Dental Technology Gardena, CA

Dental technology is always changing. New procedures come out, new technology is developed, and new methods of doing things are created that make dental trips easier, more comfortable, and less painful.

Here at Gardena Dental Care, we are committed to innovation. We strive to bring you the best and most advanced technologies available. From new imaging technologies to better materials, we’re determined to provide you with the best care possible.

These are just a few of the latest dental technologies available right here in our Gardena office.

CAD/CAM Technology

CAD and CAM technologies are computer-aided design and manufacturing devices. They’ve been used for delicate operations such as the space program and high-tech machining for decades. The past few years have seen the expansion of the technology into new areas from architecture to fashion and now dental work.

What do we use this powerful technology for? We use it to create restorative dental treatments such as crowns, veneers, implants, bridges, inlays, onlays, and dentures. This new technology allows us to provide you with some of the most important dental treatments you may need in as little as one day.

What Are Intraoral Photos?

Intraoral photos are taken inside the mouth using a tiny digital camera that’s smaller than a pen. It allows the doctor to see areas that are too small to view with the naked eye and to get a more accurate idea of what’s going on inside the mouth, leading to better treatments.

What Are Dental Lasers?

Lasers are another new technology that’s been brought into the dental world in recent years. Dental lasers can now be used for a wide array of procedures, from simple tooth whitening to taking biopsies to check for oral cancer.

One of the most common uses of dental lasers now is the treatment of tooth decay -that is, removing a cavity before filling it. That’s right, a dental laser can now be used in place of the dental drill! They are quieter and don’t produce the feeling of pressure and vibration in the mouth that gives so many patients anxiety. Using dental lasers for this purpose also reduces and sometimes eliminates the need for anesthesia.

Dental lasers can sometimes be used to treat lesions, gum disease, and canker sores as well.

What Is Air Abrasion?

Air abrasion is another modern alternative to the old-fashioned dental drill. It can be used to remove small cavities, stains, and tooth discoloration. Air abrasion uses a stream of air mixed with particles like aluminum oxide to wear away decay, much like a mini-sandblaster.

A suction tube is used to remove the particles and decay while a rubber dental dam prevents them from touching the rest of your mouth. Unlike drilling, there is no pressure or vibration associated with air abrasion. Once the decay is removed, the cavity is filled as normal.

The need for anesthesia is also much reduced with air abrasion over using a drill.

What Are Invisalign^® Clear Aligners?

These are a newer form of braces that are a removable (and most importantly, clear) alternative to metal or ceramic braces. They are custom-made retainers that fit over your teeth and slowly move them closer together, just like traditional braces.

Unlike traditional braces, however, you don’t need to come into the office every few weeks for adjusting; you just switch from one set of trays for another. You can even remove Invisalign® clear aligners for eating and drinking! This makes maintaining oral hygiene much easier than it is with metal braces.

What Are Digital X-Rays?

Digital x-rays are a new type of x-ray that produces sharper, clearer images using up to 90% less radiation than traditional x-ray machines. These enhanced images allow the staff to zoom in, change contrast, and make other alterations to get a better look at potential problem sites in your mouth. This allows them to spot dental problems much earlier, saving you time, pain, and dental care down the road.

What Are Dental Surgical Stents?

This is a new advancement used for dental implants. They look like a plastic straw and are custom-made from a model of your mouth. The stent has pre-drilled holes in the location where the implants are to be placed. The doctor places it in your mouth and uses it as a surgical guide, making your implants easier, faster, and more accurate.