OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL DENTISTRY
Dental technology in Denver.
A clearer picture. A more personal plan.
At Wash Park Family Dental, digital imaging, scanning, and restoration design help us take a closer look at your oral health. Dr. Kyger and our team use these tools to explain what we see, plan your care, and help you feel informed at each step.
SEE WHAT WE SEE
A closer look before we plan your care.
Different images answer different questions. Your symptoms, examination, and treatment needs help determine which type of imaging is appropriate.
We’ll review the findings with you, so you can understand the recommendation rather than just hear a list of procedures.
Digital X-rays
Digital X-rays create images that can be viewed on a screen without developing film. They help us assess areas that are not visible during a visual examination and discuss what those findings mean for your care.
Cone-beam 3D imaging
A cone-beam scan creates a three-dimensional view of teeth and surrounding structures. It may be recommended when a more detailed view is needed for diagnosis or treatment planning, rather than as a routine scan for every patient.
Intraoral cameras
A small camera captures close-up images inside your mouth. Seeing these images together can make it easier to understand an area of concern and ask questions about your options.
LESS IMPRESSION MATERIAL
A digital model of your smile.
An intraoral scanner uses a handheld wand to capture the surfaces of your teeth and gums. The images form a 3D model that can help with treatment planning and the design of restorations or appliances.
For suitable procedures, this can replace a traditional impression tray. If impression material or a sensitive gag reflex has made past visits difficult, let us know.
Used across different kinds of care.
- Crowns and bridges
- Veneer planning
- Custom night guards
- Digital records for treatment planning
The method depends on the treatment. Your dentist will explain whether a digital scan, a conventional impression, or a combination is appropriate.
FROM SCAN TO RESTORATION
Designed around your tooth.
CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. Digital information is used to design a restoration, and a milling system can then create it from a block of restorative material.
The restoration is checked in your mouth and adjusted as needed before it is bonded or cemented in place.
Planning the shape and fit
Digital design can support care such as crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays. Images or digital models may also help you discuss the proposed appearance before treatment.
A timeline that fits the treatment
Some crowns may be completed in a single visit. Others need additional appointments or lab work. We’ll discuss the expected sequence for your tooth rather than promise same-day treatment for every restoration.
TOOLS WITH A PURPOSE
Chosen for the care you need.
Some technology is part of everyday care. Other tools are considered for a specific procedure. Ask us how a recommended tool would be used and what alternatives are available.
Soft-tissue lasers may be used for selected gum procedures. Piezoelectric instruments are another type of tool used in certain gum or bone treatments. The procedure and your health determine the approach; technology does not make every treatment pain-free or remove the need for local anesthetic.
Operating microscopes provide magnification and illumination during detailed dental work. An electronic apex locator helps measure working length during root canal treatment. Ask which tools and provider would be involved in your care.
Air polishing uses a stream of air, water, and powder to help remove surface stains when appropriate. Electric handpieces are used for tooth preparation and can offer a different sound and vibration experience than traditional air-driven tools.
Computer-controlled delivery can help regulate how local anesthetic is administered. The injection technique, area being treated, and your response determine how numbing feels and how long it lasts.
Light-based tools may be used alongside an examination to help assess teeth or oral tissues. They do not replace a clinical evaluation, establish a cancer diagnosis, or rule out every problem on their own.
THE EXPERIENCE MATTERS, TOO
Small details for a more comfortable visit.
Chairside screens let you view images with the team and can provide a distraction during an appointment. Ask about noise-cancelling headphones if the sound of dental care makes you uneasy.
Wi-Fi is available during your visit. If you have a particular concern, tell us before treatment so we can discuss what would help.
Your information, easier to review.
Electronic records help the team review your history and keep information together as your care progresses. Digital images can also make it easier to discuss changes over time.
Technology supports the conversation.
A scan or screen does not replace listening. We want to understand your priorities, explain the findings, and give you room to ask questions.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions about digital dentistry.
No. An intraoral scanner uses optical images to create a model of tooth and gum surfaces. X-rays show structures that cannot be evaluated from surface images alone. The two tools serve different purposes.
No. A cone-beam scan should be recommended only when the additional information is needed for your care. It is not a routine replacement for every conventional dental X-ray.
An optical intraoral scan is not an X-ray. Digital dental X-rays and cone-beam scans do use ionizing radiation. Cone-beam scans generally involve more radiation than conventional dental X-rays, so the type of imaging should be selected according to clinical need. Ask what a recommended scan will help your dentist assess.
No. Some crowns can be completed in a single visit, but the condition of the tooth, material, restoration design, and any lab involvement affect the timeline. Confirm the plan for your restoration before scheduling.
Digital images or design models may help you discuss proposed changes for suitable treatment. Ask whether a preview is available for your case. A simulation is a planning aid, not a guarantee of the final result.
Costs depend on the examination, imaging, and treatment recommended. Ask what is included in your estimate and which services may be billed separately. Insurance benefits vary by plan.
TECHNOLOGY IN YOUR CARE
Explore the care behind the technology.
Learn more about treatment options and what to expect at our office.