New technology in dentistry is very exciting. It changes almost monthly as new materials and equipment are introduced to dentists at conferences around the country. We select the most proven, effective, patient and comfort-focused technologies.
Select from the links below to review our technology:
CEREC
Digital X-Rays
Vital Periodontal Facts
Intraoral Camera
Air Abrasion
Myo-Monitor
The Wand
Soft Tissue Laser
Conscious Sedation
Agility Guard
i-CAT 3D X-ray
CEREC
Cerec “Same Day” Crowns
The days of taking impressions for a crown, making temporaries, and waiting two weeks for your final product are virtually eliminated with the latest technology in Cerec Crowns. Using Cerec, an infrared camera takes images of your tooth, after it has been shaped, and a three-dimensional virtual model is created. Our assistants then use a computer program to design your crown or onlay. The data is sent by modem to our milling machine, and in minutes your restoration is ready to be polished, cemented into place, adjusted, and you are on your way!
Our patients love the convenience of Cerec technology. It means in most cases that in one appointment your tooth can be restored. Less time in the dental chair and fewer appointments are needed. Less tooth structure is lost in most cases. Risk of complications and/or sensitivity is lowered because the tooth structure is more accurately measured. Many fabricated crowns have a metal substrate that porcelain is bonded to. Because Cerec crowns are milled from a solid block, there is less chance of allergic or immune response to the material in the crown.
Dr. Baumann and our registered dental assistants have taken extended training in Cerec technology over the past four years, updating their skills with concurrent updates in equipment. We are happy to offer you the latest, and greatest, in dental technology.
Why patients are choosing CEREC
Since 1985 CEREC by Sirona has remained the preferred CAD/CAM technology of dentists worldwide for the fabrication of all-ceramic dental restorations in a single treatment appointment. CEREC is proven by hundreds of clinical studies and is offered by thousands of dentists to millions of patients around the world each year. It also has the broadest restorative range of any dental CAD/CAM system on the market. Proven performance, unrivaled success, and unequaled capabilities have made CEREC the number one dental CAD/CAM choice for over 28 years.
Most dental restorative methods require more than one visit to the dentist. This means that on the first visit, you get an injection of anesthesia, your tooth prepared, an impression taken, and a temporary restoration put on your tooth. You make a second appointment for a couple of weeks later, get another injection, have the temporary pried off (if it hasn’t fallen off already), and have a permanent restoration put on. Why go to the dentist a second time when you don’t have to? With CEREC, the procedure is done in a single appointment, start to finish.
So, why are thousands of people worldwide choosing the CEREC restorative technique for their dental needs? Simple… Single Appointment Dental Care
Finest Dental Materials
A CEREC tooth restoration isn’t just convenient, it is also healthy. Many years ago, dentists had few options to repair decayed and damaged teeth other than amalgam, gold, and other metals. With CEREC, your dentist can use strong, tooth colored ceramic materials to restore your teeth to their natural strength, beauty, and function. These materials closely match the composition of natural tooth structure.
This means when you eat hot food and then drink something cold, the restoration and tooth expand and contract at almost equal rates. So, your tooth does not crack, and you can go on enjoying your evening. Also, the materials are chemically bonded to your tooth, so your dentist can save as much healthy tooth tissue as possible while providing you with a dental restoration that strengthens your tooth.
Smile Enhancement
Your dentist can use CEREC for more than just crowns and fillings. CEREC is capable of producing any single tooth restoration. Chipped or discolored front teeth can be repaired with beautiful CEREC porcelain anterior crowns or veneers.
Your smile makes a lasting first impression. Enhance it with CEREC.
Worldwide, a CEREC restoration is placed every 20 seconds. With a history of over 23 years, this equipment has helped dentists place millions of restorations worldwide. Using metal free materials that are the closest to your natural enamel, CEREC gives you the highest quality restorative care.
Digital Dental X-Rays
Although we do still take an occasional, conventional X-ray in our office, the majority of our X-rays are digital. They offer a 90 percent reduction in radiation, do not use film or chemicals for developing, and produce an almost instantaneous, high-quality image. X-rays are an important part of a thorough dental examination.
A full set is usually required for a patient new to our practice, with two to four “bite wings” necessary at 6 month to 18 month intervals. X-rays can expose tooth decay, tooth abscess, or an ill-fitting or cracked crown or bridge. Most importantly from a health standpoint, they can reveal bone loss from periodontal gum disease, and locate cysts or tumors.
