Advanced Technology

Air Abrasion

At our office, we use Air Abrasion technology, a modern approach to dental care that significantly enhances patient comfort and treatment precision. This innovative method allows for the gentle and accurate removal of decay and damage with minimal impact on the surrounding healthy dental structure. 

This not only improves the outcome but also preserves more of the natural tooth. Moreover, the quiet and gentle nature of Air Abrasion technology greatly reduces patient anxiety, transforming dental visits into a more relaxed and positive experience.

Air Polishers

Air polishers use a stream of air, water, and a fine, non-toxic powder to gently and effectively remove stains and plaque from teeth, surpassing traditional polishing methods in both comfort and efficiency. This technology is especially beneficial for patients with sensitive teeth or those looking to brighten their smile before a special event. Furthermore, air polishing is faster than traditional methods, making it a convenient option for busy patients.

BioPak

We use this sophisticated technology to record jaw and chewing muscle activity. The data that we collect helps us diagnose and treat TMJ disorder, craniofacial pain, and sleep disorders. We can detect muscle asymmetry, precise muscle movements, and the effectiveness of muscle usage. It’s painless to use and takes only a few minutes to collect necessary feedback and assess the data that is used for a proposed treatment plan.

CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography)

CBCT technology offers a 3D image of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone in a single scan. This detailed view assists in treatment planning with unparalleled precision, from implant placement to orthodontics and root canal treatments. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s anatomy, CBCT ensures treatments are more accurate and less invasive.

CariVu™

With DEXIS CariVu™, our dentists can essentially look through your tooth.  The system uses patented transillumination technology to reveal cavities and cracks that would otherwise be invisible in your teeth. The safe, near-infrared light makes healthy enamel appear transparent while cavities, cracks, and other lesions trap the light and appear darker. The result is visually similar to an x-ray image.

Digital Cameras

Our office utilizes high-resolution digital cameras to capture detailed images of your oral cavity. These images are invaluable for patient education, enabling us to show you what we see and explain treatment options more effectively. Moreover, these photographs are essential for documenting the progress of treatment, allowing for a more tailored and dynamic approach to dental care.

Digital Impression System

Digital impressions are not only easier and more comfortable to capture than traditional physical molds, but they also reduce treatment time dramatically as they are instantly available via computer to dental labs or our in-office E4D milling unit. 

We use the iTero™ and TRIOS digital impression systems to offer patients the most precise and effective dental restorations. These advanced systems enhance the accuracy of impressions, ensuring a perfect fit for crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances, and significantly improve patient comfort during the impression process.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS

Digital X-rays

Dr. Schmidt and Dr. Hughes have a strong focus on providing patients state-of-the-art equipment and technology in order to offer the most efficient and effective treatment available. One of our additions to the office has been the Dexis Digital X-ray System. Dexis utilizes today’s technological capabilities in the digital field and applies it to dental diagnostics. Some of the advantages of digital x-rays are:

• Improved x-ray quality
• Interactive viewing of the images on the computer screen
• Most importantly, up to 90% reduction of radiation

Digital x-rays are a technology of the future. With this software, we can easily and thoroughly involve our patients in treatment planning discussions. Call our team today to find out more about this technology.

DriShield Isolation

DriShield Isolation technology provides a revolutionary way to keep the work area dry and free from saliva during procedures. This not only enhances patient comfort by eliminating the need for cotton rolls and suction but also improves the efficiency and effectiveness of treatments by providing a clearer view and a more sterile environment. 

DriShield helps reduce the risk of contamination and infection, ensuring a safer dental care experience. Additionally, DriShield also reduces aerosols produced during dental procedures, further enhancing the safety and cleanliness of the dental care environment by minimizing airborne particles.

Electric Handpieces

Electric handpieces offer a quieter, more precise alternative to traditional air-driven handpieces, significantly reducing the vibration and noise that can cause anxiety among patients. These advanced tools allow for smoother and more controlled cuts, which is particularly beneficial for complex dental procedures. The result is a more comfortable experience for patients and enhanced precision for the dentist.

Intraoral Cameras

Intraoral cameras provide a closer look at your dental health, projecting images onto a screen for both you and our team to see. This tool is invaluable for diagnosing dental issues at their earliest stages and for educating patients about their oral health. The detailed images captured by the intraoral camera enable a shared understanding and make it easier to discuss treatment options.

Isolite Isolation

The Isolite Isolation system not only illuminates the mouth with LED lighting but also provides continuous suction, keeping the mouth dry and reducing procedure times. This innovative tool improves patient comfort by eliminating the need for constant adjustments and repositioning, making dental treatments more efficient and less intrusive.

Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry allows our team to complete many treatments with improved comfort, reduced bleeding, and decreased time to heal. Using a state-of-the-art Light Scalpel CO2 laser, our Lake Forest dentist offers several treatments including scaling and root planing following gum disease and cosmetic gum recontouring to improve the appearance of patients’ smiles. 

By using soft tissue lasers rather than a traditional scalpel and suture techniques to complete these procedures, patients’ risk for infection is significantly reduced.

Light Scalpel CO2

The LightScalpel CO2 laser delivers a concentrated light beam to the treatment area, quickly removing gum tissue. Because of its precision, the laser cleanly vaporizes tissue while sealing blood vessels to minimize bleeding and recovery. The laser results in less trauma to the tissue, which means minimal discomfort. 

