Your Comprehensive First Visit

Computer Diagnostic Dental Images

New York City

We use the leading oral diagnostic tools in order to diagnose any conditions you might have and formulate a comprehensive plan of treatment tailored to your needs.

| Computer Diagnostic Images | Diagnodent | Intraoral Camera | Probing | Oral Cancer Screening |

Computer Diagnostic Images

Tooth showing no visible decay

Digital image showing decay

Sketch showing decay

During your first visit, a full-mouth series of computer diagnostic images are taken to aid in the diagnosis of caries, periodontal disease, and root pathology. In cases of full-mouth rehabilitation or dental implants, panoramic diagnostic images, imaging your lower facial structures in their entirety, may be taken.

New digital imaging procedures allow us to obtain higher definition films while reducing your exposure to radiation up to 90%. The diagnostic potential of these digital images can be heightened through the use of such tools as Colorization, Measure, and Revealer. Revealer, for example, allows the doctor to increase the contrast of the images after they have already been taken in order to form a more accurate diagnosis, and to catch decay before it normally would be seen.

It is important that you provide us with any past x-rays taken. With these, we can more accurately diagnose any developing problems, such as periodontal disease, or shifting of teeth.

With better oral hygiene and the use of fluoridation, caries, or tooth decay, is becoming more and more difficult to diagnose. Decay may be propagating below seemingly intact enamel. Newer technology, such as the Diagnodent probe, allows for caries detection at an early stage. Conservative treatment may then be undertaken to preserve as much tooth structure as can be preserved.

Intra-Oral Camera

An invaluable tool in today’s dentistry, the intraoral camera makes diagnosis and doctor-patient communication easier. The doctor can better visualize conditions such as tooth fracture, leaking margins of existing restorations, and recurrent decay. You can see what the doctor sees, understand the diagnosis, and have a better understanding of your oral health. Before and after photos can be taken and given to you so that you may see the improvement, and supply your insurance company with verifications.

Healthy Mouth	Gingivitis	Periodontal Disease

Periodontal health has become an increasing concern in today’s society. Periodontal disease, an infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth, causes bone loss, eventual tooth loss, and has recently been recognized as a risk factor in cardiovascular disease. In addition to diagnostic images, periodontal probing is a key diagnostic tool for periodontal disease. Probing measures the distance from gum level to the level of gum attachment to your tooth. If this measurement is deep, then a periodontal pocket is present and periodontal treatment may be necessary. Probing is carried out at your initial visit, and then at each of your hygiene visits in order to have an ongoing, developing assessment of your periodontal health. Computerized charting allows us to keep track of your condition, and to quickly address any new problems.

ORAL CANCER SCREENING

The 5-year survival rate for those with oral cancer is approximately 50%. The death rate for oral cancer is greater than that of many other cancers, such as skin cancer, liver cancer, and cancer of the brain. In addition, thirty thousand new cases will be diagnosed this year. Although certain habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol increase the risk, all of us need to be mindful of this disease. An oral cancer screening is conducted in our office at your initial visit, and then once every year.

In addition to a visual exam conducted by your doctor, ViziLite is an invaluable tool used in our office to diagnose oral cancer in its early stages. After you rinse with a citric acid wash, a chemo-luminescent light is used to illuminate any abnormal tissues. These tissues may be the onset of oral cancer. If any abnormal tissue is found, a referral is immediately made for further evaluation and treatment.

Abnormal white lesion that can lead to oral cancer