T-Scan, by Tekscan Inc. provides a highly detailed, multi-dimensional image with precision and accuracy. The patient is asked to bite against ultra-thin, disposable sensors which map the force and timing of the biting pressure into a computerised image and video.
This allow us to see where any problems may be and allows us to help treat the problems outlined above as well as ensuring any dental treatment we carry out is evenly balanced.
This results in more comfortable and longer lasting fillings and crowns and a reduction in other symptoms.
Dr Richard Brooks has had personalised training with Dr Robert Kerstein, the world leading expert in the U.S.A on the T-Scan system.
Laser
Here at the Tanshire Clinic we can offer the benefits of advanced laser technology for your dental care with the EPIC™ Laser.
The EPIC Laser was developed by BIOLASE, Inc., and is a soft tissue laser that emits a specific light that precisely interacts with the areas to be treated in a very safe and pain free manner.
It can be very effective in helping patients with sensitive teeth. Teeth are often sensitive where the gums have slightly receded exposing the root surface. This dental root sensitivity is a common problem when hot, cold and acidic food and drink can be very painful, and this can be treated very successfully with the EPIC laser.
The EPIC Laser also provides our patients with greater comfort, less bleeding, faster healing and better clinical results than conventional treatments for small oral surgery procedures.
It can be used to remove small growths in the mouth especially around wisdom teeth and it is perfect to help sculpt the gum around front teeth to improve the appearance and the smile.
The EPIC laser can also be very useful in reducing the symptoms of painful ulcers and embarrassing and annoying lip sores.
Air Polishing
Air polishing is a minimally invasive technique which uses a mixture of compressed air, water and fine powder to remove unsightly staining and harmful plaque from the teeth. Air polishing can also be used to gently clean underneath the gum line and around orthodontic wires/brackets, implants, crowns, bridges and conventional fillings.
It is like having a jet wash for the teeth and is great way to improve the smile, removing the stain that easily builds up on teeth.
It can be used to remove stain caused by a tea, coffee, red wine, smoking and chlorhexidine mouthwashes.
Traditionally, hygienists had only scalers and abrasive pastes at their disposal to remove these stains, usually meaning a long and sometimes uncomfortable appointment in order to brighten a patient smile.
Due to the ‘jet’ action, air polishing systems can also reach into areas where staining can be really difficult to remove, such as in between the teeth. This can give a much better end result when compared to just polishing with a paste.
Now, thanks to air polishing treatment, time can be significantly reduced, meaning less time in the dental chair and a more comfortable experience for our patients, and a great smile !