Our Technology

In recent years, the dental world has seen a myriad of technological advancements. These new technologies allow for better patient care and experiences. At The Center for Implant and General Dentistry, we strive to provide you the best care possible. For this reason, we have adopted much of the newest technology into our office, including the intra-oral camera.

The intra-oral camera is a relatively small device that is visually reminiscent of a large pen. It is a high-tech version of the small hand mirror you are accustomed to seeing in most dental offices. Using the intra-oral camera, Dr. Clay Keith can get a better view into your mouth. Images are displayed in real time on a monitor as the device is being maneuvered around your mouth. At the same time, the device can be used to capture still images, allowing Dr. Clay Keith to examine a particular area of your mouth more closely. The images can also be sent off to a specialist if need be.

We Value Your Trust
We value your trust and want to forge a long-term relationship with all of our patients. We understand that many patients have a fear of sitting in the dentist’s chair. After all, you have no idea what is going on during your examination and cleaning. You can’t see a thing while your gums and teeth are being examined with tools you might not recognize. You might not believe what you are being told about the condition of your teeth and gums. Perhaps you would feel better if you could simply see what is going on or would better understand why we are suggesting specific treatments.

The intra-oral camera can help to ease any fears and give you a better understanding of the needs of your mouth, by giving you a unique opportunity to see what we see. With this chance, it is our hope that we can further your trust in us and our ability to care for your oral health.

We believe the intra-oral camera will help to build your trust in us. There are also several other benefits:

• You have the chance to see exactly what we see. This way, you dont have to try to imagine what we are describing to you. It may also help you to feel better about hearing strange sounds or feeling odd sensations.
• With the ability to see what is going on, you can better understand how important specific treatments are.
• You get to become more involved in your oral health. We can also provide you with a set of the images to take home and monitor your progress between visits. You will be able to immediately notice if a condition has worsened and call for an emergency appointment.
• Still images can be taken and enlarged, which allows us to see even the smallest details of the inside of your mouth. This way if anything is found preventative measures can be taken early, stopping a small issue in its tracks well before it becomes a big one. We can also use these images to consult with specialists if necessary.
• Images can be stored on a digital file. This allows us to better monitor the progress, both good and bad, of any conditions.

With the use of the intra-oral camera, we can take better care of your oral health. As a bonus, you get to see exactly what is happening inside your mouth during your visit and you become more involved. For more information or to ask any questions, contact us at (903) 882-6141 today!

Thanks to technological advancements, such as 3D X-Rays, modern dentistry is safer and more efficient than ever before. We use advanced diagnostic tools to help us develop the best possible treatment and suits your specific needs. At The Center for Implant and General Dentistry, we utilize 3D imagining to gather a better understanding of your current oral health. 3D Digital X-rays can produce images of your teeth, soft tissue, and nerve pathways in a single scan.

We typically use 3D digital x-rays when a traditional x-ray is insufficient. Our machine, known as the CS 9300, utilizes cone beam technology to produce three-dimensional images. With cone beam technology, an x-ray beam in the shape of a cone is mounted on a rotating arm. The arm completes a full rotation around your head to produce a large number of images. When they are digitally combined, these images produce a high-quality, 3D picture of your mouth, jaw, sinuses, and nasal cavity.

After the scan is complete, Dr. Clay Keith or Dr. Paul Denson will be able to view the image from any angle necessary. This can provide us with valuable information that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. We can magnify the image to get a more detailed look at your anatomy or adjust the contrast to reveal any problematic areas. The 3D image also allows us to view parts of your facial structure that would have previously required invasive surgeries.

A 3D digital x-ray requires no special preparation. When it is time for your scan, you will sit in a chair, and the scanner will do the rest. You may be asked to remove metal objects that will interfere with the images. Jewelry, glasses, hearing aids, or removable dental restorations should be removed.

3D digital x-rays can be used for a variety of reasons, some of which include:

• locating the origin of pain
• reconstructive surgery
• accurately placing dental implants
• evaluating sinus, nasal cavity, or jaw issues
• planning surgery for impacted teeth
• diagnosing ailments such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or jaw tumors
• determining tooth orientation and bone structure

There are some reasons to consider 3D imaging. 3D digital x-rays use a focused x-ray beam that helps reduce scattered radiation and improve image quality. In fact, less radiation is used during 3D scans that other conventional forms of CT imaging, such as spiral CT scanners. The scanning process is also painless and noninvasive. One of the biggest benefits of 3D scans is the ability to view bone and soft tissue at the same time. A single scan can produce an incredible amount of views and angles. We can maneuver these views to provide a complete evaluation of potential problems. They are also easier to share with other dentists or specialists. With the simple click of a button, we can send your x-rays and avoid shipping or mailing a physical copy.

CEREC has two commonly used terminology breakdowns, some doctors will refer to it as a Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or other doctors may tell you that it means, CEramic REConstruction. Either way, both versions means a computerized machine with CAD technology to design and create a customized dental restoration that is then milled from a block of ceramic right here in our office. The work is incredible, and what it means for our patients is immediate service, hopefully reducing the drudgery of coming to the dentist to get the work that is so needed accomplished. We want our patients to have a healthy mouth that is functional and aesthetically beautiful, together, we can help you put your best foot forward, or at least your best smile.

Traditional dental restorations often require at least two, if not multiple visits from the patient, with each appointment requiring not only time off work, and time in the chair, but extensive drilling, continual prepping and re-prepping for restoration, rubbery or messy dental impressions, a fragile temporary dental restoration, and then a two week, or more, waiting period for the laboratory to fabricate the restoration. With CEREC, we have removed most of this hassle.

Our patients love the CEREC because it only removes the contaminated or decayed material, helping you preserve a healthy tooth structure. Our dentists, Dr. Clay Keith and Dr. Paul Denson have complete control over the timing, the fit and even in matching the color. Your time is not wasted, or taken up in anxious anticipation to properly chew and function as you normally would. We don’t ever want to hear that one of our has to chew on the other side.

The CEREC option, benefits our patients, saving them time and pain. No impressions, no mercury, we can help conserve the tooth structure, providing our patients with the end result being strong and aesthetically pleasing teeth!!

Using the CEREC device, we can restore your teeth, creating the following restorations:

• Dental Crowns
• Veneers
• Inlays and Onlays
• Dental Bridges

Don’t wait to get the dental work that you need. Contact our office at The Center for Implant and General Dentistry and we can evaluate your needs, discuss options and create a treatment plan that is right for you. In many cases, you can walk in with a severe dental need and walk out with the restoration work completed using our CEREC computerized dental restoration device.