Posts Tagged ‘intra-oral camera’

iTero is here… and running like a dream!

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

I blogged on this a while back now, but we are officially up and running with the iTero technology here at WH. In fact, some of the dentist are getting quite competitive. Sen is actually top of the list for dentists that have cases using iTero! Well done Sen. The heat is on now guys.

The iTero technology is an absolute magnificent “piece of kit”. iTero is a revolutionary new technique, which is used to create dental impressions. iTero technology uses digital 3D images of the patient’s mouth, rather than dental trays and putty and can be used to create a range of different dental devices. We all know how much patients dislike those putty impressions! By using the 3D images, iTero creates a much accurate impression of the patients tooth, or teeth, making the fit of the new crown perfect.

iTero technology is set to revolutionise the way dentists create dental impressions. The new technique will reduce time in the dentist’s chair, improve accuracy, reduce mess and eliminate the need for further appointments. Anything to make our patients journey at WH easier and less traumatic for them, is a bonus for us. We are very lucky to have the iTero scanner here at WH.

If you would like to know more about iTero then check out our website, or speak with our dental team. They will be more than willing to help.

The Itero challenge begins…..

Friday, July 30th, 2010

It was an exciting day for us when the new Itero machine arrived at the practice. We all wanted to have a play and get our mitts on the new scanner!

Our reps from Straumann came to introduce us to our new gadget, and spent the day with us explaining how the Itero works and how to use it. It really is quite fantastic, and I don’t think any of us quite expecting how hi-tech and amazing this machine is. When it came to using the machine, we all had to be trained how we use it, how we capture images of the teeth, and how these images can then produce 3D models of the patients teeth and soft tissues. We were all guinea pigs for the day, because in order to train how to use it, we needed to practice on each other. I personally took this opportunity to get my own back on Sen………………only kidding. It took some getting used to, but I think we all got the hang of it in the end. Obviously as we are new to this, it took us longer to complete scans than usual. The rep promised us that eventually, this will become second nature, and our scans will be quick once we have mastered it. She even showed us a clip on YouTube of a dentist in America, who has had the iTero for some time, who completely a full scan of a patients quadrant in 1 minute 9 secs!! That’s it……………….. the heat is on. My mission now is to beat that record :-)

A new bit of kit.

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

We are all very excited at Woodborough House, as we have a new bit of kit coming to the practice! We have many patients in the dental chair having treatment that requires us to take impressions using putty materials and alginate. We all know this is not much fun. Its especially difficult for patients that have a bad gag reflex or find it stressful having dental impressions taken.It is also an invasive procedure. Well don’t fear……………… Itero is here!!

The Itero is a scanning device that enables us to take accurate dental records and impressions. Itero features parallel confocal imaging which uses laser and optical scanning to digitally capture the surface and contours of the tooth and gingival structures. An accurate impression is the foundation of an accurate study model required for effective treatment planning. After scanning, the machine gives us 3D images to help with treatment planning, crown preperations,  and orthodontic treatment.  Its also a great way for patients to see their dental work on a screen.

Woodborough House is very excited to be able to use this pioneering equipment, and to be one of the first in the UK to have one. No more goop, gagging or discomfort! That is something to be proud of ;-)

A bump on the head

Friday, April 9th, 2010

We saw a lovely little 4 year old today, who came in a couple of weeks ago as she had a little knock in the mouth with mum. She was playing around with mum when little one accidentally bumped her two front teeth on mums head. Mum said it was quite a knock! Bless her, she was very brave even though there was a bit of bleeding. We examined her, took a radiograph, and even took some pictures using our intra-oral camera so both parents and patient could see what had happened. Apart from a bit of bleeding and a fat lip, she was ok but we wanted to review her, and the tooth, after a weeks time.

Today was the review appointment. The fat lip had gone but the the tooth was still slightly mobile and it had actually started to discolour slightly. We have the great advantage of having Raquel, our Endodontist, working here at WH. We wanted to get her professional opinion on treatment of this tooth, so we were able to email xrays and photos to her so we can decide the best treatment for this little girls front tooth. We will be reviewing our little patient for the next few weeks. I think this doesn’t bother her as she gets spoilt with stickers and goodies for being such a good girl every time she comes! I will keep you updated on the treatment and outcome :-)

Keep Smiling

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

As its half term this week, all the dentists have been busy catching up on the children’s check ups. Me and Sen saw a lovely sister and brother from Pangbourne Primary School who couldn’t stop talking about coming to the dentist all weekend (according to mum). The 5 year old even came sporting a bright red t shirt with the words “keep smiling” on the front. We gave the children their annual exam, took some photos using the intra oral camera, and explained to them both how they should be brushing their teeth. They made mum proud. Their teeth were perfect. Keep up the good work kids (and mum).

