Many of our patients have been with us for years, and before that they might have been regular patients at other practices. We mean to say, they aren’t new to dental appointments.
But while many of our patients know what to expect every six months at their regular exam and cleanings, the practice of dentistry has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. Thanks to technological advances that make procedures easier and more accurate, and thanks to better imaging technologies, the things you might remember from your dentist when you were a child (how about spitting into a bowl on the side?) have gone the way of the beeper and been replaced by new things.
Below are some changes you might have noticed over recent years, as well as a reminder on what you, as the patient, are entitled to at each visit! Our goal is that each and every patient feels like a member of the Josey Lane family and feels comfortable bringing up issues at any time.
Let’s take a look!
New technologies
- The VELscope is a special type of light that is being introduced into dental offices across the country. This piece of technology allows dentists to detect abnormalities in the gums, cheeks and tongue, and has been used as a high-tech oral cancer screening device for patients. It is able to catch small changes in the mouth before the human eye can notice the change.
- Forget old X-rays that transmitted radiation and required you to sit under a lead vest. Digital X-rays today are faster and contain less radiation, and are able to be transmitted to a computer instantaneously. These X-rays allow a dentist to easily manipulate the image and zoom in to take a better look at problem areas, too.
- Many of our older patients worry about dental implants and put off asking if they are a candidate, whether for fear of cost or pain. Dental implants have come a long way and are now built to actually bond with your jaw bone. This allows for a more natural feel and faster healing.
- Cavities can be sneaky and hide in between teeth or waaay in the back of your mouth. But thanks to DIAGNOdent, dentists can now find cavities hiding in places traditional X-rays can’t see. For you, this is important since ignoring or missing cavities can result in more pain in your mouth—and a hole in your wallet—in the future.
- Sedation dentistry has also improved drastically in recent years. To help ease fears and anxiety about dental procedures and tools, there are new, safer methods to allow patients to be sedated or simply more relaxed throughout a procedure.
What can we give you?
We never want our long-time patients to feel like we take their loyalty for advantage. We believe each of our patients is a valued member of our family and we hope that if you ever have questions for your dentist you feel comfortable asking! We hope that you ask us questions about the work we’re doing and raise any concerns you have.
Additionally, your honesty about any medications you are on or other medical conditions (even if they don’t seem relevant!) is valued so we can ensure we are giving you the best service. We understand that going to the dentist can be stressful, so we are happy to work with you and your needs in any way. If you want to start simple and schedule a pre-cleaning consultation, please give our office a call today! We would be happy to discuss your concerns prior to climbing in the chair.
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