Technology has greatly improved our lives, and that includes granting us access to better dental care. Here at Hickman Family Dental, we believe in using the most up-to-date dental technology to ensure our patients receive the best care possible.
As technology continues to advance, we’ll continue to update our equipment as needed. Currently, this is the dental technology we use in our Des Moines, IA office that benefits both patients and staff.
Dental units are necessary work tools that every dental professional utilizes. These include things like dental chairs, lighting, stools, and other elements that help us give our patients proper care.
Kavo has a history of excellence in the dental industry. With a focus on innovation and quality, they’ve built an outstanding reputation among dentists, dental technicians, and dental hygienists. Our Des Moines team feels good about using Kavo Treatment Units in our dental office.
An intraoral scanner, or a dental scanner, is a device used to capture a direct optical impression. Through images captured by scanning software, a 3D surface model of your mouth can be produced, making it easier to determine the kind of dental work you’ll need and spot any issues you might have.
At Hickman Family Dental, we use the revolutionary iTero Digital Scanner. This scanner produces the most detailed 3D scans of any scanner currently on the market, and the difference is noticeable.
The iTero scanner uses a laser to scan your mouth, creating a digital 3D impression. This laser is much smaller than the lasers of previous intraoral scanners, which allows for a more precise, complete scan. The smaller laser size also means you won’t have to open your mouth in an uncomfortable manner during your scan.
iTero scanners also allow for real-time simulations. In just 90 seconds, your dental technician will have a complete digital impression of your mouth. The real-time image can also be enlarged and manipulated for enhanced detail.
Sometimes, standard dental x-ray machines don’t capture as clear of an image as we’d like. Dental cone beam computed tomography (CT) is a special kind of equipment that produces 3D images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone from a single scan.
During a cone beam CT scan, an x-ray beam in the shape of a cone is moved around the patient to produce a large number of images. This helps us see, diagnose, and treat dental issues more easily.
There’s very little preparation needed for a cone beam scan. You might be asked to take off any jewelry or metal, and you’ll likely wear a protective apron. Your dental team will guide you through specific instructions.
The scan uses a low dose of radiation and is considered safe. However, if you’re pregnant or think you might be, it’s best to let your dental team know. They can discuss any necessary precautions with you.
The iTero Digital Scanner plays a crucial role in aiding patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) during their restorative treatments. Generating highly precise 3D models of the patient’s dental anatomy ensures that the bite alignment is not only comfortable but also impeccably fitted. This accuracy is instrumental in planning and executing treatments tailored to individuals with TMD, allowing for a smoother and more effective restorative process.
The Kavo Treatment Unit is designed to seamlessly incorporate cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology, revolutionizing the process of chairside production of dental prosthetics. This integration enables dental practitioners to swiftly and efficiently create prosthetic restorations right in the office, making it invaluable for same-day restorations. This capability not only enhances the overall efficiency of the dental practice but also ensures that patients receive timely and high-quality restorative care.
Our dental technology is always up-to-date here at Hickman Family Dental. With our advanced technology, we’re able to provide all of our patients with effective, safe, and innovative dental care. . Call our Des Moines office today to schedule your appointment at (515) 276-4981.We gladly welcome all patients of the Urbandale area and beyond.
