Our state of the art technology along with our commitment to adult dentistry allows us to select the most proven and effective patient- and comfort-focused technologies available. This ensures you will be completely satisfied with the process and the results.
Intraoral Camera Helps Catch Problems Early
The Intraoral Camera is considered to be one of the most significant advancements in dental care. This mini video camera moves around inside the mouth and generates a tooth-by-tooth examination. These images allow us to identify potential problems such as cracks or breaks in teeth, bacterial plaque and tartar, decay, gum disease and defective fillings. This system allows you to see exactly what we see and helps make it easier for you to understand your dental needs. We adopted this technology in 1986, and have continued to update to the latest technology used for this procedure.
Digital X-Rays Mean Cavities Can’t Hide
We’ve chosen Computerized Digital Radiography because this technology reduces the amount of radiation required by up to 90 percent, compared to traditional dental x-rays. Because these x-rays are computer-generated images, they are available immediately. That means less time waiting and more time treating dental problems they may identify. Digital x-rays can detect issues traditional x-rays cannot. For example, cavities can be detected and treated at an earlier stage through digital x-rays. We have been using this technology since 1998!
The Next Step in Cavity/Decay Detection
One of the most important additions we’ve made to our preventative care technology I the use of fiberoptic transillumination, in the form of the CariVu detection device. We purchased this instrument about 2 months after it was first introduced at the 2016 Chicago midwinter Meeting. This instrument uses near infrared light and a sensor combined with advanced computer software to detect the presence of cavities that cannot be seen visually or are questionable on an X-ray. It also opens up a new way of detecting fractures in both teeth and around fillings. As it uses non-ionizing radiation, it is ideal for children, pregnant women and patients who are X-ray averse.
Prep Start System: An Alternative to the Dental Drill
Using the Prep Start system, Dr. Greg can treat tooth decay at an earlier stage while preserving more of a healthy tooth. Prep Start uses a stream of pressurized air to carry 27-micron particles to precisely spray away decay from a tooth.
The benefits of Prepstart include:
- Potentially reducing the need for future crowns by using less tooth reduction for today’s filling.
- A cavity surface that is ideal for use with tooth-colored (composite) fillings.
- Faster filling preparation time
- Usually, more comfortable treatment because of a deduction in heat and vibration.
Spectra Cavity Detection System
Early cavity detection is one of the most important things we can do for our patients. It allows us to protect your teeth from further decay and possible abscess, and it helps us keep your teeth healthy.
For decades, the old tried-and-true method for finding cavities was the good old dental “pick” (explorer). However, in the mid to late 1990’s it was not as reliable as it had been in the past. This was because decay had become more difficult to locate due to the widespread use of fluoride in both drinking water and toothpaste. Fluoride hardens the enamel to the point where the explorer could not locate the microscopic areas that were starting to decay, just because of the diameter of the explorer’s tip. This literally caused the tooth to decay from the inside out!
Realizing what we were missing, the dental industry devised an instrument to help eliminate this dilemma. It was called a Diagnodent Laser Probe. For years it made a huge difference in our ability to detect decay. We were finding issues through it that we could not readily see. But it too was not perfect. Then, in 2011, Dr. Potempa’s office became the first in Illinois to receive the Spectra Cavity Detection System. The Spectra is leaps and bounds more accurate than even the old Diagnodent pen. It uses the natural fluorescence of teeth and pathology to detect cavities with little to no error. It is this system that has been our mainstay since 2010 for detecting new decay.
Revolutionary Care for Gum Diseases
Dr. Greg was the first practice in the area to offer patient the PerioProtect method for treating gum diseases and gingivitis. PerioProtect is an FDA-cleared procedure that delivers medication directly to the source of dental infections. It is painless, easy and backed by years of proven clinical results. If you experience bleeding or receding gums, plaque or tarter build-up, swollen, red or tender gums, persistent bad breath or sensitive teeth you could benefit from PerioProtect. As a licensed PerioProtect Dentist, Dr. Greg is uniquely qualified to provide this treatment to his patients.
Visualizing Functional and Cosmetic Changes
Creating “stunning smiles” and matching results to expectations requires clear communications between a dentist and patient. In the case of more intricate functional or cosmetic changes Dr. Potempa often recommends using a diagnostic wax-up. During a diagnostic wax-up impressions are made of the teeth. These impressions are used to make a model replica of the teeth. This replica is shaped and build back up to a white wax in order to simulate the intended result. A diagnostic wax-up serves to help visually communicate details about a procedures expected results to a patient.
A Panoramic View for Improving Treatment
Our Panorex CMT is an investment we made in our patient’s dental health. This CMT provides us with cross-sectional views of a patient’s mouth, face and jaw. These images allow for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for a variety of procedures including implants, extractions and TMJ.
Non-Invasive Gum and Bridge Work Treatments
Radiosurgery is a bloodless, pressure-less and stress-free treatment for a variety of cosmetic and restorative procedures. Concentrated high-frequency radio waves simplify procedures such as teeth bleaching, gum-contouring, and bridge work and eliminate the need for scalpels and prolonged healing times.
Radiosurgery produces immediately noticeable results in the treatment of excessive gum tissue and the contouring the gums around a bridge implant.
