Advanced Technology

Digital Imaging

Dr. Woods and Dr. Wiedower choose carefully which and when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that we follow. Radiographs allow us to see everything we cannot see with our own eyes. Radiographs enable us to detect cavities in between your teeth, determine bone level, and analyze the health of your bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess damage when trauma occurs. Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information. We may be able to see cavities better. Digital imaging allows us to store patient images, and enables us to quickly and easily transfer them to specialists or insurance companies.

Digital X-rays offer more precision since we view the image on a computer monitor, instead of holding up a 35mm film up to the light. Digital X-rays results in 1/6^th the radiation exposure to you.

Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry is one of dentistry’s most current advances. The laser delivers energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a “target.” In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, bone, decay, &/or all soft tissue. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others. In our office, laser dentistry is used for soft tissue related procedures. When used on soft tissue (surgical) procedures it eliminates the need for suturing, and healing is much faster.

Questions? Call us at Westport Dental Conway Phone Number (501) 327-9988 to make an appointment with Westport Dental in Conway.

Laser-Assisted Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy

When used in conjunction with Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment, lasers can create a healthier periodontal environment. With traditional Scaling & Root Planing (SRP), the healing achieved is limited to soft tissue attachment and shrinkage. This is a weaker attachment that develops, and is more likely to relapse. When both SRP and lasers are used to treat periodontal disease, a much stronger form of healing takes place. When a periodontal pocket is treated with a dental laser, the bacteria within the pocket is decreased to an amount that allows tissue and bone to regenerate. At our office, once a patient has completed SRP, and then their six week periodontal maintenance appointment, if any perio pockets >6mm remain, we will then be discussing laser treatment. We recommend laser treatment for any pocket that doesn’t resolve to a healthy state.

Areas of dental care that benefit from laser technology:

• Periodontal, or gum related, care
• Apthous Ulcer treatment (canker sore)
• Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) without anesthesia or sutures
• Root Canal Sterilization
• Crown lengthening, gingivectomy and other gum corrections
• Surgical Applications and Biopsies, replacing a scalpel

Dental lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for treating both children and adults.

Intraoral Camera

Many patients, especially younger patients, are very familiar with the latest technology and are comfortable with the high tech practice. Computers and TV screens are their primary method of information processing. Drs. Woods and Wiedower utilize intraoral camera technology that helps enhance your understanding of your diagnosis. An intraoral camera is a very small camera — in some cases, just a few millimeters long. It allows our practice to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums, in order for us to accurately make a diagnosis. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair-time for you! Intra-oral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These images can be printed for you, other specialists, and your lab or insurance companies.