Dental Technology

CEREC

CEREC is an acronym for Charismatic Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.  This high-tech equipment allows us to restore damaged teeth with beautiful custom ceramic crowns in a single visit, completely eliminating the need or multiple appointments over a several week period.  The process can create a ceramic dental crown, inlays, onlays or veneers using a variety of technologies including 3D photography and computer-aided design and manufacturing known as CAD/CAM  (see below). Using an intra-oral camera, a photograph is taken of the tooth and the picture is loaded onto the computer.  Using Computer Aided Design technology, the dentist is able to design the restoration and transform the image into a three-dimensional model.  This valuable program then allows the dentist to easily calculate the appropriate restoration shape and size to create near perfect restoration. When the model is ready, a milling machine then creates the restoration using a high-speed diamond bur and calculated precision.  The restoration is then bonded to the tooth using a resin material. The result is a beautiful and custom designed and produced restoration, made entirely to fit your mouth.  CEREC crowns are metal-free and have been used for over 20 years.

Digital X-rays

In our dental office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using up to 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays. Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnosis dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.

Paperless Charting

Our office is a completely digital (paperless) dental office. This means all x-rays and charting are made and recorded with the aid of the computer. This technology allows us to maintain your dental records electronically, and cuts down the unnecessary paperwork used with traditional paper charting.  Traditional paper charting is difficult to keep standardized from doctor to hygienist to assistant.  Even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by using consistent charting methods that are accurate and precise, making it easy to read your dental chart and see up-to-date information.  Digital charting standardizes the charting process so it is clear, easy to understand, and enables us to provide on the most accurate and precise care to our patients.   When needed, this method also allows us to quickly and securely share information with your other health care providers.

Electronic Claims Processing

Our office utilizes electronic claims processing.  This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button.  By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors.  This benefits our patients because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied.  We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.

Automated Appointment Reminders

We use an automated appointment reminder system that will call your home two days prior to your scheduled appointment time to remind you of your appointment.  Please listen to the message carefully and press "1" to confirm the appointment and "2" if you wish to cancel.  If you do not respond to the message, our office staff will contact you to confirm your scheduled visit.  If are not home, a message will be left on your voicemail.  Failure to notify our office of a cancellation may result in a charge.  See our missed appointment policy for more information. 

Electronic Claims Processing

Our office utilizes electronic claims processing.  This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button.  By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors.  This benefits our patients because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied.  We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.

Intra-oral Imaging

We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intra oral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums.

With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intra oral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are displayed on our screens, patients will also be able to see areas being worked on and are able to gain a better understanding of dental procedures being performed.

The dentist performs most of his dental procedures while wearing a pair of funny looking glasses called surgical telescopes. These powerful glasses have magnifiers on them, allowing the dentist to see fine details that would go unnoticed to the naked eye.

Call Shumway Dental Care today for your next dentist appointment at (480) 820-3400!