X-rays are a primary tool for early identification of dental problems. Detecting issues with x-rays before they become problems can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for more extensive, expensive procedures or surgeries. X-rays are primarily used to detect:
Internal tooth decay
Cysts (fluid filled sacks at the base of your teeth)
Tumors, both cancerous and non-cancerous
Impacted teeth
Teeth that are still coming in
At Southern York Smile Care, we use digital x-rays, which have several advantages over traditional film based X-rays. Digital x-rays allow us to take x-rays with 1/5 of the radiation that you would receive from with traditional dental x-rays. The worry of exposure to excess radiation is eliminated.
Large on-screen X-rays make patient communication more effective. The immediate observation of the images on the screen allows us to discuss your dental health quickly and accurately.
Digital radiography has greatly enhanced the practice of dentistry. It allows the patient and the doctor to see images of the teeth in higher resolution on a large format for easier detection of problems, all while decreasing the radiation exposure to the patient. The process we use further defines the radiograph, resulting in clinically meaningful images that are sharp, detailed and rich in contrast.
Images are available instantly after exposure, eliminating the wait and effort spent developing and mounting X-rays. If an image needs to be retaken, it can be done immediately. Digital format also allows us to send and receive your images electronically for consultation that can be presented to you quickly.
Intra-Oral Camera
X-rays give us a clear view of what we can’t see such as decay between the teeth. An intraoral camera gives you, the patient, a view of what the dentist sees. An intraoral camera is a device that is about the size of a toothbrush. Broken fillings, fractured teeth, decay, or any other dental problem can be viewed so that we can discuss with you any treatment needed. With a clear understanding of your dental needs we can decide together what the best treatment is for you.
DIAGNOdent
At Southern York Smile Care, we use DIAGNOdent in our Shrewsbury, PA area practice; a high-tech laser that can detect even small amounts of decay at the earliest stages, sometimes even before it can be seen on an x-ray! The DIAGNOdent pen used for our Monkton and Stewartstown patients will reveal mild problems before any discomfort develops. No longer will cavities be a surprise, as we treat you to the very best in preventative and restorative care. Our laser technology also makes periodontal therapies less invasive so that you leave with a healthy smile minus the discomfort.
Drill-free, Needle-free Dentistry
We offer a drill free non-laser technique for fillings to those in North Baltimore county who may experience anxiety when being treated with a conventional drill, or those who have extremely sensitive teeth. We aspire to have all of our Shrewsbury patients, and those in the surrounding areas maintain comfort during any appointment, a real possibility with drill free fillings.
With our high-tech cavity detection, drill-free laser, and new composite materials, old and new cavities can be filled with minimum damage, “invisibly” protecting your teeth well into the future.
During air abrasion therapy, a thin, steady stream of air and silica is used to remove decay delicately. The procedure is quick and quiet, with no heat, pressure, or vibration! In addition, we save you time by treating more areas in a single visit because air abrasion is so gentle.
UltraSonic Scalers
We use ultrasonic scalers for most adult dental cleanings. These devices use ultrasonic vibrations to help breakdown the plaque and calculus on the teeth that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. The ultrasonic cleaners create microscopic bubbles that implode on the surface of the tooth, killing microbes and removing plaque and tartar in the process. Our instruments use a thin tip to better navigate in the periodontal pockets to help maintain optimal gingival health.
The procedure only uses water, no chemicals are used.
It can remove tartar buildup in hard-to-reach areas, with no damage to the tooth enamel.
Manual scaling often uses pressure for cleaning, while the vibration produced by the scaling tip of an ultrasonic scaler is barely perceptible. This makes ultrasonic cleaning suitable to those with sensitive teeth.
The cleaning process is faster than manual scaling making your visit more comfortable.
After your teeth have been cleaned with the ultrasonic cleaner, your teeth will be hand scaled to check for any residual deposits and then polished.
AcceleDent®
You want to improve the look of your smile, but does the thought of spending months, or even years, in braces sound like too much of a hassle? With the AcceleDent® System, you can now reduce the time of your orthodontic treatment by 38 to 50%! Using this pain-free, easy appliance, you’ll achieve your most perfect smile in no time at all.
How Does AcceleDent® work?
AcceleDent® is a light, comfortable, and hands-free appliance that is used 20 minutes per day as a complement to braces to accelerate tooth movement. The patented technology gently vibrates the teeth and surrounding bone, allowing teeth to move more freely. The best part of the AcceleDent® System is that it’s completely safe! You may experience a slight tingling sensation, much like that of the vibration of an electric toothbrush, but it should diminish after you become accustomed to using the appliance.
The Benefits of AcceleDent® Will Make You Smile!
You’ll accelerate your orthodontic experience without sacrificing aesthetics.
AcceleDent®
can be used for adolescents, teens, and adults, and it is completely safe for patients of all ages.
The AcceleDent®
appliance is lightweight and comfortable. You may even forget you’re using it!
The hands-free design allows you to achieve a beautiful, straight smile faster than you ever thought possible
– even while reading, watching television, listening to music, or doing school work.
We look forward to meeting you personally at our Shrewsbury, PA office and building the beautiful, healthy smile you have always wanted. Contact us to arrange your appointment with Dr. Haywood .