Thursday, August 28, 2014

Galileos 3D Cone Beam Imaging

From diagnosis to treatment, recent advancements in technology have enhanced every aspect of dental care, and that includes the way that dentists view patients’ mouths. At our office in Easton, PA, we choose to use Galileos Cone Beam 3D imaging so that Dr. Alan Dilsaver can access 3D, high-resolution images that help him provide superior dental care to his patients.

Galileos Cone Beam technology provides 3D, high-resolution images that allow Dr. Dilsaver to accurately assess your mouth and customize your procedures for the highest quality of care. Offering a clear view of teeth, facial nerves, bone structures and even sinus issues in 3D, the technology captures parts of the anatomy that cannot be diagnosed externally or with only two-dimensional images. A typical scan only takes 20 seconds, and images are ready for viewing in less than three minutes.

Because we value the health and safety of our patients, we also choose to use this type of imaging for its low radiation emission. Able to capture a superior image while exposing patients to minimal radiation means that Galileos Cone Beam 3D imaging is one of the best diagnostic tools on the market. 

Galileos cone beam imaging is just one of the ways that we put our patients first. You can schedule an appointment at Lehigh Valley Smiles by calling (610) 252-7414. For more information, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Crown Lengthening

A dentist’s first goal is always to save your teeth, which means that dental professionals have developed many dental procedures that help prevent tooth extraction. One such procedure is crown lengthening, which we use at Lehigh Valley Smiles in cases where decay has decimated a tooth to a point where there is not enough tooth structure left upon which to fix a crown.

If a tooth has broken below the gum line or if decay has developed underneath an existing crown or filling, crown lengthening allows a new crown to be placed rather than extracting the tooth.
While called crown lengthening, this common surgical procedure does not actually lengthen the crown. What it does is lower the gum line, and it does this by removing gum tissue, bone or both to expose more of the tooth and provide a foundation for the crown.

The procedure is performed with a local anesthesia to numb the area. When the area is fully numb, Alan Dilsaver will make cuts to pull the gums away from the teeth and expose the roots and surrounding bone. In some cases, removing a little of the gum tissue will expose enough of the tooth for placing a crown. However, it is more likely that some bone will also have to be removed from around the roots of the teeth. After removing the necessary amount of tissue and bone, the area will be washed and the gums stitched.

Our office works hard to always protect your teeth and to provide the best quality of dental care available. For more information about Dr. Dilsaver and his services, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net. Call (610) 252-7414 to schedule an appointment at our office in Easton, PA.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Orthodontics

Straight teeth go a long way toward creating a beautiful smile, but they are also important for overall oral health. If you have crooked, crowded or misaligned teeth, correcting them can prevent dental issues from developing in the future. There are several options available for straightening your teeth, including traditional braces, clear braces and Invisalign, and at our office in Easton, PA, Dr. Alan Dilsaver can help you achieve a smile you can be proud of with quality orthodontics.

Traditional braces have been around for years and are considered the standard correction method among patients looking to straighten their smiles. Able to correct even serious cases of misalignment, today’s braces are made with incredibly strong metals that are durable enough to wear for a considerable time on your teeth. While metallic, contemporary braces offer some customization with different colored bands that can be added, if a mouth full of metal doesn’t appeal to you, Dr. Dilsaver also offers clear or ceramic braces. Specifically designed to not stain or wear over time, clear braces are as effective as metal braces but less eye-catching.

If you’re in need of a mild to moderate correction, Invisalign may be a great option for you. Using a series of virtually invisible aligners, Invisalign adjusts your teeth bit by bit with a new aligner used approximately every two weeks. Made of a thin, comfortable plastic, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, which allows for convenient cleaning and eating. Because the aligners are removable, your teeth will not experience the same discoloration and plaque buildup that can occur with metal brackets and wire. In addition, you will not have the same diet restrictions that you would have with traditional braces. You will still be able to eat all the foods you like, including popcorn, chips, pretzels, apples, nuts and corn.

Whether you’re an adult or teen, it’s not too late to straighten your teeth. At Lehigh Valley Smiles, we will make sure your smile is both beautiful and healthy. Schedule an appointment by calling (610) 252-7414. For more information, visit www.lehighvalleysmiles.net.