We don’t approach dental technology as being good in and of itself. Technology is only valuable if it provides our patients with a better experience, better results, or other tangible benefits. We carefully evaluate technologies before deciding to adopt them. Here’s how some of the technologies we have adopted can help our patients.

Doctor checking for bacteria and gum disease
Our dental experts at Firouzian Dentistry are ready for your questions
iTero at Columbus Cosmetic Dental

iTero Digital Scanner

The iTero system is very similar to the Trios digital scanner. It offers many of the same benefits: faster impressions, cleaner impressions, and no need for you to bite into a digital impression tray. However, iTero offers some functionality that Trios does not, especially when it comes to planning orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. iTero is highly compatible with Invisalign–the two platforms are designed to work together. In addition to this compatibility, iTero offers many orthodontic imaging and analytical tools that make planning and performing orthodontic treatment a breeze. The system also interfaces well with our new 3D printer, creating a smooth, continuous digital workflow in the office. That improves speed and accuracy for your treatment.

Voco Printer at Columbus Cosmetic Dental

3D Printer

With our 3D scanners, we are able to collect detailed digital scans of your mouth. However, we still had difficulty using those scans for some of the purposes old impressions served, such as making whitening trays. But our 3D printer bridges that gap, allowing us to make these trays digitally without need for messy and unhealthy impression materials and certain plastics. In addition, we can make retainers in-house, so you can get them right away when you finish your orthodontic treatment. We may even be able to make some orthodontic trays in our office, to help refine treatment, adjust treatment, or help people who don’t need a full course of Invisalign. This can allow us to offer speedier, less expensive, and more accurate treatment in some cases.

Voco Printer at Columbus Cosmetic Dental

T-Scan Digital Occlusal Analysis System

The T-Scan is a digital tool we use to measure your occlusion or bite. We use it to assess your bite when we are concerned about TMJ disorder or considering orthodontics. This tool helps us see where your jaw is straining and why you feel pain. The data from T-Scan helps us determine treatment. The technology is simple to use and non-invasive. We’ll ask you to bite down on the thin sensor, which will tell us about your bite and possible malocclusion. 

The T-Scan makes your dental visits faster and allows us to be more accurate. With T-Scan, you can get back to your life more quickly.

Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy is a powerful new approach to noninvasive treatment of TMJ, sleep disordered breathing, and other orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) people face. With myofunctional therapy, we utilize an improved understanding of your body’s natural developmental mechanisms to improve the structure and function of your jaws, teeth, and airway. The concept is simple: the body responds to consistent, repeated pressure by reshaping the bones, so why not utilize the muscles to provide this force? With a series of exercises, supplemented by short periods wearing an oral appliance, people can often see dramatic changes without relying on fixed or all-day orthodontic appliances. We can teach you the proper techniques and help you establish healthy habits that can lead to a lifetime of better orofacial function.

Dr. Firouzian showing a patient x-rays

Digital X-Rays

We have been using digital x-rays since 1995, and we are happy with how well they work and how they help us provide optimal care for our patients. Digital x-rays use up to 90% less radiation than traditional dental films, so they’re safer, but they are also faster. We can take the images, then put them up on the screen so that you can see the x-rays yourself without having to strain to read the smile bitewing films as in the past. This can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.

Trios Digital Scanner

Trios Digital Scanner

Are you tired of the mess, discomfort, and time it takes to have impressions made? We’ve done away with all that, thanks to the Trios digital scanner. This digital scanner has a slim, wireless wand that we basically wave over your teeth, and a 3D full color impression “magically” appears on the screen. That’s not much of an exaggeration–it can take less than 45 seconds of scanning time to get impressions of your entire mouth, including the lower jaw, upper jaw, full palate, and occlusion. You can see these 3D impressions immediately, and we can use them to plan your procedure, from a simple restoration to orthodontic treatment to a full smile makeover. We can easily share these digital images, which means you can get your restorations and aligners faster. It’s also the most accurate scanner around. Shorter appointments, a better experience, and amazing accuracy–how could we not invest in this technology for our patients?

Dr. Firouzian explaining what the New Tom machine does

NewTom VGI Cone Beam Imaging

This system for taking 3D x-rays allows us to precisely image any of the structures in your head that may be related to your dental problems. This includes the supporting bone for a potential dental implant procedure and the jaw joint to determine the degree of damage related to TMJ. This cone beam system is better than traditional CT scanners because it gives more precise information without the need to have a computer fill in gaps between scans. The machine is also more comfortable because it’s completely open–you don’t have to go inside a tube. The radiation dose is also much lower than for traditional CT scans.

An employee helping a patient begin their new calm experience

NuCalm

We are happy to offer a natural approach to relaxing at the dentist. Whether you have dental anxiety, need a long treatment, have a strong gag reflex, or just want to have a more pleasant experience at the dentist, NuCalm can help. NuCalm sidesteps your body’s natural anxiety response to help you feel relaxed and comfortable at the dental office. Instead of feeling tense and worn out after a dental experience, you may feel rejuvenated and peaceful.

