Medical Technologies
At Addison Village Dental, we use state-of-the-art medical technologies to ensure that you and your family receive the best possible care. Our modern facilities are equipped with the latest dental technologies, allowing us to provide a wide range of services.
Oral ID
Oral cancer is not a rare disease and unfortunately it is on the rise. This year approximately 45,780 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in the United States alone. Due to late stage discovery, one american dies every hour from oral cancer.
Dr. Vatafu uses an oral cancer screening device, Oral ID, in efforts to discover oral cancers in their earliest stages. Currently 63% of oral cancers are found in late stages ( stage III, IV), resulting in 5-year survival rate of less than 50%. Finding these abnormalities in much earlier stage can increase the 5-year survival rate up to 80-90%.
Oral ID uses a proven, optically based technology called ā fluorescence technologyā. Oral ID fluorescence technology uses a blue light( 435-460 nm) that provides the clinician an aid in visualization of oral mucosal abnormalities, such as oral cancer and pre-cancer. The other medical applications of fluorescence technology include highlighting abnormalities of the GI tract, cervix, lung, and skin. It is easy to use and non-threatening for patients.
E-Claims
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.
Intraoral Camera
What is it?
We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral 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 intraoral 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.
X-Rays
What are Digital X-Rays?
X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through bone which produce an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed. This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease. Without an x-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues, there would be no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.
In our 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 diagnose dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.
iTero
What is iTero?
iTero Element is a 3D imaging software capable of scanning your teeth and generating a computer model of the end result of your orthodonic treatment. This technologies removes the need for invasive plaster molds. These scans can be done at the time of the inital appointment allowing for the quick creation of your Invisalign treatment.
Auto Appointment Reminders
How do they work?
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 ā1ā to confirm the appointment and ā2ā 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.
Paperless Charting
What is it?
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.
