SINCE NOVEMBER 2000 ---
Diagnostic Laser to Find Cavities at Earliest Stage, before they can be
seen on x-rays. As part of every
initial and follow-up dental exam, Dr. Valentino employs the Diagnodent,
a painless wand that detects hidden decay by laser fluorescence. A baseline
reading of healthy enamel is established for each patient. Suspect areas
(stained grooves on biting surfaces, etc.) are then scanned and the control
unit of the device produces a digital readout above threshold and alerts
the dentist and patient with a tone that increases in pitch proportional
to the depth of subsurface decay. This allows the most conservative repair
(sealant or filling) to be placed with the greatest preservation of enamel.
Sometimes the minimal repair can be made without Novocain. The device
employs a laser similar to the one that scans your grocery items. It can
even detect otherwise invisible decay under defective sealants or old
white fillings! To see how it works click on this link.
www.kavousa.com/products/handpieces_accessories/special
SINCE DECEMBER 2000 ---
Therapeutic Laser Introduced for Precise Non-traumatic Treatment of
Gum Disease, for Biopsy, Sterile Removal of Oral Tumors, and Desensitization
of Canker Sores. The Pulsemaster
600IQ NdYAG laser employs a flexible fiber optic filament to deliver a
precise, controlled energy to vaporize diseased tissues and cauterize
(control bleeding) at the same time, eliminating need for stitches. Trauma
to adjacent tissues is virtually eliminated and the need for local anesthesia
is greatly reduced. This laser is also FDA approved for selective removal
of enamel decay and is certified as safe and effective for these and other
dental uses. For more information click on this link.
www.dentistryreviews.com/pages/Detailed/116.html
SINCE OCTOBER 2002 ---
The Invisalign
technique employs a series of comfortable, removable, clear plastic aligners
to move teeth. If a computer aided feasibility study shows that a patient
is a good candidate for Invisalign, Dr. Valentino takes a precise impression
of their upper and lower teeth and submits a treatment plan (instructions)
to Align Technologies. Within a few days, the company sends back a series
of aligners, each one to be worn for 2 weeks as the teeth progress to
the desired new position. Invisalign is limited to patients 15 or older,
is usually covered in part by most dental insurances, and has a high satisfaction
rating on patient surveys. Click on this link to see how it works.
www.invisalign.com/generalapp/us/en/for/index.jsp
Waltham Dentist
John G. Valentino,
D.M.D.
965 Trapelo Road
Waltham, MA 02452
781 893-5840