Dental X-rays are an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems. In combination with a thorough visual examination performed by Dr. Baumann, they provide a comprehensive picture of your dental health.
Vital Periodontal Facts
Periodontal Disease & Overall Health
The concept of periodontal disease as a localized entity affecting only the teeth and supporting tissues is increasingly being questioned. Periodontal disease may significantly impact individuals with cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Individuals with (active/uncontrolled) periodontal disease may have higher risk for heart disease and stroke, and diabetics may have a harder time controlling their diabetes and require more medication. Women with periodontitis may have increased risk for delivering pre-term, low birth- weight babies. Preliminary evidence suggests that periodontal infections may also be associated with lung disease, upper respiratory, and other remote infections.
When our office recommends restorative or periodontal therapy, we have your overall health, as well as your dental health in mind.
What is Periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, which are always present in our mouths. Some of us are more susceptible to this infection then others, depending on how well our body (our immune system) fights infection. Our ability to fight this infection can vary from day to day, week to week depending on what else is going on with life and health.
We now know that bleeding of the gums when they are gently touched is a definite sign that infection is present. This means that the bacteria and the toxins (poisons) they produce have overwhelmed the immune system. When the lining of the gum tissue (skin) next to the tooth is colonized by bacteria, it becomes ulcerated and bleeds when touched. The toxins become embedded in the root surface of the tooth and bacteria invade the connective tissue of the gums. If the infection continues uncontrolled, it will eventually result in destruction of the bone that supports the teeth and the face. This bone loss is permanent. If the bone destruction continues, it will result in loss of the teeth, since there will be nothing to support them.
Detecting and treating periodontal disease
Fortunately, periodontal infection can now be detected and treated early! Each time you see the Hygienist, she will do a periodontal screening to detect signs of this infection. We check the gums for color changes (redness), swelling, and bleeding. Measurements of the pockets and x-rays are taken to check for bone loss around the teeth. With early detection of the infection, it can be treated and controlled non-surgically. If the infection has progressed, surgical intervention may be necessary to control it.
We are excited about our ability to detect this infection early and to be able to offer you non-surgical therapy. Periodontal therapy will include detoxifying (reducing the embedded bacterial toxins) the root surfaces. We use the latest instruments, including micro-ultrasonics to remove the bacterial biofilm present on the roots and laser therapy to decontaminate the pockets and remove the infected lining of the gum tissue, to a point the immune system can control the infection. Your active participation with removal of bacteria at home every day is critical to control your infection. We will assist you with specific instructions on effective bacterial (plaque) removal.
Periodontal disease is not curable but it is controllable. Following your active therapy, Dr. Baumann will recommend supportive periodontal therapy to help you keep your periodontitis under control and thus prevent further bone destruction. Scientific evidence shows that in order to keep your disease under control you should be seen by your hygienist every 45-90 days. Therefore, your interval for supportive periodontal therapy will be 12 weeks or less.
When periodontal infection is resistant to treatment we offer oral bacteria DNA testing to determine the type of bacteria present. A saliva sample is sent to the lab and testing determines which specific bacteria are present in the oral cavity and the antibiotic to combat it.
We are anxious to answer all your additional questions concerning periodontal disease and its treatment. Please ask any of our Team members if you want to know more!
Intraoral Camera
The Intraoral Camera System has changed dentistry forever. A miniature camera that looks like a slightly oversized pen allows us to guide you on a tour of your mouth. You are able to look at a TV monitor and see for the first time what we see as dentists. The camera helps us view difficult areas in addition to providing significant magnification. You’ll be able see why we may recommend specific restorative procedures, such as replacement of a worn restoration before it breaks or becomes sensitive. As they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.
Air Abrasion
This technology allows us to use a handpiece that sprays small sand-like, particles at the decayed area. It works great when removing stains and small areas of decay – minimizing tooth structure removal. Many people also appreciate this high-tech treatment because often no anesthesia is required and there is no drill sound.
Myo-Monitor
The instrument, “Myo-Monitor” is a low frequency acupuncture-like TENS unit that massages and relaxes muscles. This device is particularly useful in the treatment of TMJ dysfunction and relieving muscle tightness in the head, neck and upper back area.
The Wand
“The Wand” is a computer-assisted method of delivering local anesthesia. We can now discard the traditional syringe. The Wand’s computer produces more comfortable injections. Many injections that were once considered sensitive can now be accomplished with near pain-free precision. Ask any of our staff for more details on The Wand. It’s great.