We use the LightScalpel laser to “erase” thick gum tissue and recontour the gum line, remove gum tissue for dental implant procedures, and release lip or tongue ties. Patients of all ages can benefit from the LightScalpel CO2 laser, and it is even safe for babies needing a frenectomy.

MLS Laser Technology

This is not a “cutting” laser. Instead, it’s a top-of-the-line laser used to treat TMJ Disorders. Our patients are raving about their results from the MLS Laser Technology. This advanced and safe device is equipped with dual-wavelength lasers that facilitate healing in the TMJ joint by reducing inflammation on a cellular level. It’s fast and easy to use and is a remarkable way to manage and reduce TMJ pain. As a result, you’ll experience relief in record time from your TMJ disorder and without the need for medication.

PerioLase

PerioLase is at the forefront of periodontal treatments, offering a minimally-invasive bone-regenerating alternative to traditional surgery. This laser technology targets and eliminates bacteria deep below the gum line, promoting healing and regeneration of the tissues without the need for cutting or sutures. 

Patients benefit from reduced discomfort and a quicker recovery time, making it a preferred choice for treating gum disease.

Oraverse

OraVerse is the first and only local anesthetic reversal agent that accelerates the return to normal sensation and function for patients who want to avoid unwanted and unnecessary lingering soft tissue numbness after routine dental procedures. An amazing 87% of our patients surveyed expressed interest in a product that reduces the unwanted after-effects of local anesthesia (novocaine). With OraVerse, we’re able to do just that, allowing patients to return to their daily routines right away.

Piezo Ultrasonic Scalers

Piezo Ultrasonic Scalers utilize high-frequency vibrations to remove tartar and plaque from teeth and below the gum line more comfortably and effectively than traditional scaling methods. This technology is especially beneficial for deep cleaning treatments, as it minimizes discomfort and promotes faster healing. The precision of Piezo Ultrasonic Scalers ensures a thorough cleaning, even in the most delicate areas, without causing damage to the tooth enamel.

Planmeca Milling Unit Same-Day Crowns

Our in-office milling unit allows us to fabricate custom dental crowns during your appointment. Using a small handheld wand, we capture digital images of your tooth after it is prepared, and then those images are sent to the milling unit in our on-site lab. 

The machine mills the crown while you wait, reducing additional trips to our office. Plus, it eliminates the need for goopy impressions and waiting weeks for a permanent crown. Instead, your tooth is prepared, and the crown is made and placed in a single visit.

SonicFil Filling System

The SonicFil system uses sonic energy to deliver composite materials for fillings, ensuring a more precise and smooth application than traditional methods. This technology reduces air bubbles and voids in the filling material, resulting in stronger, more durable restorations. Additionally, the SonicFil system enhances patient comfort by minimizing the time and pressure required to place fillings.

SprintRay 3D Printer

We use the advanced SprintRay 3D printer to create precise, high-quality dental restorations directly in our office, such as crowns, night guards, and bridges. This technology allows us to offer faster turnaround times, often eliminating the need for multiple appointments and temporary solutions. The biocompatible materials used ensure both safety and durability.

The SprintRay printer stands out for its exceptional accuracy and speed, providing a perfect fit for restorations on the first try. With rapid production and consistent results, it streamlines treatments to reduce wait times for your new dental appliance or accessory, and to enhance your overall experience with efficient, high-quality care. 

Synapse Dental Pain Eraser

This FDA-cleared device is available for use in our office. We also offer an at-home version that is available by prescription only. Using a safe and effective Advanced Pulsewave Technology™, the device delivers a mild electrical current about 1 cm deep. As a result, histamine is reduced, which helps relieve inflammation and pain associated with various dental conditions like tooth sensitivity, mouth ulcers, post-op pain, and orthodontic discomfort. 

The device is also helpful as an in-office treatment right before a dental cleaning or periodontal treatment. It is safe to use on most individuals, even children. However, those who are pregnant, experience seizures, or have a pacemaker should not use this device.

T-Scan Bite Analysis

The way teeth fit together has a huge impact on patients’ overall oral health. When a bite is not aligned or balanced, teeth may wear unevenly leading to strain on the jaw joints and/or create a collapse of the airway. Whether we’re planning occlusal adjustment as part of TMJ dysfunction treatment or orthodontic care or simply adjusting the positioning of a new restoration within the bite, the T-Scan bite analysis system allows our team to complete these treatments in the most precise manner for ideal patient comfort and optimal oral health.

TENS Unit

Our office employs the TENS Unit for patients experiencing TMJ pain and muscle tension. This device uses low-voltage electrical currents to relax muscle spasms and alleviate pain, offering a non-invasive alternative to medication or surgery. The TENS Unit therapy can also be a diagnostic tool, helping to identify the optimal jaw position before beginning treatments like orthodontics or restorations.

VelScope Oral Cancer Screening

The VelScope system is a non-invasive oral cancer screening tool that uses fluorescence technology to detect abnormal tissue that may not be visible to the naked eye. This quick and painless screening can be performed during a routine dental visit, providing an additional layer of preventive care. Early detection is crucial for the successful treatment of oral cancer, making VelScope an invaluable tool in our commitment to your oral health.