Our Technology
At the practice of Dr. Sutter, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional, personalized service, beginning with your first visit. During data collection, Dr. Sutter will use a range of today's best diagnostic equipment to collect information about your bite. Using these tests, he can make a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
These technologies include:
Cone Beam Computer Topography
Cone beam computer topography gives us a clear, comprehensive view of your teeth, bone structure, and joints. With a cone beam scan, we can check to see that your joints are stable and adaptable. Before making a diagnosis, we want to make sure there are no arthritic changes or damages that could compromise what we do. A complete scan takes just a few seconds to complete and exposes patients to far less radiation than other methods.
Joint Vibration Analysis
Your
TMJ’s or jaw joints are the skeletal foundation of your mouth. All dentists are required to assess the
health and function of your TMJ’s. Our office uses Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA) which records the
vibrations created by joint fluid, cartilage and bone as you open and close your mouth. This test allows us to
objectively measure and document the health of your Jaw Joint in just 10 seconds of opening and closing. It can
be used to help diagnose problems with the joint that can be the cause of breakdown or pain, and can help us
make sure we are aware of any underlying issues before performing any treatment that could damage or strain your
jaw joints.
EMG - Electromyography
EMG -
Electromyography or “Electronic Muscle Graphing” is a pain free and non-invasive tool we use to
objectively measure how your jaw muscles are resting, clenching, chewing and swallowing. The teeth and muscles
work together and impact each other. We can use it to check the balance of your muscle function and assess the
impact on your muscles before, during and after any treatment that may change the way they rest and function.
MLS Laser
“MLS
Warm Laser Technology” Our office uses MLS Laser Therapy, a revolutionary system that has been shown to
reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and promote healing DRUG-FREE! This laser is the pride and joy of our office.
Almost everything a Dentist treats is either painful, or inflammatory, and some procedures require rapid
healing. This laser causes no pain, and works immediately on your pain and inflammation to make you feel like
you didn’t even go to the dentist, as soon as possible!
JT-3d™
The Jaw tracker
was designed to provide incredibly accurate measurements in mandibular movement, position and speed. Lightweight
aerospace materials and both mechanical and electrical computer aided design have perfected this precision
instrument. The use of a sensor array which is extremely accurate will provide quantitative, reproducible data
about jaw deviations, deflections, and range of motion with incredible accuracy, which allows dentists
unparalleled analysis of mandibular function.
TENS THERAPY
Safe,
simple, and low-cost the QuadraTENS is a medical-grade alternative to narcotic drugs for managing orofacial
pain. Patches placed over the facial nerves that control muscle contraction, provide gentle stimulation to
improve blood flow to tired achy muscles, and help facilitate relaxation. We can provide this therapy in office
or you can rent or buy a TENS unit for therapy at home in between office visits. The QuadraTENS does require a
prescription from the doctor.
T-Scan Occlusal Analysis
Many
dental procedures can change the way you bite. Fillings, crowns, bridges, extractions, and orthodontics as well
as many more. For over 100 years dentists have relied on paper covered in ink to see where the upper and lower
teeth contact. But this old technique gives no information on the force, timing, and balance of your bite. And
that’s exactly what makes you feel your bite is “off”. We use the T-Scan NOVUS system that
displays all this information on a computer so that your dentist can use it to get your bite right, with minimal
tooth loss from guessing. So that you aren’t subjected to the time and expense of unnecessary office
visits.
