Advanced Dental Technology – San Marcos, TX

Digital Dental X-Rays

Dentists take X-rays because only so much can be seen with the naked eye. But thanks to the clarity and detail of digital X-rays, our San Marcos dental team can provide patients with more accurate diagnoses and better overall care. Using the clear images produced by our digital dental X-ray device, Dr. Donnelly can help you better understand your smile and what kind of care it needs to be healthier.

CT/Cone Beam Scanner

3D digital X-rays, also referred to as Cone Beam CT imaging, are essentially 3D images of the mouth and jaw that can be manipulated to better plan for implant placement, oral surgery procedures, and TMJ. The state-of-the-art scans are accomplished in our office in a matter of seconds. They allow us to know more about your anatomy during the planning phase so that we can perform less invasive procedures. We have invested in this technology to better serve our patients and provide peace of mind that our diagnosis and treatment plans are based on the most comprehensive information found in dental X-rays today. 3D digital imaging uses at least 10 times less radiation than traditional medical CT scans.

Whisper Jet-No Drill Dentistry

Who would have thought that you could go to the dentist without needing needles or drills? With the Whisper Jet decay removal system, needles and drills are no longer necessary when filling your small to moderate cavities. The Whisper Jet decay removal system uses high-pressure air and powder instead of drills, and most often, anesthesia is not required.

Laser Dentistry

The team at San Marcos Gentle Dental stays up-to-date on the latest advancements in dentistry. We invest our time in learning new and better ways to treat our patients. With laser dentistry techniques, we can effectively improve recovery time and patient comfort. This relatively newer method is used with many different dental procedures to help a wider range of patients. To learn about laser dentistry or discover if this technology can be used during your next scheduled dental treatment, please call us today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions.

Dental lasers are used in many different types of gum procedures. Because Dr. Donnelly has devoted many hours to laser dentistry training, he can perform your gum therapy right in the office! You won’t have to worry about being referred to a specialist when your reliable and skilled dentist can help.

Laser dentistry is able to:

• Reduce a patient’s need for anesthesia.
• Decrease the healing time for most procedures.
• Lessen discomfort and bleeding before and after the treatment.
• Lower the overall risk of infection, due to smaller, more focused areas receiving therapy.
• Create a smoother atmosphere while a patient is in the operatory. It’s quieter and produces less vibration than traditional tools.
• Treat multiple areas of the mouth in the same visit.

We can use laser dentistry to alter the gumline of patients with ‘gummy’ smiles, as this will show more of the tooth for a more aesthetically-pleasing appearance. We can also use laser dentistry to remove tooth decay, preserve as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible, and work safely around dental restorations. A dental laser can be used to detect tooth decay that isn’t visible, saving patients from extensive work had the cavity gone undetected. You can discuss all of the benefits of laser dentistry with our team during your next exam.

Cameras (35mm Nikon)

Besides using the latest radiography tools to capture images of your teeth, gums, and jaw, our San Marcos team also relies on Nikon cameras to document your treatment. The images we take with these cameras will help us see what kinds of care you need and will help us monitor your progress and plan your future.

Intraoral Camera

Often it is difficult for patients to be conscious of restorations in the mouth, mostly because they cannot see what we see. Fortunately for patients today, we utilize an innovative new tool called an intraoral camera. This allows patients to see what the dentist sees; exactly what areas in the mouth we have concerns about and what areas may need restoration. No more “out of sight, out of mind!”

DIAGNOdent Cavity Detection

Thanks to advances in dental technology, we are now able to detect hidden tooth decay and remove it before it destroys the tooth. The DIAGNOdent is a small, pen-like laser, which scans the teeth with a harmless light so that it can check the health of the tooth. This great technology is completely safe and pain-free.

Cavitron

Cavitron is an ultrasonic scaler that lets us remove staining easily during teeth cleanings. Staining builds up over time, as bacteria and plaque accumulate around the gumline. But with the power of Cavitron’s high-frequency signal, in combination with its water feature, we can wash away this buildup to reveal healthier, better-looking teeth.

The Wand

Do needles make you nervous? We are proud to offer the most high-tech care available in dentistry today, including The Wand. The Wand is a computerized device that controls the flow of the anesthetic, which makes for a more comfortable dental experience.

Chairside Satellite Radio

Part of providing excellent care is making patients feel comfortable. One way we can do that is by offering chairside satellite radio. Instead of listening to the sounds of our office while we work on your smile, you can put your mind at ease and watch the time go by while you listen to your favorite stations.

Chairside Monitors for Patient Viewing

Helping you understand your oral health is very important to us. To help us accomplish our mission, we use chairside monitors. With these monitors, it’s easier for us to point out areas of concern so that you can more fully understand how we can help and what your procedure will involve.