Advanced Technology

Dental technology is constantly evolving and enhancing the patient experience. At The Mugford Center, we are constantly striving to give our patients the best dental care possible through the use of the most advanced technology. We believe that using leading-edge technology helps our patients make more informed decisions about their dental health and we strive to offer a range of choices.

Digital X-rays

Digital x-rays are a primary tool for early identification of dental problems. Detecting issues with x-rays before they become problematic can save you money in the long run. Early detection can help prevent the need for more extensive, expensive procedures or surgeries.

X-rays are primarily used to detect:

  • Internal tooth decay
  • Cysts (fluid filled sacks at the base of your teeth)
  • Tumors, both cancerous and non-cancerous
  • Impacted teeth
  • Teeth that are still coming in

At The Mugford Center, we use digital x-rays, which have several advantages over traditional film-based x-rays.

  • Minimal radiation compared to other methods
  • Viewed quickly and easily on an in-office monitor
  • Higher resolution allows for easier detection of issues
  • Allows for data sharing with other practitioners

Piezosurgery®

Technology is allowing for less invasive surgeries across medicine and dentistry. When a surgery is less invasive, recovery times are shorter and patient discomfort is minimized. Until recently, there has not been a minimally invasive procedure for making modifications to bone. Piezosurgery® is a relatively new procedure that allows us to successfully modify bone in the jaw without damaging any of the soft tissues. We at The Mugford Center are proud to offer Piezosurgery® in our practice!

How it works:

  • Utilizes ultrasonic vibrations to cut, drill and modify bone
  • No trauma to soft tissue
  • Used for crown lengthening, tooth extractions, and periodontal therapy
  • Precision with impressive results
  • Faster healing with less swelling or pain

3-D Dental Imaging System

(3-D CAT Scan)®

3-dimensional imaging is advanced technology that gives our doctor team x-ray vision into your anatomy. It is crucial for diagnosing dental implant cases and for providing a blueprint for the Doctor to follow to ensure they are avoiding nerves and sinuses during treatment.

With these images, our doctors can accurately and precisely perform a range of dental treatments quickly and efficiently, reducing your recovery time and pain. CAT Scan machines are found in all medical facilities, but today, are still rarely found in dental offices. At The Mugford Center, we use an iCAT Cone Beam, one of the most trusted systems. For more information on the benefits of our iCat system, please refer to this recent article

What We Can See with the CATSCAN

The iCAT Cone Beam technology provides 3D data that allows us to screen for dental problems and create a dental treatment plan. Along with 3D, is the ability to take Cephalometric images, which is the side view of the skull allowing us to view the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues with views of the jaw in relation to the cheekbone. We can also view panoramic images, which shows a two-dimensional view in a half-circle from ear to ear.

  • Teeth that are impacted. This includes teeth that never descended and your wisdom teeth.
  • Diagnosing TMJ disorders.
  • Viewing images of the inner portion of your teeth before endodontic treatment.
  • Assess the ability for air passage, and the possibility of sleep apnea.
  • Planning for the placement of dental implants.
  • Planning for the extraction of your wisdom teeth.
  • Planning a range of other dental surgical procedures.

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Benefits of digital imaging:

 

  • Fast imaging that is done in our office.
  • High-definition diagnostic images allowing for ultimate treatment efficiency.
  • Enough information provided in a matter of seconds that allows us to make a complete dental diagnosis.
  • Less exposure to radiation than traditional CT scans.
  • The equipment is comfortable, and in an open environment, patients are not squeezed into a small space.
  • With the iCAT system, we do not need to create molds, your digital model is right in front of us.
  • We are able to share the images with your other health care providers as needed.

Surgical Microscope

A surgical dental microscope allows our doctors to see areas of the mouther in greater detail.

Surgical Microscope allows:

  • Prepare your tooth, and entire dental area, for surgery. Our goal is to eliminate any exposure to the surgical site of bacteria or damage to any surrounding portions.
  • To magnify the area needed and the surrounding area for closer inspection, magnification is typically in the range up to 10x, varying on need.
  • To provide increased lighting that we are able to direct where needed.
  • Improves the ability to detect and evaluate tooth or root fractures and abnormalities.
  • Allows for better inspection and fit of dental appliances and molds or impressions.
  • Allows for better inspection and fit of dental restorations including crowns, veneers, fillings, and inlays or onlays
  • Provides a better view for contouring and reshaping soft tissues around teeth.

Important Tool for Placing Dental Implants

Surgical dental microscopes are a valuable tool in dentistry. It assists us in providing magnification and improved illumination that enhances our precision in placing dental implants.

Implants are placed directly into your jaw, where with time, they should bond with your bone. Once healed, we attach the designated dental appliance, either a crown, a bridge, a partial or a full denture, the strength of the implant is vital to the success. Optimal strength comes from correct, and precise, placement. Surgical tools such as a dental microscope enhance already high success rates.

Assists in Imaging

A benefit of a surgical dental microscope is the ability to take digital images while we work. Imaging allows for better communication with our patients. We can show you the work that has been done, along with the work that may still need to be done. These images can be shared with other members of your health care team as needed.

Laser Gum Disease Treatment

Most cases of gum disease go untreated. Despite the dramatic negative health risks that are linked to gum disease, people who have it often go undiagnosed. It is linked to premature birth, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, so it is most definitely a condition that should be taken seriously and treated immediately. Until recently the only options available for the treatment of gum disease have been invasive and potentially painful. Fortunately, we here at The Mugford Center have made LANAP® (laser- assisted new attachment procedure) available to our patients! LANAP® has made it much more enjoyable and easy for patients with gum disease to get the treatment they need.

Benefits:

  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Laser light kills bacteria in the pockets of the gums
  • Leaves only healthy tissue intact
  • Faster healing time
  • Low discomfort
  • Minimal downtime
  • Allows for bone regeneration

Perioscopy Treatment

Perioscopy is a procedure that uses a miniature camera with advanced lighting and magnification, to visualize and treat areas below the gum line non-surgically. This miniature camera and fiber optic light source is called an endoscope. The endoscope allows the Mugford Center doctors the opportunity to actually see the surface of the root below the gum line, while the tooth is being cleaned. This technology also allows the visualization and magnification of other tooth abnormalities such as decay, enamel projections or fractures that have occurred under the gum line.

Benefits:

  • Improved diagnosis
  • More efficient treatment
  • Patient comfort
  • Minimal recovery time
  • Cost-effective
  • Non-surgical

At The Mugford Center for Periodontics and Dental Implants, we can create treatment plans with the precise information needed to work quickly and efficiently, with your comfort in mind. David A. Mugford, DMD is happy to explain our advanced technology systems to you at your consultation. For more information, contact his Crofton, MD 21114 office by contacting his front office at:  (410) 721-7801