There’s a wealth of technology available to dentists today, and at the office of Dr. Michael Ryan, DDS, and Collin Ryan, DMD, we make it a point to stay current with those improvements that make your visits faster, more comfortable, and more productive.
We offer technology that helps us plan treatments like dental implants and root canals with more predictable outcomes. Technology also plays a large part in patient education because we can include you in the diagnostic process.
Every piece of technology we have added in is an investment in your comfort and optimal oral health. Please take a moment to check out some of the ways we can improve your experience with us, then contact us to arrange your next appointment!
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
We use digital x-rays because they expose you to less radiation and are valuable for diagnosing problems developing deep within your teeth. But state-of-the-art digital imaging using Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT or Cone Beam CT) allows us to visualize structures in the mouth in 3-D, including sinuses and root canals, without the need for surgery or invasive procedures.
We use Cone Beam CT to assist us in planning the precise placement of dental implants before treatment. The highly detailed images produced by CBCT shorten treatment times and reduce the need for invasive procedures. Since CBCT provides a detailed 3-D view of sinuses, nerves, and areas of low bone density, we can prepare a surgical guide to ensure that your implants are placed in their optimal position for the best outcome.
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry gives us a non-invasive, comfortable way to perform many routine procedures. At our Sarasota, FL dental office, we are pleased to offer our patients the benefits of Waterlase MD laser dental treatments.
Using dental lasers, we can provide many treatments comfortably and without the need for anesthetics. Laser dentistry also results in minimal bleeding and faster recovery times. Laser dentistry has been proven to be effective to:
- Treat periodontal (gum) disease
- Perform gingivectomies (gum surgery)
- Provide optimal teeth whitening results
- Treat cold sores and canker sores
- Safely and effectively enhance your smile through cosmetic dentistry
Intraoral Cameras
As a patient, you need to be aware of what’s happening with your oral health. Having a clear understanding of what conditions exist, why you need treatment, and how you can prevent them in the future allows you to participate in your oral health care.
An intraoral camera is a small digital camera that Dr. Michael Ryan directs over the surface of your teeth during an exam. As she does, your mouth is illuminated, and the resulting image appears on your chairside monitor in real-time. This allows us to point out problem areas so you can better understand your oral health.
Electric Handpieces
One of the ways we have found to streamline your appointments and make them more efficient, comfortable, and productive is with electric handpieces. There is much less vibration than with air-driven handpieces and they’re much stronger since a motor is driving the bur instead of air.
Electric handpieces allow Dr. Michael Ryan or our hygienists to remove plaque and decay quickly and efficiently, minimizing the time it takes to complete your cleaning appointment or dental procedure. Also, electric handpieces provide a level of precision that’s not possible with air-driven tools used in the past.
Digital X-Rays
Visual dental exams twice a year are essential for good oral health. But they only tell us part of the story because problems often develop deep within your teeth or under your gums where they can’t be seen during an exam. At the office of Dr. Michael Ryan, DDS, we use digital x-rays that produce highly detailed images so we can see these areas clearly.
Digital x-rays aren’t just safer; they’re more comfortable! Instead of biting down on uncomfortable dental films, digital x-rays use a digital sensor. This small, flat electronic device sends the high-resolution images to your chairside monitor. Dr. Michael Ryan then reviews the images with you so you can see problem areas for yourself and understand why treatment is necessary.
Your digital x-rays are stored securely on our in-house network, making them easily accessible for future reference or to send them to specialists or insurance companies.
Panoramic X-Rays
Panoramic x-rays allow us to see the entire structure of your mouth. We typically recommend a panoramic x-ray when we are planning treatment for dental implants, full and partial dentures, extractions, and orthodontic treatment. Using these x-rays, we can also identify advanced periodontal disease, jaw disorders, impacted wisdom teeth, and bone abnormalities.
Unlike digital x-rays that are taken inside your mouth, panoramic x-rays are extraoral, meaning they are taken as you stand in front of a unit that rotates in a semi-circle around your head. This makes panoramic x-rays a great choice for children and adults who can’t tolerate intraoral (inside the mouth) x-rays.