Our Technology

Most of us have had dental x-rays done before at our dental cleaning visits and know that these are helpful in evaluating and treating our teeth. With 3D imaging becoming more prevalent, dentists like Dr. Pitner can provide a fuller view of the mouth see additional factors affecting a patient’s oral health, including all of the teeth, bones, nerves, and tissues. This type of image can be viewed in 2D, 3D, or panorama and provides more complete information than a traditional x-ray.  An added benefit is that it exposes the patient to less radiation than traditional x-rays do.

Digital radiology is the use of digital images as opposed to traditional dental x-rays.  Digital radiographs are simply clearer and make early detection of problems easier than traditional x-rays do. Additionally, they are immediately viewable on a computer screen after recording, easily stored or transferred to other collaborating doctors, and contain features like zooming, flipping, and colorizing.    

Dental Plaque Microscopy is a fast, efficient way to evaluate gum disease (periodontal disease) in patients needing restorative dentistry services.  It is a non-invasive procedure where we take a sample of plaque bacteria from the patient, place it under a microscope and compare it to known samples.  This procedure allows Dr. Pitner to detect gum disease in a way that previously could go undetected. 

A digital scanner is a handheld tool that digitally scans the inside of the mouth and each tooth to create a digital image of the teeth rather than using the traditional method of taking impressions.  This digital scan be used to make dentures, bridges, and more. 

We all know microscopes allow for magnification, but a dental microscope is specifically designed to give Dr. Pitner the most precise vision to see the smallest details when performing a procedure.  We have dental microscopes in each of our rooms, which sets us apart from many other dentists.  Dr. Pitner utilizes this precision technology for each of her procedures.  This allows her to minimize discomfort in the patient, giving greater care and more effective treatment. 

Intraoral, which means inside the mouth, is often the most known type of dental imaging.  For most patients, it is when you are asked to bite down on a tab so the x-ray can take a view of your mouth.  This type of imaging in its various positions allows Dr. Pitner to view your teeth close up.  Bite wing images capture views the crowns of posterior teeth while periapical views show the roots of the teeth and help determine pain sources. Occlusal views allow Dr. Pitner to see the deeper bone structures in the floor or roof of the mouth.  Each of these views can be used to determine sources of pain, reveal early-stage cavities in places that are more difficult to see without imaging, and orthodontic problems in their beginning stages so that treatment can begin early and minimize the difficulty and duration of treatment.