Recent Studies Indicate not so Many Cosmetic Dentists are Techies

Manufacturers estimate only 15 to 25% of dentists have a digital X-ray system in their office, and according to a 2004 study in The Journal of the American Dental Association, fewer than 12% of U.S. dentists rely exclusively on digital radiography. But Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, finds that this high tech device is fundamental now in cosmetic dentistry, and he needs to have the details he gets from this essential tool.

“In only three seconds the X-ray image will transfer to the computer. Using digital X-rays one has the ability to magnify, colorize, and alter the density of the image.”, explains Maddahi. “With digital x-rays not only does the patient receive 90% less radiation than conventional x-rays but this computerized system allows me to e-mail x-rays instead of having to hand carry them to another specialist. No old school bio-hazardous x-ray solution is required; therefore there is no negative impact on the environment. This also is important to me.”

Dr. Maddahi also uses IntraOral Cameras, which are pen-shaped cameras that the dentist uses to show patients with clarity each tooth and gum surface in the mouth. Another important tool is a high-tech microscope. This high resolution state of the art 40x by 1600x Trinocular Compound Microscope allows the patient, the hygienist, and the doctor to digitally view moving bacteria from the mouth on a computerized video screen. This takes the guesswork out of killing germs. Bacteria are the cause of gum disease, and going undetected can cause the patient to lose his/her teeth. Once Dr. Maddahi identifies the specific bacteria in the mouth using this special microscope he can specifically diagnose the hygiene needed to get rid of it.

When a patient simply needs decay removed from a tooth, Dr. Maddahi can apply his drill-free dentistry by air-abrasion which is like a mini sandblaster aimed to take the decay out of the tooth with a fine aluminum oxide (baking soda) powder. Dr. Maddahi says drill-free air abrasion dentistry is every patient’s dream. “There’s no whining drills, no burning smell (the teeth never get hot), no vibration, and no anesthetic required. It’s almost no dentistry, as we knew it! This drill-free dentistry goes hand-in-glove with DIAGNOdent, a laser system that finds decayed areas prior to even seeing the hole on the surface of the tooth, thereby locating decayed areas that x-rays do not detect. Plus drill-free air abrasion dentistry allows me to practice micro-dentistry, the removal of small hard to get to fissure and pit decay.”

Prior to this technology the dentist had to remove healthy tooth structure to clean out a small hole. Often dentists were programmed to “watch” teeth like this because using the tools available would cause the loss of too much tooth structure to get out the decay. Now with micro dentistry’s air abrasion the decay is delicately removed without the large loss of healthy tooth structure.

Dr. Maddahi also employs the use of Digital Cosmetic Imaging, which shows each patient a computerized split image photograph of his or her smile. On the top one half of the screen is their current smile and on the bottom is a digital simulation of their smile after the cosmetic dentistry has been performed. And his Digital Bite Recorder is a computerized bite sensor that tells the cosmetic dentist which tooth hits first and the amount of pressure being exerted. Only 200 dentists in the US have this equipment. We use it for multiple crown cases. This way every patient gets a stable bite without having to do multiple adjustments.

Laser dentistry is known to be the latest technological advancement in dentistry. It is used for soft tissue surgery, curing, and sterilizing with the benefit of no anesthetic needed or just topical anesthetic to get started. Dr. Maddahi’s entire staff underwent training on the soft tissue laser. “It is important for all my staff to understand the application and value of laser dentistry for our patients.”, Dr. Maddahi explained. “The primary focus of looking after the patient’s comfort using the least invasive procedures has kept him on the cutting edge of technological breakthroughs. Our hygienists routinely use the laser to kill bacterial caused periodontal disease for up to 60 days. The benefit to the patient is that it is more effective and less traumatic than conventional methods because it uses the power of light to vaporize soft tissue without bleeding. The precision of laser dentistry helps the patient heal with the least post-operative pain. Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Kourosh Maddahi uses the soft tissue laser to recontour gumlines for the best possible smile makeover.”

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles for 20 years and is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.