An image of the K 7 diagnostics

K-7 Diagnostics

This tool provides us objective, scientific information about the condition of your jaw joint. It is actually composed of three tools: electrosonograph, electromyograph, and computer jaw tracking. The electrosonograph is a tool for picking up sounds in your jaw joint, recording and measuring the type of sound and its volume so we can determine what’s happening in the joint. The electromyograph measures the tension in your muscles, allowing us to find the optimal resting position for your jaw. Computerized jaw tracking shows us whether your jaw moves smoothly or if it deviates from an optimal path. It can identify sudden, irregular movements as well as deviations to the side.

An image of the CEREC

CEREC

CEREC is a CAD/CAM system that allows us to design and manufacture tooth crowns, inlays, onlays, and other ceramic restorations in our office. This means we don’t have to send your restoration to the dental lab, and you don’t have to wear a temporary crown or make a second appointment for fitting your restoration. The restorations CEREC makes are as attractive as lab restorations, and they’re just as strong.

The Perio Protect logo

Perio Protect

Perio Protect is a new way to treat gum disease. Using custom-fitted trays to deliver  prescription gum disease medication, this new treatment approach can combat bacteria living deep in pockets around your teeth. This can help reverse the course of gum disease, providing dramatic results without need for gum surgery.

An image of a dental laser being used

Dental Lasers

LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, a complicated string of words that basically means a single wavelength beam of highly concentrated light energy.

Lasers have transformed medical surgery by offering minimally-invasive alternatives to traditional scalpel incisions and sutured closures. The laser’s intense, narrow wavelength has precise, predictable, and powerful reactions when it contacts hard or soft tissues of the body. Laser light is extremely efficient, producing very little heat as it acts on its target. This makes it ideal for oral surgery, since it seldom affects tissues other than those it targets. The laser provides precise control over the depth and extent of cutting, while simultaneously minimizing bleeding and sterilizing the treatment area.

However, a laser can also cure (harden) dental materials, scan teeth to detect decay, vaporize decay and prep teeth for fillings, and activate whitening gel to brighten smiles. Currently, dental applications include gum disease treatments, gum re-contouring, decay detection and elimination, bonding material curing and strengthening, incision cauterizing and tissue fusion, lesion reparation, biopsies, and super-fast teeth whitening procedures.

A photo of a water lase device

Waterlase

Patient comfort and clinical efficiency in dentistry are constantly improving, especially with recent technological advances. We stay on top of innovative dental tools and treatments to bring patients the best dentistry has to offer. The Waterlase soft and hard tissue laser combines laser energy (focused, concentrated light) and a stream of water to perform dental procedures and eliminate the need for dental drilling and anesthesia in many instances.

The Waterlase can remove decay and prepare teeth for fillings, and it can also perform bone grafting, re-contouring (reshaping) of “gummy” smiles, and many general soft tissue procedures – and the benefits are bountiful. The Waterlase does not emit heat and vibration like conventional drills, and this makes treatment so comfortable that often, anesthesia injections are not necessary. It also provides pinpoint accuracy, effectively performing procedures without damaging surrounding tissues. The Waterlase has proven effective for many soft-tissue procedures, such as periodontal therapy, crown lengthening, and soft tissue biopsies. Patients can expect minimal, if any, recovery time afterwards because laser therapy causes less trauma, bleeding, and swelling than traditional surgery.

A image of what dental imaging is

Digital Imaging

Glimpse your future!

When you decide to correct or enhance your smile, it’s often difficult to determine ahead of time exactly what kind of results to expect. After all, a smile is a pretty personal thing, and changing your smile can feel like changing your identity. That’s where cosmetic digital imaging comes into play. Digital imaging is computer software that allows us to take your digital photograph and manipulate it to reflect the procedures you’re considering. The result is a photo that shows you what your smile would look like after treatment. Whether you’re considering teeth whitening, straightening, bonding, veneers, or a complete smile makeover, digital imaging technology lets you see into your future.

The process is quite simple. Once your dentist has completed your oral exam and discussed your smile goals, a treatment plan will be created. Various digital photos of your current smile will be taken and change factors will be keyed into the computer. The computer will immediately generate one or more graphic images that accurately demonstrate how the changes will affect the appearance of your mouth, as well as your overall facial appearance. It’s a fun process, and it can instigate excitement similar to when a sonogram reveals the gender of a new baby. Plus, you can take a photo of the new you home to share with family or friends.

Kinetisense Logo

Kinetisense

Kinetisense is a motion capture technology designed to analyze the health and function of the human musculoskeletal system. We use this technology in support of TMJ diagnosis and treatment.

Kinetisense lets us take a detailed image of your body both in motion and in static postures. This helps demonstrate how the impact of TMJ radiates out from your jaw, impacting your neck, back, arms, and legs. We’ll be able to show you how the imbalance in your jaw leads to imbalance throughout the body. And we’ll show you how treatment can stabilize your core and lead to more efficient motion and more comfortable rest.

A image of a intraoral camera

Intraoral Cameras

People seldom have a clear idea of the actual status of their dental health. Even with lights and mirrors, a patient can’t see what the dentist can – that is, until now.

