Cutting-Edge Dental Tech: Lasers, VELscope®, and More
Soft Tissue Lasers
Soft tissue lasers are revolutionizing dental procedures like gingivectomy, curettage, and biopsy. These advanced tools offer numerous benefits, including improved hemostasis, enhanced disinfection of periodontal pockets, reduced need for anesthesia, and quicker healing times. For patients with medical conditions such as anticoagulant use, soft tissue lasers are especially beneficial due to their lower bleeding risks. As a leading Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Armine Nazarian uses these cutting-edge dental technologies to provide top-notch care in Los Angeles.
VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is a serious condition that often goes unnoticed, despite its severity. It kills more people each year than testicular, cervical, and brain cancers combined. Every year, over 30,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral cancer, and only 57% survive beyond five years without treatment.
At our Beverly Hills dental office, we use advanced technology like the VELscope® system to detect oral cancer early. This improves treatment success and survival rates.
Contrary to popular belief, oral cancer can affect individuals who do not use tobacco or alcohol. In fact, 25% of those diagnosed with oral cancer abstain from both substances. Regular oral cancer screenings are crucial for early detection and effective treatment.
Our dental office uses advanced CAD/CAM technology and the FDA-approved VELscope® system to enhance oral cancer exams. The VELscope® uses blue light to reveal precancerous and cancerous changes that aren’t visible to the naked eye, ensuring a thorough and timely diagnosis.
How VELscope® Works
The VELscope® employs Fluorescence Visualization (FV) to detect abnormalities in dental care. This device projects a blue light into the mouth, revealing hidden issues beneath the surface. Healthy tissues absorb the blue light and appear green, while problematic areas appear darker. This advanced technology enhances our dental practice’s ability to identify and address oral health concerns effectively.
Benefits of VELscope®
- Can be combined with digital photography
- Detects lesions, white and red patches
- Identifies issues not visible under regular light
- Exposes precancerous and cancerous tissue
- FDA-approved
- Quick, painless, and enhances early diagnosis
VELscope® Examination Procedure
The VELscope® exam is quick and noninvasive, taking only two to three minutes. During the exam, the dentist uses the VELscope® to check the entire mouth, including the glands, tongue, cheeks, and palate, for abnormalities. If necessary, we will take a biopsy for further analysis. Regular screenings are essential for detecting oral cancer early and improving survival rates.
Single Tooth Anesthesia
The STA Single Tooth Anesthesia System offers a new way to numb individual teeth. It uses a computer-controlled system with Dynamic Pressure Sensing (DPS) technology, giving real-time feedback to apply anesthesia accurately. It minimizes collateral numbness and pain, enhances the speed and effectiveness of anesthesia, and reduces tissue damage.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays represent the latest advancement in dental imaging. They capture and store images using electronic sensors, which they can view instantly on a computer. This technology reduces radiation exposure by 80-90% compared to traditional X-rays. Digital X-rays help dentists find hidden issues like abscesses, tumors, and decay that aren’t visible during a regular exam.
Safety and Frequency of X-Rays
Digital X-rays are safe and produce minimal radiation, with protective measures like lead aprons in place. The frequency of X-rays depends on individual health needs, medical history, and risk factors. We take a full mouth series for new patients and recommend bite-wing X-rays once or twice a year to monitor dental health.
Intraoral Camera
Intraoral cameras at our Beverly Hills dentist office capture detailed images of the oral cavity, revealing even the smallest issues such as cracks or anomalies. This technology helps patients see their dental problems clearly and understand their treatment options better.
