Technology

At Smiles on the Boulevard, we are committed to providing the highest quality dental care possible. To do this, we take advantage of continuing education courses and state-of-the-art dental technology. Modern technology allows us to treat patients quickly, effectively, and with minimal environmental impact.

What is CEREC Technology?

CEREC stands for “chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics.” With this advanced computer program, Dr. Hawkins can take detailed scans of the mouth and create a 3D model of your teeth. If a tooth needs a new crown, she will craft a model based on your natural tooth to ensure it matches the shape and color of your surrounding teeth.

Once a model has been made, the CEREC machine will use 3D printing technology to create a permanent crown in our very own dental lab. With this technology, we can design, craft, and place your new crown in a single visit!

Do You Use Laser Technology?

Yes! At Smiles on the Boulevard, we use Solia lasers to place dental fillings without the need for anesthesia. Dental lasers allow Dr. Hawkins and her team to conduct treatments more quickly and efficiently. Because they are so precise, Dr. Hawkins will not need to remove as much tissue as she would with traditional tools. Lasers have also been shown to cause less pain and significantly reduce healing times.

Are Digital X-rays Safe?

Dr. Hawkins uses intraoral digital X-ray technology when she needs to take a deeper look at a patient’s mouth. Digital X-rays lower the amount of radiation needed to get a clear image of your mouth’s internal structure. They are not only safer than traditional ones, but they are also faster and more effective. By taking a digital image, we will be able to see the results right away. Since digital X-rays do not require the use of chemicals, they also have a lower impact on the environment.

What Are Intraoral Digital Photos Used for?

We use intraoral imaging to take detailed photos of each patient’s mouth. This helps Dr. Hawkins check hard-to-reach areas of the mouth for signs of redness, inflammation, etc. With this technology, Dr. Hawkins can show patients photos of their mouths instantly, and explain everything she finds as she moves the camera through the mouth. We use intraoral imaging to engage and educate our patients of all ages.

If you would like to learn more about the technology we use at Smiles on the Boulevard, please call our office at 740-423-8416. We would be happy to answer any of your questions or schedule a consultation!