Our Dental Technology
Tempe, AZ

A patient and dentist reviewing digital x-rays on a monitor at A Great Smile Arizona in Tempe.

Laser Dentistry

A laser is an instrument used in dentistry that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy, which removes or shapes tissue. For more than two decades, they have been used as a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of dental procedures, such as:

•	Removal of inflamed gum tissue to assist in the treatment of gum disease
•	Aiding in the treatment of infections in root canals
•	Removing or reshaping gum and bone tissues during dental crown lengthening procedures
•	Managing gum tissue during impressions for dental crowns or other procedures
•	Removal of overgrown tissues caused by certain medications
•	Reducing the discomfort of canker and cold sores
•	Exposing partially erupted wisdom teeth
•	Performing biopsy procedures

With laser technology, there is little to no gum recession and there is less swelling and minimal bleeding. This causes less trauma, improves the healing process and speeds up the recovery time. Our patients love the comfort, quiet and ease that come with this amazing technology.

3D Scanning

Now many traditional dental impressions are replaced with highly accurate digital images. At A Great Smile Arizona, Dr. Thomas uses the technology of the industry-leading iTero system. Since 2007, iTero has led a revolution in 3D digital dentistry. The iTero scanner enables our office to take a 3D digital scan of the patient’s teeth and bite, to make adjustments in real time, and to transmit the file wirelessly for processing. This technology eliminates the mess and inaccuracy of conventional impression materials, produces highly accurate milled models that can be used by any lab, and creates full arch scans for Invisalign treatment.

Digital X-rays

X-rays are a primary tool for early identification of dental problems. Detecting issues with x-rays before they become problematic can save you money in the long run. Early detection can help prevent the need for more extensive, expensive procedures or surgeries. X-rays are primarily used to detect:

•	Internal tooth decay
•	Cysts (fluid filled sacks at the base of your teeth)
•	Tumors, both cancerous and non-cancerous
•	Impacted teeth
•	Teeth that are still coming in

At A Great Smile Arizona, we use digital x-rays, which have several advantages over traditional film based x-rays. Digital x-rays allow us to take x-rays with 1/5 of the radiation that you would receive from traditional dental x-rays. The worry of exposure to excess radiation is eliminated.

Large on-screen x-rays make patient communication more effective. The immediate observation of the images on the screen allows us to discuss your dental health quickly and accurately.

Digital radiography has greatly enhanced the practice of dentistry. It allows the patient and the doctor to see images of the teeth in higher resolution on a large format for easier detection of problems, all while decreasing the radiation exposure to the patient. The process we use further defines the radiograph, resulting in clinically meaningful images that are sharp, detailed and rich in contrast.

Images are available instantly after exposure, eliminating the wait and effort spent developing and mounting x-rays. If an image needs to be retaken, it can be done immediately. Digital format also allows us to send and receive your images electronically, allowing for a faster consultation with your dentist.

Intraoral camera attached to a display showing a close-up of a tooth

Intraoral Camera

X-rays give us a clear view of what we can't see such as decay between the teeth. An intraoral camera gives the patient a view of what the dentist sees. An intraoral camera is a device that is about the size of a toothbrush. Broken fillings, fractured teeth, decay or any other dental problem can be viewed so that we can discuss with you any treatment needed. With a clear understanding of your dental needs we can decide together what the best treatment is for you.

Close up of a hand holding an ultrasonic scalers like those offered at A Great Smile Arizona

Ultrasonic Scalers

We use ultrasonic scalers for most adult dental cleanings. These devices use ultrasonic vibrations to help break down the plaque and calculus on the teeth that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. The ultrasonic cleaners create microscopic bubbles that implode on the surface of the tooth, killing microbes and removing plaque and tartar in the process. Our instruments use a thin tip to better navigate in the periodontal pockets to help maintain optimal gingival health.

The procedure uses water and/or an antimicrobial liquid called chlorhexidine. It can remove tartar buildup in hard-to-reach areas, with no damage to the tooth enamel. Manual scaling often uses pressure for cleaning, while the vibration produced by the scaling tip of an ultrasonic scaler is barely perceptible. This makes ultrasonic cleaning suitable to those with sensitive teeth. The cleaning process is faster than manual scaling, making your visit more comfortable.

After your teeth have been cleaned with the ultrasonic cleaner, your teeth will be hand scaled to check for any residual deposits and then polished.

Schedule an Appointment

Please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment at our dental clinic. To learn more, give us at A Great Smile Arizona a call at (480) 672-0007 today!

Location
2700 S. Rural Road
Tempe, AZ 85282-3847

Office Hours
Monday: 7am - 4pm
Tuesday: 9am - 6pm
Wednesday: 7am - 4pm
Thursday: 9am - 6pm
Friday: 9am - 1pm

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Dental Technology - Tempe, AZ | A Great Smile Arizona
At A Great Smile Arizona, we use state of the art dental technology to assist with your dental procedure! Click here to learn more.
A Great Smile Arizona, 2700 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 672-0007 | agreatsmileaz.com | 3/28/2023 | Tags: dentist Tempe AZ |