Soft Tissue Laser
Dr. Baumann and the hygiene team are proud to utilize dentistry’s latest technological advancement – laser periodontal therapy. In restorative and cosmetic dentistry we can contour and trim gum tissue easily and comfortably. Having a comfortable post-operative experience is now the norm. The laser can be used in conjunction with scaling and root planing – deep cleaning around the teeth and roots. The laser kills bacteria that cause periodontal disease and removes the inflamed lining of the periodontal pocket, promoting better healing and greater reduction in pocket depth than scaling and root planing alone.
Conscious Sedation
Our office is now offering “conscious sedation” that is both safe and effective in treating patients who may be apprehensive about dental treatment. The patient simply takes a pill that causes relaxation and sleepiness. This makes it possible for us to provide comprehensive care with fewer appointments, no pain and very little memory of the dental experience.
Agility Guard
The idea of improving athletic ability, using a mouthguard, is not new. However, using computer assisted technology, a better performance mouthguard has been developed, the Agility Guard. Dr. Baumann has been certified as a Regional Facilitator for Agility Guard, after completing training in myotronics and the K-7 computer diagnostics programs. While the Agility Guard is used by professional athletes to enhance their performance, it has many applications for the general population as well. The use of a custom made Agility Guard improves personal strength, speed, balance and agility. Our patients have seen improvement in the flexibility, and accompanying strength, of their golf and tennis swing. Reports of greater core strength and explosive power, as well as recovery time make the Agility Guard a potential benefit for anyone.
The idea is simple. Your physical performance is at its best when your jaw musculature lies in an “optimized zone”. After a series of very simple tests, Dr. Baumann can determine – to within less than a millimeter in most cases – within which zone your performance is optimized. A mouthguard is then made to hold your musculature in that position, thereby keeping you in the “optimized zone.” For more information about this new technology and how it may be beneficial to you, please visit athleticguard.com or ask Dr. Baumann to perform a simple, no-cost, in-office test. It takes seconds, but may indicate you are a candidate for the Agility Guard.
Read more on what athletes are saying about Agility Guard.
Agility Guard
The idea of improving athletic ability, using a mouthguard, is not new. However, using computer assisted technology, a better performance mouthguard has been developed, the Agility Guard. Dr. Baumann has been certified as a Regional Facilitator for Agility Guard, after completing training in myotronics and the K-7 computer diagnostics programs. While the Agility Guard is used by professional athletes to enhance their performance, it has many applications for the general population as well. The use of a custom made Agility Guard improves personal strength, speed, balance and agility. Our patients have seen improvement in the flexibility, and accompanying strength, of their golf and tennis swing. Reports of greater core strength and explosive power, as well as recovery time make the Agility Guard a potential benefit for anyone.
The idea is simple. Your physical performance is at its best when your jaw musculature lies in an “optimized zone”. After a series of very simple tests, Dr. Baumann can determine – to within less than a millimeter in most cases – within which zone your performance is optimized. A mouthguard is then made to hold your musculature in that position, thereby keeping you in the “optimized zone.” For more information about this new technology and how it may be beneficial to you, please visit athleticguard.com or ask Dr. Baumann to perform a simple, no-cost, in-office test. It takes seconds, but may indicate you are a candidate for the Agility Guard.
No matter what your sport is, the technology behind Agility Guard can help you transform you from an ordinary player to an extraordinary athlete. The potential to improve athletic performance by using a property designed mouth guard is a concept that’s time has come. Many Olympic and professional athletes are now utilizing Agility Guard technology in training and during competition. Apolo Anton Ohno, an eight-time Olympic medalist, is a believer who notices the improvement in balance, coordination, speed, reflexes, strength, endurance and stamina.
Whether your sport is golf, tennis, baseball, football, basketball, soccer, cycling, boxing or running, get the edge that premiere athletes use to perform: The Agility Guard.
Read more on what athletes are saying about Agility Guard.
Improving athletic ability with Agility Guard throughout the Coachella Valley: Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indian Wells and Indio.
i-CAT 3D X-rays
At our office, we have invested in an amazing technology called i-CAT. The i-CAT is a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Machine that allows us to take 3D X-rays of the teeth and jaws. The astounding quality of the i-CAT images provides a far superior diagnostic tool than traditional dental x-rays. The level of detail allows us to diagnose dental problems at a much earlier stage. This often leads to more accurate and conservative treatment for the patient. The minimal amount of radiation used for the scan is comparable to a full set of digital dental x-rays and significantly less than traditional film x-rays. This technology allows us to provide superior and safe care to our patients.
