Our Technology

Digital X-Rays

Thanks to new technology we are able to take x-rays with up to 90% less radiation than from older conventional equipment. We utilize two of the latest digital technologies from Gendex.

This generation of digital technology generates images that are superior to conventional x-ray film. Retrievability and portability is greatly enhanced, plus digital x-rays are environmentally safe. They require no developing solutions, fixers, cleansers, or x-ray mounts.
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Digital Panoramic X-Ray

The digital panoramic X-ray gives a broad overview of the entire mouth. This X-ray supplies information about the teeth, upper and lower jawbone, sinuses, and other hard and soft tissues of the head and neck.

One advantage of the digital panoramic X-ray is its ease of use. Unlike other X-rays where the film or sensor is placed inside the patient’s mouth, the panoramic sensor is contained in a machine that moves around the patient’s head. Some people may be familiar with the panoramic X-ray because it is usually taken when the wisdom teeth are being evaluated. The X-ray also reveals deep cavities and gum disease.

The digital panoramic X-ray has many other applications, including evaluating patients with past or present TMJ or jaw joint problems; those who require full or partial removable dentures, dental implants, or braces; those who are at risk or suspected of having oral cancer or other tumors of the jaw, have impacted teeth (especially wisdom teeth) or have had any recent trauma to the face or teeth (e.g., can help identify a fractured jaw); and for those who cannot tolerate other types of films or sensors (severe gaggers).
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Digital Camera

One of our most important dental tools has become the digital camera. I prefer  the Nikon D100 which boasts a 6.1 megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor, and yields extraordinarily high-resolution images. Paired with a high magnification macro lens, the images are used for diagnosis, patient communication, treatment planning, treatment confirmation, shade matching, imaging, and lecture purposes. We have hundreds of before and after images to view of nearly every type of dental procedure.

All of the patient images taken on this website were taken with our Nikon digital camera. Visit www.nikonusa.com for more information.
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Intraoral Video Camera

Another highly technical digital tool used by Dr. Olsen and the hygiene department at Smile Missoula is the intraoral digital video camera. The tiny device is a video camera that moves around inside the mouth and generates a tooth by tooth video exam. The images can be stored and later enlarged and printed.

As it is difficult to see inside your mouth, the intraoral camera provides a previously unseen magnified view. The pen-sized camera features a disposable cover to prevent contamination and is completely safe and painless to use. As the camera moves around the mouth, it sends video images to a computer which is then displayed on a monitor. The images can then be viewed by both the doctor and patient. Using the intraoral camera allows the patient to better understand their needs by seeing what the dentist sees, while having it explained.

Since the intraoral camera generates images that are stored enlarged and analyzed, often dental problems can be caught in their early stages. Once treatment options are discussed and agreed upon, our intraoral camera can be used to effectively track treatment progress. The digital images allow us to:

• Provide a higher standard of care for our patients
• Help detect cavities and fractured teeth
• Evaluate the condition of existing restorations under high magnification
• Provide documentation for insurance claims
• Properly inform and educate our patients
• Visually observe hard to see areas of the mouth
• Document and monitor dental problems

For more information about our high technology intraoral cameras visit www.airtechniques.com.
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Ultrasonic Scaler

An ultra sonic scaler is a dental hygiene tool that uses high frequency sound waves to clean teeth. The P5 Newtron ultra sonic scaler used by Smile Missoula is a state of the art instrument that has proven to be a very successful tool in removing tartar from both above and below the gumline. Instead of scaling the teeth with bulky hand scalers, the ultra sonic cleaner uses oscillating sound waves to gently vibrate the tartar away from your teeth. The ultra sonic unit is so gentle that it can even be used for deep cleaning and gum therapy without the need for anesthesia. Having your teeth cleaned with an ultra sonic is a safe effective and painless alternative to traditional cleaning methods. Some of the advantages of the ultra sonic scaler include:

• Faster than traditional teeth cleaning methods
• A pleasant alternative to hand scaling
• Safe and effective method to clean teeth

For more information about the P5 Newtron ultra sonic scaler visit   www.acteongroup.com.
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Fiber Optic Handpieces

The ability to see clearly is paramount, and is now available with our new fiber-optic technology. We utilize the world’s first high-speed LED fiber-optic handpieces from the A-dec company www.a-dec.com. These advanced dental handpieces utilize sophisticated LED lighting technology, allowing us an unprecedented bright field in which to work. The extremely powerful and lightweight handpieces are made in Austria.
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Cosmetic Imaging

Did you ever want to know what you would look like with a smile makeover? Well, now you can with the latest in computerized cosmetic imaging. We simply takes your picture and then sends the image to Smile Art Communications with instructions as to which cosmetic or restorative procedure we are recommending.

A 8 1/2 x 11 full color glossy photograph showing the side by side “pre-op” shot and the computer imaged “after” simulation will then be created. You will be able to visualize the treatment plan, on your own face, before the work is performed!

Established in 1995, Smile Art Communications is the leader in Cosmetic Dental Imaging. Contact Us for more information. Come see what you are missing!
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