Our Technology
Digital X-Rays
Dr. Cranham chooses carefully which radiographs are taken and when. Radiographs allow us to see everything we cannot see with our own eyes, and they enable us to detect cavities in between your teeth. We can also determine bone level and health of bone, examine the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, and assess damage when trauma occurs by studying radiographs.
As you can tell, dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Radiation exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. Dr. Cranham utilizes digital radiography, which has an exposure time that is 50-percent less than that of traditional radiographs.
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Digital Imaging
Our office uses high resolution, digital macro photography to document and evaluate your condition. This will allow you to see things as we see them. For patients that would like to see themselves as if cosmetic dentistry has already been completed, we can also do digital manipulation to show you the proposed changes to your smile before treatment. These amazing technologies help us communicate better with you so that we provide the care you deserve.
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Computerized Bite Analysis
One of the most amazing technologies existing today is the Tek Scan system. It is a hardware/software-based product that allows us to evaluate the force and timing of your tooth contacts. Utilizing this technology in the diagnosis and treatment phases of your dental care will help Dr. Cranham provide the best bite possible, which will lead to comfort and long-lasting restorations.
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Computerized TMJ Analysis
Bio-JVA (Joint Vibration Analysis) is based on simple principles of motion and friction: When smooth surfaces rub together, little friction is created...and little vibration. If these surfaces become rough, then friction and vibration are created when the surfaces articulate.
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Bio-JVA - Fast and Accurate
Bio-JVA provides a fast, non-invasive, repeatable measurement to aid in the diagnosis of TMJ function. Understanding TMJ function is vital when changing the vertical, lateral, or A/P position of the mandible. Common treatments that change mandibular function and alignment, such as TMD treatment, orthodontics, prosthodontics, reconstruction and sleep dentistry, can benefit from JVA testing. |
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How it Works
Human joints have surfaces that rub together in function. Smooth, well-lubricated surfaces in a proper biomechanical relationship produce little friction and little vibration; but surface changes, such as those caused by degeneration, tears, or displacements of the disk, generally produce increased friction and vibration. Different disorders can produce different vibration patterns or “signatures.” PC-assisted vibration analysis identifies these patterns and helps us distinguish among various TM disorders. |
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Laser Dentistry
Periodontal, or gum, disease happens when bacteria gets below the gum line and destroys attachment between the gum and tooth. Three out of four Americans have some form of periodontal disease, and only three out of 100 will ever be treated.
Gum disease is a silent, chronic, painless, and communicable bacterial infection that often goes undetected or ignored until severe gum and bone destruction is unbearable and can no longer be ignored. Left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss, but traditional invasive treatments can hurt.
The latest conservative gum therapy uses a laser. The laser gently disinfects and evaporates diseased tissues from around the tooth and inside the gum pocket. This treatment interrupts the bacterial destruction of the tissues and bone and gives the gum pocket a chance to heal.
Two to eight repeat treatments rid the gum pocket of disease and sometimes promote gum tissue reattachment. This new laser therapy is gentler, less painful, and has a quick recovery than traditional gum surgery. While surgery may still be indicated for severely advanced periodontal cases, conservative laser therapy is an effective and comfortable option for mild to moderate periodontal cases.
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Interdisciplinary Dentistry
Sometimes extremely complicated dental problems require a team to solve the problem. Interdisciplinary dentistry means that Dr. Cranham will combine his skills with dental specialists, such as an orthodontist, periodontist, or oral surgeon for optimum results.
Dr. Cranham will act as the quarterback in these cases, directing treatment until the desired outcome is reached. Due to the complexity of these cases, it is extremely important that all doctors see the same vision. Our practice has worked hard to assemble a great team of doctors who will work together on your behalf.
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Precision Dentistry/Microscopic Dentistry
When you seek care at our office, you can be assured that Dr. Cranham and his staff utilize the latest in technology to enhance the quality of your dental care.
Our practice uses high power microscopes and magnification to enhance the precision of patient care.
Dentistry is micro-surgery. Using a microscope similar to that of an ophthalmologist, we create dental restorations with incredibility precise fit and finish. You just can’t fulfill that level of care with the naked eye.
In addition to allowing precise, close up work, the microscope directs a beam of light directly on the teeth, minimizing glare.
Many dentists use air-driven hand pieces (drills) for many procedures. However, these whiney, air-powered hand pieces have a degree of non-concentricity; that is, they do not rotate perfectly smoothly.
We use electric hand pieces for extraordinarily precise interfaces between your tooth and your new restoration (crown, veneer, or filling). With this precise tool, patients experience less vibration, less noise, and less discomfort.
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