Technology
Digital Scanner and CAD/CAM
Dental CAD (Computer-aided Design) / CAM (Computer-aided Manufacturing) technology is a high precision technology system that helps design and manufacture dental pieces (veneers, crowns, etc.) and prostheses using a computer software.
The use of this technology allows us to carry out treatments and restorations in record time, since the patient’s mouth is scanned with an intraoral scanner that generates a 3D digital file, on which the pieces are designed and planned. This digital technology also allows the parts to be designed with greater precision and quality, reducing human error and increasing the percentage of success of the treatments.
Some of the main advantages of using this dental technology include:
- Greater adaptation and sealing of the pieces to the teeth, extending their life time.
- Because it is a robotic and computerized process, parts are manufactured faster.
- Allows better planning of details due to the accuracy of the information it provides.
We have state-of-the-art equipment to care for our patients.
Dental microscopy
The dental microscope is an optical instrument with a wide range of magnification, which allows the dentist to observe very small anatomical details (even in almost inaccessible cavities) to work with precision and efficacy in the oral cavity.
What are the advantages of using a dental microscope?
We have available to our patients a dental microscope that reaches a magnification of 25X, which provides the specialist with greater depth and a broader field of vision for the precise completion of various procedures such as: cementation of veneers, creation and replacement of dental fillings, endodontics, cavities removal, etc.
The use of the dental microscope when carrying out treatments provides our patients with great advantages, including:
- More precise diagnosis with optimal view of all the details.
- Effective lighting system that greatly improves the visualization of areas that are difficult to access.
- Greater precision in the use of instruments.
- Greater preservation of dental tissue; more conservative and less traumatic dentistry that generates less discomfort.
- Better finish and polishing in cosmetic procedures.
- It can be configured to display, on a smartphone or on the television screen, the procedures that are being carried out in real time.
Dental Fluorescence for the Detection of Cavities (Facelight)
We are currently one of the few dental clinics in Colombia and the world, to offer our patients fluorescence technology for the diagnosis of cavities, fillings in poor condition (with leakage), and bacterial plaque.
What does this technology consist of?
The Facelight detector emits ultraviolet light (at 405nm wavelength) which, when in contact with the porphyrin metabolite (produced by bacteria) emits red fluorescence, while healthy dental tissue looks green. Therefore, Facelight technology allows the rapid, early, and accurate detection of cavities compared to conventionally used techniques.
What advantages does the use of this technology offer?
- It allows visualizing cavities hidden in the margins of dental fillings, amalgams, fissures, and smooth surfaces, which are often missed if the traditional method of visual and tactile exploration with a probe is used.
- It allows us to identify cavities in early stages, which are imperceptible to the human eye.
- It allows us to easily distinguish cavities from bacterial plaque.
- Provides accuracy for the extraction of cavities, making it more selective, precise, and minimally invasive, reducing the risk of residual cavities.
It allows to differentiate the different restorative materials such as composite, ceromer and porcelain from the dental tissue, allowing to preserve the greatest amount of dental tissue when removing or replacing restorations, ensuring total removal.
Absolute isolation
The absolute isolation technique consists of carrying out the selective isolation of teeth with respect to other oral tissues. This is done by retracting soft tissues such as gums, tongue, cheeks, and lips, to promote adequate conditions for carrying out treatments that involve adhesion processes such as: veneers, fillings, inlays, etc.
Why is absolute isolation implemented?
This technique is performed with the aim of improving the visual field and eliminating relative humidity inside the mouth as well as contact with saliva and gum fluids, guaranteeing excellent adhesion of restorations such as fillings, veneers, inlays, etc.
What benefits does the use of this technique offer?
- It contributes to the improvement of procedures in dental surgery, rehabilitation, and endodontics, by providing an adequate environment for the adaptation of restoration materials, as well as for patient safety.
- It serves as a physical protection barrier to prevent the spread of aerosols that may contain viruses such as COVID-19 in procedures that require the use of high-speed equipment.
- It serves as a physical barrier to prevent the patient from ingesting material such as composite.
- Prevents irritating chemical products (such as those used for adhesion) from coming into contact with soft tissues.
How it is performed?
To carry out absolute isolation, each tooth is passed through perforations made to a square piece of elastic material (latex, vinyl, or nitrile), to keep them isolated and to provide a good seal. The teeth are retained in the elastic using stainless-steel clamps, which are in turn supported and stretched by a frame. Dental floss is also required to recede the gums, help get the elastic in between the teeth and stabilize it around the neck of the teeth. Once the assembly is complete, each tooth can be clearly observed, without obstructions, and we are now ready to start treatment.
