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Digital Panoramic X-Ray

Digital panoramic X-Ray encompasses advanced technology with patient comfort in mind. The patient simply bites on to a bite-blocker for about one minute, while the machine's rotating arms move, scan, and record images around the perimeter of the head. This technology can be useful not only for diagnosing problems within the oral cavity, but also for planning treatment such as dental implants.

 

Advantages for the patient:

  • Painless and convenient (does not induce gag reflex as with traditional intraoral X-Ray films in mouth)

  • Low radiation dose

  • Fast one-time set up and completion

 

Advantages with digital panoramic technology:

  • Broad coverage of the teeth and facial area

  • Superior image quality

  • Adjustable contrast and brightness (so less need for retakes)

  • Convenient file storage (no X-Ray films)

 

Dr. Chao uses this advanced digital technology to enhance the patient experience, so the patient feels comfortable, and the digital image can be projected on a large screen during consultation.

Dental Implants

Dental implant may be an option to replace one tooth or multiple teeth due to disease or injury. The candidate should have good oral health before considering this procedure. An implant fixture is first placed into the jaw bone and allowed to heal and fuse to the bone, called osseointegration. This may take a variable amount of time before the dental prosthetic can then be attached.

 

Because an implant is connected to the underlying bone tissues, bone grafting may be necessary in some circumstances in order for the implant to be successful. For challenging areas, sinus augmentation or ridge modification may be warranted. During the consultation, the dentist must consider all the factors to ensure patient safety and implant durability.

 

Dr. Chao carefully screens each candidate for the following:

  • Oral health

  • Other health conditions and medications

  • Position and structure of the Jaw and bone structure

  • Adequate bone mass

  • Any additional risks and procedures

 

 

 

 

Veneers

A dental veneer is a thin layer made of either porcelain or composite material, to cover and improve the appearance of the tooth. Good candidates for this procedure are those who desire to cover any gaps between their teeth, those with chipped or irregulary-shaped teeth, or those with discolored teeth that could not be treated with teeth whitening.

 

To prepare for the veneer, a thin layer of the tooth enamel must be removed. The thickness of the enamel to be removed is the same as the veneer to be placed on to the tooth surface. An impression of the tooth will also be necessary for the construction of the veneer. Because of this preparation, careful assessment is necessary to determine if veneer may be a good option for the patient.

 

Dr. Chao will listen to the patient's needs and assess the current oral health status to determine whether or not veneer may be a good procedure to purse for each individual case.

 

 

 


 
Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening can restore the natural color of the teeth and brighten the smile. There are different options, including home-use kits and even mall kiosks.

 

It is important to note that the results may vary depending on the chosen method. Also, certain underlying factors may cause irreversible discoloration, and whitening may not be feasible.

 

For discoloration that could not be corrected by home-use kits, or discoloration that have reached deeper than the outermost layer, professional consultation at the dental office is the preferred method. Teeth whitening at mall kiosks that do not have dental degree credentials are strongly discouraged.

 

Because professional bleaching may cause mouth irritation and gum discomfort, Dr. Chao will assess the patient's enamel, discoloration level, gum tissues, and other previous dental work prior to recommending any whitening treatment.

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