Once upon a time, barbers did double duty as dentists. You could get a shave and have a bad tooth pulled during the same visit. Earliest dental practices included everything from praying to the gods for relief, chewing on coca leaves to alleviate a toothache or extracting the offending tooth altogether – and possibly a few of its neighbors to keep the “infection” from spreading. Thankfully, dentistry has come a long way since the Middle Ages and Ancient Greece.
At Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee, we seek to ease our patients’ discomfort – not add to it. Over the years since we launched our practice in 1987, we’ve witnessed some truly amazing advances in the practice of dentistry. We are committed to remaining at the cutting edge of those advances to better serve our patients of all ages.
Here are just a handful of devices you’ll find around our office and how they help us improve the patient experience…
CAD/CAM Technology
CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided-design and computer-aided-manufacturing. This awesome technology allows us to design and create well-fitting, aesthetically pleasing dental restorations right here in our office. Included among them are crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, dentures and more. Because we love to see our patients smile, we are particularly proud of our ability to offer same day ceramic crowns.
Planmeca PlanMill® 30 S and 50 S
From what the manufacturer describes as a fusion of high-performance servo motor technology, these dental milling units allow us to fabricate quality dental restorations with optimal precision while you wait. Whether you need an inlay repair, onlay repair, crown or bridge, that whirring sound you hear in the treatment space is our PlanMill® going to work to restore your smile. The best part is, at Gentry Dentistry there is no need for a temporary crown between appointments because you will leave with your final restoration that same day!
Digital Scanners
Chances are – if you’re of a certain age – you’ve experienced the less-than-desirable mouth trays filled with goo to get dental impressions for orthodonture, crowns, bridges or veneers. Well, we’ve got great news! You’ll no longer have to suffer the goo at Gentry Dentistry as mouth trays have given way to digital scanners. These innovative systems take digital impressions as your dentist literally waves a wand over your teeth. An exact replica of your tooth/teeth is captured in the system, which works in tandem with the other technology in our office for a better-fitting final restoration and faster appointment.
Digital X-rays
Dental X-rays are an invaluable tool in the practice of dentistry. They help us identify issues that we may not be able to see when simply examining your mouth with the naked eye. Digital X-rays use electronic sensors to generate high-quality digital images. Images that can help us see changes in bone density, check wisdom teeth eruption, identify tumors and other abnormalities, and – of course – see any cavities that need to be addressed. A major benefit to digital X-rays is that they use up to 90 percent less radiation than film X-rays – offering a safer alternative to our patients and our staff.
CBCT Technology
CBCT stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography. The system rotates around your head, capturing data using a cone-shaped X-ray beam to reconstruct a 3-D image of your teeth, mouth and jaw. Whereas a digital X-ray provides a 2-D image, the CBCT image is three dimensional, allowing us to see your teeth, mouth and jaw from every angle. Like digital X-rays, the CBCT system can help us identify issues we can’t always see with the naked eye – like the need for a root canal or dental trauma deep in the bone. It’s an excellent tool for dental implant planning and laying the groundwork for clear comfort liners (also known as tray braces).
All of these tools combine to demonstrate our commitment to providing an excellent patient experience and unsurpassed results. Ready to experience one or all of these technological advances up close and in person? Book an appointment at Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee through our website or call our patient service desk at 770-945-5850. We look forward to seeing you – and your smile – very soon!
