The NEESH team in Saskatoon loves to employ the latest dental technology to provide you with the best care possible. In addition to CAD/CAM technology and Glidewell in-office same day crown milling system, we have fallen in love with two other modern digital tools we use on a daily basis. In this blog we take a look at them both to demonstrate the benefit of advancements in dental technology, which we get to employ every day in our Saskatoon clinic.

Digital dentistry: dental exam and scanning with iTero
An iTero scanner is a digital scanning system used in dentistry for capturing highly accurate 3D images of a patient’s teeth and oral structures. It is a non-invasive alternative to traditional dental impressions, where a gooey material is placed in the mouth to create molds of the teeth.

The iTero scanner consists of a handheld wand that the dentist or dental assistant moves around your mouth. The wand contains a small camera that captures thousands of images per second, creating a virtual replica of your teeth and gums. These images are then compiled into a precise digital model, allowing the dentist to assess your dental condition, plan treatments, and fabricate dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and aligners.

Here are some key advantages of iTero scanners:

1. Comfort: Unlike traditional impressions that can be uncomfortable and induce a gag reflex, the iTero scanner process is painless and eliminates the need for gooey materials in your mouth.
2. Accurate: iTero scanners produce highly accurate digital models of your teeth, leading to better treatment outcomes. The scanner captures intricate details, ensuring precise measurements for restorations and orthodontic treatments.
3. Visualization: The scanned 3D images can be viewed in real-time on a chairside monitor, allowing you and your dentist to see a virtual representation of your teeth, gums, and bite, which helps in understanding your treatment options.
4. Treatment Planning: The digital models can simulate different treatment scenarios and show you the potential outcomes, enhancing your understanding and involvement in the treatment process.
5. Faster Turnaround: Since the digital scans can be instantly sent to dental laboratories or used in in-office milling machines, the overall treatment time is reduced. Restorations can be fabricated quickly, reducing the waiting period for dental prosthetics.

Cleaning with the ultrasonic dental scaler

The ultrasonic scaler is another effective digital tool that assists in the thorough cleaning of teeth, promoting oral health and preventing dental problems. This dental instrument uses high-frequency sound waves and a fine spray or jet of water to gently break up biofilm to detach and loosen plaque and tartar deposits from the tooth’s surface and beneath the gum line. 

The scaler consists of a handheld device with a small vibrating tip or insert, which moves rapidly back and forth at a high frequency. This vibration creates small, rapid shock waves which cause the water jet to atomize and form millions of tiny bubbles to create a micro-jet effect. The ultrasonic vibration and water work together to dislodge and remove loosened debris, flushing it away from the treatment area. 

The entire process of using an ultrasonic scaler is typically gentle and well-tolerated by patients. The scaler is designed to minimize discomfort and reduce the need for manual scraping which many patients find unpleasant.

Modern dental technology provide the best dental care
These modern digital dental tools help us provide the most comfortable and accurate dental treatments possible.The iTero scanner improves the dental experience by providing a more comfortable and accurate method of capturing dental impressions. It facilitates better communication between you and your dentist, enhances treatment planning, and can lead to more predictable and efficient dental procedures. The ultrasonic scaler makes dental cleanings more comfortable and effective. We can’t imagine our dental practice without these essential dental technologies!