Cone Beam        

Our specialist-led Birmingham dentists are transforming how they diagnose your oral health using the most advanced technologies available. The dental Cone Beam is a type of X-ray technology that produces detailed, 3D images of your mouth and teeth.

One single scan enables your dentist to take 150 to 700 high-resolution 3D images to assist them in making a complete and thorough dental evaluation for:

           
• Crowns
           
• Veneers
           
• Root Canal
           
• Bone Graft
         

Your full mouth scan will last less than one minute and is typically performed before your dental procedure.

Digital Impressions/Intraoral Camera      

The latest scanning technology for digital impressions (also known as 3D intraoral scanning) captures a replica of your mouth by using a hand-held wand device.

The tool connects to a computer where your doctor creates a virtual model of the hard and soft tissues of your mouth. The replicas made with digital impressions are more accurate and do not have messy trays like the traditional mouth molds.            

Once the scan is taken, your dentist can digitally send your images to the lab for your dentures, crowns, bridges, or retainers to be created. An additional benefit includes redoing scans should image inaccuracies occur while you are still in the chair, saving time and money.      

Digital X-rays        

Digital dental X-rays provide safer and more efficient image capturing than traditional film X-rays. Ninety percent less radiation is used than with conventional X-rays, providing patients with much less radiation exposure.

An added benefit with digital X-rays is that your doctor can adjust the digital images by enlarging or magnifying any area that needs further inspection. Our dentists are able to diagnose dental issues quickly and efficiently. Your digital X-rays show enhanced images of the structures of your tooth that help your doctor identify signs of infection and determine the proper treatment immediately. Your dentist is also able to monitor emerging teeth because the digital X-ray shows hidden areas, especially below your gum line.

Laser Cavity Detection        

Traditional methods of decay detection are only 50-75% successful in locating decay in the early stages.

So we stepped up our game with the addition of DIAGNOdent, an innovative dental laser that finds cavities in the early stages. Your teeth are important, which is why we believe in preventative care and treating your periodontal disease immediately. Once a baseline reading is taken of a healthy tooth, the DIAGNOdent will alert your dentist by illuminating the weakened areas of tooth structure. The earlier the disease is detected, there is an increased chance for more of the tooth structure to be preserved by only needing a shallow filling.

Oral DNA Testing      

Oral bacteria is the leading culprit in causing gum disease and tooth decay. However, with cutting-edge technology, the use of salivary diagnostics or oral DNA testing has proven to be a highly effective prevention tool for oral care.

One of the most popular salivary diagnostic tests is MyPerioPath by OralDNA Labs. MyPerioPath tests for 11 pathogens known to cause periodontal disease and offers antibiotic recommendations to target the specific bacteria.                

Combined with routine dental visits, the MyPerioPath test can have a dramatic effect in lowering your bacteria count. Additionally, the test can screen for various human papillomavirus (HPV) that has been shown to cause oral cancer. Frequent oral scannings and monitoring oral anomalies better equip both the patient and the doctor to manage periodontal disease and improve your overall health.        

VELscope VX Imaging      

Our oral cancer screening is an extra level of disease detection and prevention at Whole Dental Wellness in Birmingham.

Utilizing the VELscope (Visually Enhanced Lesion Scope) technology enables our specialist-led dental team to detect precancerous and early-stage cancerous tissue. The VELscope is a hand-held, wireless device that shines a fluorescent light in your mouth for your doctor to look for abnormal tissue, sores, or lesions. Even if a suspected sore is not visible with the naked eye, the Velscope may detect it and alert your doctor to take a biopsy of the tissue. Your doctor will then send your biopsy out for a pathology report.

Laser Dentistry        

At Whole Dental Wellness, we are committed to providing our patients comfortable treatment options with laser dentistry.

Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation or Laser is a hand-held instrument that produces a focused beam of light energy. When the laser touches the tissue, it produces a reaction allowing the doctor to shape or remove soft or hard tissue. The use of lasers are commonly used to treat:

       
• Tooth decay
       
• Gum disease
       
• Whitening teeth
       
• Hypersensitivity
     

When laser dentistry is used over other dental approaches, there are many benefits, such as faster healing, decreasing the need for sutures, and lowering the chance of bacterial infection. Ask your dental specialist if you’re a candidate for laser dentistry.

Schedule Your Consultation with Whole Dental Wellness Today      

New advances in dentistry are game changing. Dentistry has come a long way from the days when dental drills were considered “cutting edge” technology. In the 21st century, there have been great advances in dentistry that allow us to employ more refined and safer techniques in your dental care. Your experience at Whole Dental Wellness should reflect a positive and relaxing environment. We take pride in the steps taken to incorporate advanced dental technology to improve your patient experience and your overall health. We care about our Birmingham families and have provided personalized care for over 40 years. Call us today to schedule your exam or consultation.