We use intraoral cameras, so when you visit the dentist, you can sit comfortably back in the chair and get ready for the show. The dentist or hygienist will insert a pen-sized, camera-tipped wand into your mouth. Covered with a disposable plastic sheath for contamination prevention, the wand simply takes a video of the inside of your mouth and transmits the images via cable to a computing unit. The computing unit enlarges the full-color images and sends them to a TV screen that you can comfortably view from the dental chair. Aha! There it is – your mouth on the screen. The dentist can point out problem areas and explain his recommendations for treatment, so you’ll become an informed partner in your dental care instead of a clueless bystander.

Seeing your dental problems may seem overwhelming at first, but consider the experience the first step toward a healthier, fresher smile. The camera may reveal the early stages of potentially serious problems, allowing you the opportunity to prevent small problems before they escalate. This is especially helpful with gum disease and conditions that cause damage without causing pain. The camera’s honest survey can also show you how your regular home hygiene routine is paying off. The dental hygienist or dentist can recommend ways to improve your homecare based on their findings.

A image of a intraoral camera

Surgically Clean Air

To help improve the quality of air inside our dental office, we utilize Surgically Clean Air – a world-class medical-grade air purifier that removes germs, odors, molds, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), allergens, bio-aerosols, nitrous oxide, toxins, chemicals, and airborne viruses from the air. Surgically Clean Air uses a multi-stage filtration process including a negative ion generator to help air feel more clean, pure and energized. The effects can actually help people from feeling fatigued. The purifier moves large volumes of air through its quiet filtration process and releases pure, clean air through a slight breeze afterward. The filtration process can even remove COVID-19 from the air and thus creating a healthier and safer environment for our team and patients.

nSequence Guided Implant Surgery

To ensure every patient gets the best results possible from their dental implants, we’ve invested in nSequence. nSequence is a technology that guides implant surgery. The technology works with our CBCT scans to plan and place dental implants in the best position and area for long-term results. nSequence helps us more accurately plan and place dental implants to increase stability, expedite the procedure, and reduce potential failure.

MLS Laser

MLS Laser

The Multi-Wave Lock System Laser (MLS) is a non-invasive treatment used to accelerate healing by speeding tissue repair and stimulating the growth of new cells. This laser has a wide range of applications, but at Firouzian Dentistry, we utilize it in TMJ treatment and Bell’s Palsy treatment. The MLS Laser diminishes pain-causing inflammation, allowing your body to increase blood flow carrying essential enzymes, proteins, and nutrients to the affected area. The MLS Laser aids your body in restoring jaw and facial function so you can get back to your life. There are no side effects or recovery time, and the treatment is safe, taking only 10 minutes from your day. Find facial pain relief with a quick, easy, and painless treatment.

BioPAK Technology

BioPAK is diagnostic technology we use to identify the source of craniofacial pain, diagnose sleep-disordered breathing, and aid with treatment planning for restorative dentistry, dental implants, orthodontics, dentures, and more. The BioPAK includes:

Joint Vibration Analysis

This system within the BioPAK helps analyze the jaw joint’s vibration based on the principles of friction and motion. When the jaw joints are smooth, there is minimal friction and vibration that occurs as they rub together. If they aren’t smooth, there is more vibration and friction. The joint vibration analysis is fast and non-invasive and provides our team with a plethora of information for diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders.

Electromyography

This system evaluates the effectiveness of craniofacial musculature by looking at the jaws as they’re rested, clenching, and chewing. Electromyography measures the reaction of the neck and head muscles during these different actions. It can also test different bite positions during the early TMJ treatment stages.

Jaw Tracking

With 3D imagery, JT-3D provides us with comprehensive information about the mandibular movement which is the movements of the jaw when swallowing, chewing, and speaking. This helps us determine the range of motion and identify any abnormal jaw functions. It can also help us find your optimal chewing patterns. Jaw movement is a crucial indicator of TMD.

M-Scan

The last part of the BioPAK technology is the M-Scan which records the activity in the craniofacial muscular system. The M-Scan allows us to more easily interpret the craniofacial muscular system’s activity than electromyography tests. It allows us to make simple comparisons of bilateral muscles to see if there is symmetry with the jaw function. This information will help us create a more customized treatment for more successful results.

EOS Extraoral Dental Suction System to ensure clean air

EOS Extraoral Dental Suction System

The EOS Extraoral Dental Suction System ensures clean air in our office. In many dental procedures, droplets are spread throughout the room. In the interest of the health and safety of everyone, Firouzian Dentistry has invested in a powerful suction system that keeps the air and dental room clean during procedures. The system has three layers of filtration that stop viruses and bacteria larger than 0.3 microns with a 99.995% efficiency. The system takes in droplets in the air, filters out the bacteria and viruses, and releases clean air through the bottom. The EOS Extraoral Dental Suction System is an effective disinfectant tool that’ll keep you healthy while at our dental office.

If you have questions about our state-of-the-art tools, call us today. An informed patient makes wise decisions, so we’ll do all we can to provide you the information you need and the care you deserve. Call us today at (614) 848-5001 to schedule an appointment with our Columbus, Ohio dentist. You can also email us.