During this season of Thanksgiving, we have much to be grateful for. The advancements in dental services should be counted among the things we should be the most thankful for.

The first dental procedures were done with crude, simplistic tools, often in unsanitary conditions. Until 1938 toothbrushes were made of animal hair bristles. Nylon toothbrushes made with synthetic bristles, hit the market  that year and people preferred these toothbrushes because they were softer and more hygienic. Can you imagine? There was no such thing as antiseptic, anesthesia or sedation dentistry. Pain was considered a normal part of dental treatment and the fear of pain was the main reason many avoided going to the dentist.

Dentistry Has Changed

In today’s world, dental procedures are routine and painless whereas in the past they were complex, lengthy ordeals that required extensive recovery time. 

Nitrous Oxide Controls Anxiety and Pain

Today there are medications and techniques that can reduce or eliminate pain and control anxiety during most procedures. Nitrous oxide, is a safe and effective short-term sedative to help you relax during dental treatment. Sometimes called “laughing gas,”, it is an option that is available to help make you more comfortable during restorative procedures. Dr. Porter also uses oral conscious sedation and IV sedation for patients undergoing more complex treatments.

Advances in Modern Dentistry

We have many ways to prevent dental care problems and to treat issues when they develop. Dr. Shane Porter, of Premier Dentistry of Eagle, practices modern dentistry and provides the kind of dental care we should be thankful for. Gone are the days of your grandmother’s experience at the dentist’s office.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Dr. Porter’s restorative dentistry procedures use dental fillings that are made of tooth-colored composites from ground white porcelain and durable resins. These fillings are not only aesthetically pleasing, they provide good durability and resistance to cracks that can form in silver fillings. Composite resins bond with the tooth itself, creating a stronger structure than a filling that is held in place by the shape of the cavity. The composite filling provides less “wiggle room” for decay to form under the filling.

CEREC – Same Day Crowns

Permanent dental crowns can be made in the dental office during one visit with same day crown services. Dr. Porter and his staff can now create natural-looking ceramic crowns in their office. Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) is a state-of-the-art system used to design and make high quality, metal-free dental restorations in a single appointment. CEREC utilizes 3D photography and CAD/CAM technology to help Dr. Porter design a virtual restoration without taking impressions and, when combined with a milling unit, he is able to build an actual crown while you are still in the chair. Check out our website for more information, then make an appointment to see if this is a good option for you.

Intraoral Camera Diagnoses Your Mouth in Great Detail

Intraoral cameras are another form of technology used at Premier Dentistry of Eagle. The camera is about the size of a pen that fits inside your mouth to provide a large image of your teeth on a computer screen, which also allows you to see what the dentist is looking at.  This technology allows the dentist to see more clearly the condition of your teeth and gums so he can better diagnose dental problems and to use more precision when treating chips, cracks and fillings.

Technology Has Changed Dentistry

Dental technology advances continually; diagnosis and treatment improve along with it. In the not-so-recent-past, you may have been stuck with a missing tooth. Today there are tooth replacement options to suit a variety of circumstances. Technology has changed dentistry so much and it’s exciting to see what is on the horizon. Experts say that technological innovation will ultimately improve and broaden access to dental care, allowing for same-day care that translates to fewer office visits—which makes a healthy smile more affordable as noted in this article from Scientific American magazine.

Premier Dentistry of Eagle, provides dental care for the whole family, including a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosmetic dental care. We use the most current state-of-the art dental technology and the best techniques available in today’s world. Now that is something to be thankful for!

Contact us to schedule an appointment and experience fine modern dentistry for yourself. We are located at 467 S. Rivershore Lane in Eagle, Idaho, with easy access for patients living in Boise, Meridian, Star, Nampa and Star.  Call for your appointment today at (208) 546-0655.