iTero Digital Scanner
Our team at Willow Dental Associates is able to take highly accurate digital impressions of your teeth and jaw using our iTero digital scanner. We have done away with the older more intrusive techniques used to create dental impressions. Our iTero scanner is able to accurately create impressions and give our patients a more comfortable experience at our dental office.
Digital impressions allow us to be able to give you a visual of your teeth instantly to help guide you through the treatment process.
The iTero scanner captures the structure of your teeth and gums and is small enough to easily hold in your mouth. In under 3 minutes, we can create a perfect digital impression of your entire mouth using our iTero scanner.
Conventional VS Digital Scanner
Traditional impressions are taken with putty and can feel like a wad of gum stuck in your mouth. On top of plenty of room for error, this method is highly intrusive and uncomfortable for patients. Our iTero Digital Impressions are able to quickly scan your teeth and improve communication between us and our patients.
CBCT
CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) is used in dentistry because it gives a super detailed, 3D view of the teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures that traditional 2D X-rays can’t provide. Here’s why it’s so useful:
More Detailed Imaging
3D visualization: It captures images from multiple angles and reconstructs them into a 3D model. This is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Bone quality and density: CBCT can evaluate bone thickness and density—essential for procedures like implants.
Common Uses in Dentistry
Implant planning: Helps determine the exact placement, angle, and size of dental implants.
Endodontics (root canals): Reveals tiny root canals or fractures that regular X-rays might miss.
Orthodontics: Gives a clear view of jaw relationships, impacted teeth, and facial structure for better planning.
Oral surgery: Useful for locating nerves and blood vessels before extracting teeth or doing jaw surgery.
TMJ disorders: Provides views of the temporomandibular joints to help diagnose issues.
Advantages vs. Traditional X-rays
Less radiation than medical CT: Much lower dose while still providing high-resolution images.
Faster and more comfortable: Quick scan time, usually under a minute, and it’s non-invasive.
Precise measurements: Dentists can measure distances and angles with high accuracy.
So basically, if a dentist needs a deeper, more accurate look at what’s going on inside your mouth or jaw—CBCT is the go-to tool.
Diode Laser
Diode lasers are a game-changer in dentistry—they’re compact, relatively affordable, and super versatile. They’re mostly used for soft tissue procedures, and they bring a lot of precision and patient comfort to the table.
What Is a Diode Laser?
A diode laser is a small, light-emitting device that uses a semiconductor to produce a laser beam, usually in the 810–980 nm wavelength range. This makes it ideal for targeting pigmented tissues (like gums and soft tissue).
Common Uses in Dentistry
Gum Contouring / Gingivectomy
Shapes the gum line for esthetics or to expose more tooth for a crown.
Less bleeding and quicker healing compared to a scalpel.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Used to decontaminate periodontal pockets and reduce bacterial load.
Helps promote healing of inflamed tissue.
Frenectomy / Tongue-Tie Release
Quick, relatively painless way to cut the frenulum with minimal bleeding.
Soft Tissue Surgery
Like biopsies or removing small growths. The laser cuts and cauterizes at the same time.
Teeth Whitening
Activates bleaching agents more effectively in some whitening systems.
Aphthous Ulcers and Herpes Lesions
Reduces pain and speeds up healing of canker sores or cold sores.
Endodontic Disinfection (Root Canals)
Some diode lasers can be used to disinfect root canals, though this is an adjunct to traditional methods.
Advantages
Minimally invasive and reduces the need for anesthesia
Less bleeding thanks to immediate coagulation
Faster healing and less postoperative pain
Bactericidal properties help in infection control
Limitations
Mainly for soft tissue, not ideal for hard tissue (like bone or enamel)
Requires proper training to avoid thermal damage- which we have at Willow Dental!
Through digital iTero software, we are able to create scans of your teeth as we work on them!
