Dental Technology
Vatech PaX-i Cephalometric and Panoramic Digital Radiography
Your teeth and mouth tell a story that’s beyond what the eye can see. Vatech PaX-i Cephalometric and Panoramic Digital X-rays give Dr. Elizondo an inside look into your facial structure and oral cavity so your treatment plan is crafted with the greatest accuracy.
Cephalometric and panoramic X-rays (also known as extraoral X-rays) offer a different perspective than the dental X-rays you’re used to receiving during routine exams and cleanings (known as intraoral X-rays). Intraoral X-rays provide detailed images of the insides of your jawbone and teeth and are especially useful for detecting tooth decay and evaluating the general health of your jawbone and teeth.
Though these still capture an overall image of your teeth, extraoral X-rays are primarily used to capture images of your face, jaw, nasal and sinus passages, and skull. Dr. Elizondo uses extraoral X-rays to precisely plan treatment for dentures, braces, extractions, and implants.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Also known as radiographs, X-rays are a noninvasive diagnostic tool that’s widely used throughout dentistry and medicine. All types of dental X-rays use a very small dose of ionizing radiation, though the dose is so small that they’re considered safe for both adults and children.
Digital X-rays like Vatech PaX-i use even less radiation than traditional X-rays, further reducing your exposure to radiation. Your dental team will also take extra steps to minimize exposure, such as providing you with a protective lead apron or collar to wear while X-rays are being taken. Women who are pregnant or believe they are pregnant should avoid all types of X-rays.
General Dentistry
Dr. Elizoda and the entire Howdy Dental team are proud to help you reveal your healthiest smile through quality and compassionate general dentistry.
Medit i500 Intraoral Scanner (Digital Impressions)
Dental impressions are a three-dimensional imprint of your teeth that’s used to map orthodontic treatments, plan oral surgery, and create custom dental restorations, including crowns, dentures, and dental implants. High-quality dental impressions are essential for successful treatment planning and completion, though traditional impressions are prone to error and can be unpleasant for patients.
To take traditional impressions (also known as analog impressions), patients are required to sink their teeth into a U-shaped tray filled with a thick paste. For many patients, a mouthful of thick, viscous, and gooey impression material can trigger discomfort or gagging. Multiple factors can also harm the accuracy of a traditional impression, such as the skill of the technician and the amount of saliva that’s in your mouth when the impressions are taken.
For your most comfortable and reliable experience, Dr. Elizondo uses the Medit i500 Intraoral Scanner to take accurate digital impressions. In a matter of minutes, the Medit i500 Intraoral Scanner precisely creates high-quality digital impressions that give Dr. Elizondo what he needs to chart your orthodontic treatment, perform oral surgery, or custom-craft your dental restorations. Along with providing you with the most comfortable impresion experience, the use of our intraoral scanner reduces the need for adjustments and remakes, saves time, and gives you the results you want and deserve from your treatment.
Mouthwatch Intraoral Cameras
Mouthwatch intraoral cameras use sharp digital imaging to improve your experience as a patient. Dr. Elizondo uses Mouthwatch intraoral cameras to show you the inside of your mouth during treatment planning so you can see what he sees and understand the recommended treatment.
Benefits of Mouthwatch Intraoral Cameras
- Patient Empowerment: Through real-time digital images, Mouthwatch intraoral cameras allow you to see your mouth and teeth through the eyes of a dentist. The digital images produced by an intraoral scanner provide you with a fuller understanding of your oral health needs and treatment plans, empowering you to make informed decisions and celebrate your progress.
- Collaborative Treatment Planning: Intraoral cameras stream real-time video onto a screen, allowing you to become an active participant in your oral health. This allows you and Dr. Elizondo to truly work together as a team.
- Record-keeping: Along with allowing you to see inside your mouth in real time, intraoral cameras produce a high-resolution digital record of both soft and hard dental tissues that can be easily archived, compared, and reviewed.
Testimonial
“No long waiting…staff is always nice and helpful! I highly recommend, you will not be disappointed.”
• Stacey Reyes
Dolphin Software
Braces use continuous pressure to guide your teeth into a new position. As your teeth shift, the bone and gum tissues that surround your teeth will gradually reshape. Your jaws will adapt to moving in their new position, while the relationship between your upper and lower teeth will improve and change.
Since braces affect so many of your orofacial functions, structures, and tissues, a skillfully prepared orthodontic treatment plan is key. To accomplish your best treatment, Dr. Elizondo uses an advanced dental and orthodontic imaging program called Dolphin Software.
What is Dolphin Software?
Dolphin Software allows Dr. Elizondo to capture, organize, and manipulate high-definition 2D and 3D radiographs (X-rays) of your teeth, gums, jaws, and facial tissues. Dr. Elizondo uses these images to accurately identify obvious and subtle orthodontic issues, analyze the relationship between your jaws and teeth, and map a treatment plan that will yield the results you want and deserve.
The diagnostic and planning capabilities of Dolphin Software are so advanced that the program has actually been classified as a Class II medical device by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Because of this classification, Dolphin Software is held to the highest standards of patient care and safety.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Feeling somewhat nervous or anxious about an upcoming dental procedure is perfectly normal. Your mouth is vital to your well-being and is sensitive to sensation, so it only makes sense that you may feel some uneasiness about having someone else care for this all-important part of your body. While a bit of uneasiness is often manageable, stronger feelings of anxiety or fear can stand in the way of getting the dental work you need.
Dr. Elizondo and the entire Howdy Dental team are dedicated to providing you with a comfortable and positive dental experience by helping you find solutions for dental anxiety. If you’re extremely nervous about an upcoming dental procedure or have been putting off the dental work because of fear or anxiety, nitrous oxide sedation may be the solution you need to relax and receive the life-enhancing treatment you deserve and need.
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”) is a safe and effective resource for helping you feel relaxed during a dental treatment. Many patients report feeling a mild sense of euphoria and no sense of pain. As a sedative, nitrous oxide is considered mild. Patients don’t typically fall asleep while nitrous oxide is being administered and are alert enough to answer questions and respond to directions. As nitrous oxide quickly moves out of your system, adult patients will be able to drive after their appointment.
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