Our Technology
There has been much advancement in dentistry over the past twenty years, and keeping abreast with technology is one of Dr. Hagood’s passions. In addition to the care, skill, and knowledge needed to produce world-class dentistry, having the latest technological tools is a necessity. It is our commitment to provide the latest in technological advancements for our patients. Here are just some of the technologies we use:
Digital X-Rays
Thanks to new technology we are able to take x-rays with up to 90% less radiation than from older conventional equipment. Dr. Hagood utilizes the latest digital technology from Schick, www.schicktech.com.
This generation of digital technology generates images that are superior to conventional x-ray film. Retrievability and portability are greatly enhanced, plus digital x-rays are environmentally safe. They require no developing solutions, fixers, cleansers, or x-ray mounts.
If you have questions about digital x-rays, please contact Vero Beach Art of Dentistry for more information.
Digital Camera
One of our most important dental tools has become the digital camera. Dr. Hagood prefers the Nikon D200 which boasts a 10.2 megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor, and yields extraordinarily high-resolution images. Paired with a high magnification macro lens, the images are used for diagnosis, patient communication, treatment planning, treatment confirmation, shade matching, imaging, and lecture purposes. We have hundreds of before and after images to view of nearly every type of dental procedure.
All of the images taken on this website were taken with our Nikon digital camera. Visit www.nikonusa.com for more information.
Intraoral Video Camera
Another highly technical digital tool used by Dr. Hagood and the hygiene department is the intraoral digital video camera. The tiny device is a video camera that moves around inside the mouth and generates a tooth by tooth video exam. The images can be stored and later enlarged and printed.
As it is difficult to see inside your mouth the intraoral camera provides a previously unseen magnified view. The pen-sized camera features a disposable cover to prevent contamination and is completely safe and painless to use. As the camera moves around the mouth it sends video images to a computer which is then displayed on a monitor. The images can then be viewed by both the doctor and patient. Using the intraoral camera allows the patient to better understand their needs by seeing what the dentist sees, while having it explained.
Since the intraoral camera generates images that are stored enlarged and analyzed, often dental problems can be caught in their early stages. Once treatment options are discussed and agreed upon, our intraoral camera can be used to effectively track treatment progress. The digital images allow us to:
- Provide a higher standard of care for our patients
- Help detect cavities and fractured teeth
- Evaluate the condition of existing restorations under high magnification
- Provide documentation for insurance claims
- Properly inform and educate our patients
- Visually observe hard to see areas of the mouth
- Document and monitor dental problems
For more information about our high technology intraoral cameras visit www.schicktech.com .
T-Scan Computer Bite Analysis
One of our newest and most exciting technologies is the T-Scan Computerized occlusal analysis system. This powerful diagnostic tool allows Dr. Hagood to accurately measure occlusal and timing force.
For years, dental occlusion has been largely a matter of guesswork for dentists. Articulation marking paper, waxes, and pressure indicator paste were all the dentist had to assess and balance the forces of occlusion. Most of these methods are not sensitive enough to detect simultaneous contact, and none measure both biting time and force. The T-Scan occlusal analyzer has met this challenge, and we are now able to effectively reduce the risk of:
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The heart of T-Scan technology is a disposable, extremely thin, flexible sensor. By biting and chewing against the sensor, a three dimensional view of your bite is displayed on our computer screen. We can then easily adjust the bite and check our work with the sensor. The process is repeated until the biting forces are equalized.
JVR (Joint Vibration Recording)
Another valuable diagnostic tool in the treatment of TMJ dysfunction is the JVR or joint vibration recording. A JVA recording is painless and takes only a few moments. JVA provides Dr. Hagood a fast, non-invasive, and repeatable measurement of TMJ function to aid in your diagnosis of TMJ function.
How it Works
Human joints have surfaces which 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 friction and vibration. Different disorders can produce different vibration patterns or “signatures”. PC-assisted vibration analysis identifies these patterns and helps Dr. Hagood distinguish among various TM disorders.
For more information about JVR go to www.biojvr.net.
High Magnification
The use of magnification in dentistry provides increased image size which allows Dr. Hagood to visualize things not otherwise perceptible to the naked eye. Magnification not only improves the quality of care provided to patients, but also expands the range of treatments that can be offered.
The Benefits of Magnification
- Magnified image
- Brilliant illumination
- Increasing precision
- More accurate diagnosis
- Improved dental care
Dr. Johnson Hagood prefers the microscopic technology from Designs for Vision. The precision optical research and manufacturing done by Designs for Vision is among the most sophisticated in the world.
Trial Smile
One of the most informative and diagnostic procedures in dentistry, the “trial smile”, is performed exclusively at Vero Beach Art of Dentistry. Dr. Hagood expertly and artistically temporarily places composite veneers over your natural teeth without anesthesia and with no tooth preparation. The trial smile allows our patients to experience and feel the artistic touch of Dr. Hagood and to preview their cosmetically restored smile before making a significant investment. The temporary composite veneers are easily removed.
Photographs are taken before and after and are given to the patient to take home. The trial smile provides Dr. Hagood with valuable information about your smile including the number of teeth involved, length of treatment, and estimated fee.
If you have questions about the technology we utilize, please contact Vero Beach Art of Dentistry form more information.