If your children are in need of a dental exam then speak with our reception team. They will be more than happy to help.

Crash Helmet

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Another busy day at the office! Me and Sen have been treating a lovely lady from Pangbourne today who decided to have a porcelain bonded crown made for one of her teeth. She originally saw us as she had fractured a back tooth. The tooth was made up of an old amalgam filling, and gave up the ghost when she was eating (the usual suspects are french bread and nuts). She decided to go ahead with having a custom made crown, as this would protect the tooth much better. Think of it as a little crash helmet for your tooth. Sen took photos using the intra-oral camera to show her the condition of the tooth, took  impressions, prepared the tooth and the models were sent off to the lab. She will be coming back to see us in 2 weeks to have the crown permently fitted. She did really well today. She was here for an hour and a half, but we did give her 10 minutes down time as she was starting to get tired.

If you have any questions regarding crowns and crown work then please feel free to contact your dentist. We want to kepp you all smiling :-)

Bye bye baby tooth!

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Its the start of a new week at WH, and already Nick and Steph are seeing a new patient. She was recommended to us from a friend, and we were happy to see her for a consultation regarding replacing a tooth. Aged 45, this lovely lady still has hold of her baby tooth( they can be stubborn little things). Worried that the tooth may eventually have to be removed, and also for cosmetic reasons, she was particularly interested in finding out and discussing the option of having a Dental Implant to fill the gap. Nick and Steph took the time to discuss the advantages of having a dental implant, presented photos from other cases Nick has worked on, explained how long this type of treatment will take to complete, and talked about the procedure itself. She has decided that this treatment will be the best for her, and has already booked herself in to get started!! We will enjoy treating her and caring for her on her Implant  journey!!

There is always a lot to take on board, when discussing Implants, and we have many fully trained and experienced staff around to help answer your questions or queries if you feel you have misunderstood or need something explained in more detail. We want to do all we can to keep you smiling

Molar SOS

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Raquel has been in today, working her Root Canal magic on our patients. We saw a lovely man from Woodley today, who was referred from his dentist in Tilehurst to see Raquel for a consultation. He had a molar tooth, that was causing him pain on biting. Using our fab microscope, Raquel was able to detect a fracture down the middle of the tooth. Unfortunately, there was nothing we could do to save this tooth, but the patient now has the option of having an Implant to replace the space. We gave him some information about the treatment, and he booked in to see Nick to discuss his options.

If you have any queries regarding missing teeth, Implants, or Root Canal then please either speak with our patient co-ordinators or your dentist. They will be happy to help.

Treat them with care

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Another new patient joins the team this morning at WH, and makes us feel like our job is worth doing. She is a full time mum from Upper Basildon, very busy, and told me and Sen that her visit to see us was like “being pampered”. We gave her a dental examination, radiographs, and photos. We discovered that she has a few areas of tooth wear. Many patients may not be aware of this, and can be caused by different things. Bruxism (grinding) is increasingly common. Many people do not realise they are doing it, and can be reduced or solved by using devices such a soft nightguard. Tooth brush abrasion is another cause of generalised tooth wear. Scrubbing those knashers may feel good at the time, but can cause great damge to your tooth enamel! Treat them with care. Speak with your dentist or hygienist about toothbrushing techniques. they are here to help. Acid erosion is another cause. A simple task of brushing teeth after drinking a glass of orange juice can cause erosion.

We want to do all we can to help keep your teeth strong and healthy. If you have any questions about tooth wear, erosion, or bruxism please ask. We want to keep you smiling :-)

She’s come a long way!

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

Today has been a very busy day at the practice! Sen and Hayley have had one of their most favourite patients in. She originally came to see us for a dental check up. We then found out from her, that she was suffering with sore gums. After doing a thorough examination we discovered that she had severe gum disease. Sen discussed with her what periodontal disease was and how we can help her. Many people are unaware of what periodontal disease is, and how it may start, so it is essential to have these dental examinations to help prevent such disease starting.

Since then, she has been in a number of times to see us. Under local anaesthetic, we was able to dosome deep scaling. We took radiographs and photographs to help explain to our patient what was happening.  We gave her loads of oral health education and goodies such as tepes, floss and corsodyl, and she has been doing a fantastic job!! She really has come a long way since the day we originally saw her!! Woodborough House has kept her smiling.