When is it advisable to use absolute isolation?
Its use is recommended in endodontics (root canal treatment) and restoration processes that involve adhesion: cementation of direct to indirect veneers in smile designs, replacement of dental fillings, inlays, etc.
Diagnosis with Professional Clinical Photography
Professional clinical photography plays a fundamental role in dentistry because it provides diagnostic value for decision making and allows the correct follow up of the clinical cases of patients.
Benefits of photographic diagnosis
Our team of dentists has training in professional clinical photography, which allows them to capture every detail of the dental anatomy of patients for a complete analysis, treatment planning, and timely diagnosis of conditions that are difficult to perceive such as fissures, mismatched dental fillings, etc. Our professionals have access to state-of-the-art NIKON professional cameras with macro lenses, softbox studio lighting kit, among others.
Sandblaster (Microblaster)
What is it?
It is a device that works under pressure with water, compressed air, and small spheres of aluminum oxide to create micro retentions and increase the adherence of brackets, veneers, crowns, etc., to the dental enamel.
What are the advantages of using this technology?
The sandblaster allows us to increase the porosity and the contact surface of both the dental substrate and the restoration, enhancing and reinforcing the adhesion between them.
Superior dental cleaning and stain removal
The sandblaster can also be used with baking soda to perform a deep dental cleaning under pressure, which is far superior to conventional dental prophylaxis in removing cigarette stains, red wine stains, etc.
Endodontic Radiovisiograph
Valo® LED Curing Lamp
Woodpecker Ultrasonic Dental Scaler
Intraoral radiography is an important means of diagnosis in endodontics and general dentistry, allowing visualization of anatomical structures, root canal treatments, adaptation of fillings, etc. Intraoral X-rays are usually performed using traditional X-ray technology.
What are the advantages of using radiovisiograph technology?
At the Dr. Alejandro Martinez Clinic, we use digital radiology technology or “radiovisiography” to obtain instantaneous digital radiographic images that are of high resolution and great clarity. The images obtained must no longer be revealed using chemical compounds, but are observed directly by the specialist on the computer screen. Through the use of software, the specialist is able to analyze and interpret the images and work with great precision and accuracy, guaranteeing the results of the procedures. The use of the radiovisiograph exposes the patient to 80% less radiation than traditional radiography.
It is important to consider that much of the success of adhesion in restoration and esthetic dentistry depends on the correct polymerization of the materials used. In our clinic, all light curing, adhesion, and polymerization processes are carried out using a Valo®LED lamp. The Valo®LED light has established itself as the #1 dental curing light worldwide since 2010.
What are the advantages of using this technology?
Its innovative light-curing technology with LED light allows dental materials to be perfectly polymerized (hardened) and sealed, preventing fractures and bacterial filtration, as well as providing a better shine and finish to dental restorations compared to other lamps.
The scaler is a device that produces ultrasound waves, which are very effective at performing deep professional cleanings (prophylaxis) in a detailed and meticulous manner. Ultrasound waves act by removing dental calculus and bacterial plaque found under the gum and between the gum and teeth, without hurting the patient.
What are the advantages of using this technology?
At the Dr. Alejandro Martinez Clinic, we have replaced the use of the traditional Cavitron with the Wooddpecker ultrasonic scaler, which works at high speed, reducing sensitivity in our patients by up to 80%.
Ultrasonic Pressure Washer
Woodpex® Digital Duct Locator
Electrosurgical scalpel
The ultrasonic pressure washer is a device that produces high-frequency shock waves and sound waves, which by releasing energy, can reach and clean small holes in any surface.
What are the advantages of using this technology?
This technology allows us to thoroughly clean each of the restorations that are going to be cemented in the patient’s mouth, including veneers, crowns, and inlays. By doing this, all types of impurities and chemical substances that may affect the adhesion process are eliminated.
We perform endodontic (i.e., root canal) procedures using a Woodpex digital root canal locator. The Woodpex is a state-of-the-art digital equipment that locates and measures the exact length of the root in the canal. This in turn provides a clear image to the specialist, which guarantees an effective and high-quality root canal treatment.
In our clinic, we have replaced the use of the conventional bladed scalpel with an electrosurgical scalpel. This device provides numerous benefits to our patients. It allows greater surgical precision during gingival remodeling (e.g., trimming and gum design), so that cuts are cleaner and without bleeding (bleeding control), allowing gingival tissues to heal more easily.
Cra 40b # 5b-15
ALMASUR Centro Profesional
Cali – Colombia