The world of dental X-rays has just gone to a new level:  3D!  New “Cone Beam” technology (CT scanning) has now reached the dental market allowing dentists do render 3D X-ray images of patients.  The digital scanner allows dentists to see significantly more information using less radiation than traditional methods.  Compared to hospital grade CT scanners, the dental version uses approximately 1% of the radiation.  The machine takes 200 images in 14 seconds and is able to render multiple views of patients’ heads with a single scan.  The 3D images allow “virtual treatment planning” to occur allowing patients to see what their smile could look like before it is ever created.  In some cases it is making traditional dental impressions (the goop that goes in your mouth) obsolete. 

 The benefits of this advanced technology are many.  Considering that all X-rays up until now were flat (2D), being able to see our patients in 3D opens an entirely new world of what we can see.  It is as if dentistry has gone from “the world is flat” paradigm to “the world is round” paradigm!

Because we offer only the highest level of service at Blodgett Dental Care, we want to make sure you are aware of this incredible new technology in our practices.   It is quick, painless and easy to understand.  We look forward to introducing you to “Cone Beam” technology.

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If you have not yet heard of Minimally Invasive Dentistry, you soon will.   At Blodgett Dental Care it is our core belief that, if given the choice, most people would prefer to have less surgical care than more.   Yet historically in dentistry we have been a very reactionary profession.   Generally speaking, we would wait for cavities to develop, we would ”drill and fill” then wait for it to crack 10-20 years later and grind it down for a crown.  Occasionally this would then lead to the need for a root canal which further destroys the tooth.  This was not a recipe for success! Thankfully, due in great part to many advanced technologies, the days of waiting for decay to occur are over.   Now through the process of “bioluminescence” we can help you understand your risk for decay long before cavities ever form.  And if you are found to be at high risk for decay we can treat your mouth with neutralizing rinses that not only freshen your breath, but kill off the bacteria that cause decay!

Minimally Invasive Dentistry is not just about stopping decay, however.   Technology is now allowing us to understand your risk for gum disease before you have bone loss or inflammation.  Preventing gum disease not only improves the chances that you’ll keep your teeth, but it helps decrease your risk for other health-related issues such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Minimally Invasive Dentistry is a concept that follows a general common-sense belief that understanding risk for disease is far more effective than monitoring for symptoms of disease.  Or more commonly stated:  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

If your goal is to have and maintain great oral health, then Blodgett Dental Care is the dental home for you.  By understanding your risks for oral diseases we can help you avoid the common symptoms from which people have suffered in the past (i.e. decay, bone loss, bad breath, unsightly teeth).   And if you’re not a patient already, please contact us today to join the Minimally Invasive dental movement! 

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Is it too much to ask for that a person would be able to get a crown, that looks like a tooth, in a Single Visit.

HECK NO!  At Blodgett Dental Care we use CEREC 3D, which is a CAD/CAM system for making crowns in a single visit.  Better yet these crowns look just like teeth!

If you’ve been disappointed with crowns that you’ve had in the past, having to wear a temporary crown for a week or two, and then still the possibility of it not fitting and not really looking like a tooth, then you would greatly benefit from this system.

With CEREC 3D we can offer single visit porcelain fillings, crowns and even veneers!

Call Blodgett Dental Care today to see how we can help you have the smile you deserve.

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Cosmetic dentistry is a hot topic!  And most people would agree that having a beautiful smile not only makes you more attractive and look younger, but helps your chances of career success, as well.  Unfortunately, because of certain past TV shows that highlighted more aggressive ways of improving a smile such as “Extreme Makeover” and “The Swan”, many people believe that often the cost to having a beautiful smile would mean sacrificing healthy teeth in order to cover them in bulky veneers.  The great news is this:  none of this aggressive destruction is necessary to have a winning smile!

If you want a more attractive smile and want conservative options to obtain it, here are some options to consider:

• Whitening – from over the counter products to in-office procedures, whitening is a great way to bring new life to your smile.  The lightened look will make you appear younger and you’ll feel more confident.
• Tooth reshaping – If you have had your teeth for more than a couple decades chances are that you’ve ground off some of the original tooth structure.  When this occurs the wear can create sharp angles at the corners of the front teeth which gives your teeth a more “mature” and “masculine” appearance.  Subtle rounding of these teeth at the corners and literally shave years off of the look of your smile
• Lumineers – If you haven’t yet heard about Lumineers then you may be one of the few left who hasn’t.  Lumineers are ultra-thin veneers that are made to fit over the top of the existing tooth structure you already have.  Because they are so thin it is rare that tooth structure needs to be ground away and since the teeth don’t need to be ground down it is extremely uncommon for patients to need any shots.  Lumineers are made out of long-lasting porcelain and despite their thin stature rarely break because of their incredible strength.  Studies on the longevity of Lumineers have consistently shown that they will last with a high degree of predictability for over twenty years.  They are THE standard in minimally-invasive cosmetic smile improvement.

We hope that these ideas have helped illustrate that there are many conservative, minimally-invasive methods for improving your smile.  To find out which option would be best for you, please feel free to contact us at http://www.blodgettdentalcare.com/contact-local-dentist.html.  Feel free to call or email.  We welcome both!

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