At Distinctive Smiles, located in Las Vegas, NV, we are committed to utilizing advanced technology to enhance your dental experience. From diagnostics to treatment planning, our innovative tools ensure precise results and maximum comfort. Below, you’ll find detailed information about the technologies we offer and how they benefit our patients.
Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays provide a detailed view of what lies beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. These images allow us to detect decay, infections, impacted teeth, bone loss, and other oral health concerns that may not be visible during a standard exam. Dental x-rays use a minimal amount of radiation, making them safe for patients of all ages. Our priority is to ensure your experience is both safe and comfortable when we take x-rays.
X-rays are essential when an examination alone doesn’t reveal everything happening beneath the gums. There may be underlying issues such as tooth decay, root infections, or impacted teeth that can’t be seen without the help of x-rays. For children, x-rays are valuable in monitoring the development of permanent teeth.
Most patients can safely undergo dental x-rays due to the minimal radiation exposure. Before proceeding, we always review your medical history to ensure the process is appropriate for you. This way, we can confirm that you’re healthy enough to undergo x-rays and provide the best possible care.
A member of our friendly team will drape a lead apron over your midsection for protection. A small, comfortable device is placed in your mouth, positioned behind your teeth, while our x-ray machine takes images. This process is repeated for all necessary x-rays. Our expert team will then review the x-rays to create a personalized treatment plan. For optimal care, x-rays are recommended regularly during routine checkups.
3D CT Scanning
3D CT scanning provides a comprehensive view of bone, soft tissue, and nerve pathways, offering greater insight into your oral health. These scans are particularly useful before surgery or when planning treatments such as dental implants. The process is quick, taking just minutes, and often more convenient than traditional intraoral x-rays.
3D CT scans are often recommended before oral surgery. These detailed images help us identify potential issues and create a personalized treatment plan. The scan also provides a view of nerve pathways, which is vital for avoiding sensitive areas during surgery. With minimal radiation exposure, this scan is safe for most patients.
Patients preparing for surgery or those needing a detailed diagnostic assessment are ideal candidates for a 3D CT scan. This technology helps us uncover dental or facial conditions that may not be detected with traditional imaging. We’ll review your health history to ensure you’re a good candidate for this type of scan, which is suitable for both adults and children.
During the scan, a lead apron is placed over your body for protection. You’ll stand in the center of a circular machine, resting your chin or biting a small guard. The machine rotates around your head to capture detailed images, which are immediately available for review. This helps us quickly create a tailored treatment plan.
3D Printing
3D printing is an innovative method we use to enhance patient care by creating precise models of your teeth and mouth. These models are often used to plan treatments like implant placement or bone grafting. By using detailed digital renderings, we can better visualize your dental anatomy, ensuring more accurate procedures.
We may recommend 3D printing if you’re undergoing oral surgery. Having a 3D model of your teeth and mouth allows us to plan procedures with exceptional precision, such as implant placement or grafting. The model provides a realistic, detailed view that helps us ensure the best possible outcome for your treatment.
Most patients can benefit from 3D printing technology, especially if they’re undergoing complex procedures. This tool allows us to better visualize your teeth and mouth, providing detailed insights for both children and adults. We’ll let you know if 3D printing is recommended as part of your treatment.
First, digital impressions of your teeth and mouth are taken to capture a detailed view of your oral health. These impressions are then used to create a physical 3D model. This model aids in treatment planning, helping us show you what to expect during surgery and improving overall outcomes.
Digital Impressions (iTero®)
The iTero digital scanner is a high-tech device used to create detailed impressions of your teeth. These impressions are often needed to make restorations such as crowns, bridges, veneers, or dentures. Unlike traditional methods, which involve uncomfortable molds, the iTero process is quick and highly accurate.
We use the iTero scanner whenever precise impressions are required, whether for crowns, bridges, or dentures. These digital impressions offer a more accurate view of your teeth and surrounding soft tissue, ensuring the best fit for your restorations.
Most patients are good candidates for iTero digital impressions, which are painless and take only minutes. This technology is suitable for both adults and children, especially those undergoing orthodontic treatment. You can trust that we use the latest technology to deliver the most comfortable and accurate results.
You’ll be seated comfortably while a small digital wand is gently moved around your mouth, scanning your teeth and gums. As the image is captured, it’s displayed on a screen, allowing us to view and analyze it in real-time. The scan is safe and painless, and the resulting digital impression ensures a precise fit for your restoration.
