Advanced technology

Precision dentistry

When you seek care at our office, you are assured that Dr. Taylor Light and our staff utilize the latest in technology to enhance the quality and fit for your dental care.

Our practice uses high power microscopes to enhance the precision of patient care.

Dentistry is micro-surgery. Using microscope that is similar to the one an ophthalmologist uses enables us to create dental restorations with incredibly precise fit and finish. You just can’t fulfill that level of care with the naked eye.

In addition to allowing precise, close-up work, the microscope directs a beam of light directly on the teeth, minimizing glare for you.

Many dentists use air-driven “hand-pieces” (the dental term for “drills”). While acceptable for many procedures, these “whiney sounding” air-powered hand pieces all have a degree of non-concentricity; they do not rotate perfectly smoothly.

For the most precise aspects of restorative procedures, we use electric hand-pieces. This results in extraordinarily precise interfaces between your tooth and your new restoration (dental crown, tooth veneer, or tooth filling). This will bring more comfort to you as well. With a more precise tool, there is less vibration and less noise.

Digital imaging

The Bayfront Dental team chooses 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 can support diagnosis and treatment planning when clinically needed. Digital imaging is used at Bayfront Dental. The type and number of images should be selected for the individual patient; radiation exposure varies with the examination and equipment.

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:

Digital X-rays can be viewed on a computer monitor. Ask why an image is recommended and whether recent images from another dental practice may be useful. See the ADA’s guidance on dental X-rays.

Laser dentistry

For patients who do not look forward to needles, drilling, or numbness, Laser Dentistry may be the right choice.

Dental lasers use light energy for particular dental procedures. Their suitability depends on the device, procedure, and patient. Local anesthesia, sutures, or other instruments may still be needed; comfort and healing vary. The dentist can explain the intended benefit, alternatives, and risks before treatment.

Lasers can be used to diagnose cavities. They can find hidden decay in teeth in early stages, and in some cases the decay can be reversed through hygiene and fluoride treatment and may never need filling.

Areas of dental care that benefit from laser technology:

• Cavity diagnosis and removal
• Curing, or hardening, bonding materials
• Whitening teeth
• Periodontal, or gum related, care
• Pediatric procedures
• Apthous Ulcer treatment (canker sore)
• Frenectomy (tongue-tie release), when clinically appropriate
• Root canals and apicoectomies
• Crown lengthening, gingivectomy and other gum corrections

Laser treatment is not risk-free. Discuss the proposed procedure and safeguards with your dentist. The FDA’s medical laser overview explains general uses and risks.

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.

The Bayfront Dental team utilizes 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. An Intraoral Camera 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!

Intraoral 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.

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