Office Technology

We use a variety of lasers in our office for a variety of services, from diagnosis to treatment. Our “hot” lasers can be used for both tooth and soft tissue procedures, often without the need for local anesthetic. Despite its name, no heat is generated, nor is there the vibration you get from a dental drill, making laser procedures extremely comfortable for patients. And with soft tissue procedures, the laser eliminates the need for suturing. Healing is much faster.

Lasers can be used to treat cavities and gum disease, whiten teeth, make gum corrections, release tongue- and lip-ties, and much more. They’ve proven safe and effective for children and adults alike.

We also have “cold” lasers for photobiomodulation therapy, also known as low level laser therapy, which can be a tremendous help for treating musculoskeletal pain, such as that associated with TMJ disorders (TMD). It can also be used to support the integration of dental implants with the supporting bone, tooth sensitivity, post-operative pain, and much more.

Almost 55,000 new cases of oral or oropharyngeal cancer are diagnosed each year in the US. Nearly 11,000 Americans die from it. When such cancers are caught early, though, they are readily treatable. That’s where Velscope comes in. The device uses a safe blue light and fluorescence technology to show differences between normal and abnormal tissues in the mouth. Looking through a special lens, we can detect changes several cell layers deep that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Healthy teeth need healthy gums and bone to support them. Our phase contrast microscope lets us take a quick survey of the bacteria and other microbes dwelling in your mouth, harmful and helpful alike. This helps us tailor preventive care more precisely to your needs.

CBCT scans are an invaluable diagnostic tool, letting us see more than just your teeth and the supporting bone. We get to see all of the soft tissues and surrounding structures, as well, such as the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and the sinuses – all in 3D, so we get a deep understanding of the condition of your mouth. It’s ideal for spotting otherwise hidden infections, as well as diagnosing issues with the airway. And it uses far less radiation than a conventional CT scan while also taking less time.

Dental x-rays are invaluable for diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. They let us see everything we can’t see with our eyes alone – things like cavities between your teeth, the roots and nerves of your teeth, the level of supporting bone, and lesions such as cysts and tumors.

Dr. Yoshida is careful to order x-rays only when needed to provide you with dental care. The exposure time is minimal, and the digital imaging we use requires just 1/6 the amount of radiation as conventional x-rays. And because they’re stored on a computer, we can quickly and easily transfer them to specialists or insurance companies.

Our intraoral camera helps enhance your understanding of your diagnosis. This very small camera lets us show you what we’re seeing in real time, with clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth, and gums. These images also help Dr. Yoshida in his diagnosis, as they are able to show details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. We save them as a permanent record of your treatments, and because they’re stored in our office computer, the images can be quickly and easily printed for you or sent to specialists, dental labs, and insurance companies as needed for your care.

Research has shown that platelet rich fibrin – PRF, for short – supports better healing outcomes (and less discomfort for you) after surgical treatments. We make it from a small sample of your blood that’s spun in a centrifuge, creating a clot of fibrin that we place over the surgical site. This fibrin releases biologically active proteins such as various growth factors that help the area to heal. Because it’s made from your own blood, it’s 100% biocompatible.