CT Scan
Orthophos SL by Sirona is a state-of-the-art CT Scan system. Dr. Alexander and our dental care team use this equipment for more accurate diagnosis and treatment plans. Orthophos CT Scan offers extraoral bitewing x-rays for patients that may have a sensitive gag reflex or experience jaw pain. The oral bit wing makes receiving x-rays a more comfortable procedure for our patients.
3D Imaging
Our Orthophos CT Scan offers increased diagnostic interpretation and treatment planning with treatment specifically related to:
- Diagnosis
- Augmented ability for endodontics (root canals)
- Nerve tracking
- Implant treatment planning & guided surgery for placement
- Airways for diagnosing & treatment of sleep disorders
- Augmented ability to communicate with a specialist
- Oral surgical procedures
Digital X-Rays
The gold standard in modern dentistry. Dr. Alexander has incorporated the safest and most comfortable technology for his patients to deliver high-quality care.
Digital x-rays allow Dr. Alexander to capture clear and precise images of the patient’s mouth for a more complete and accurate diagnosis. Images are captured in an instant, making the process more comfortable for patients compared to traditional film x-rays.
One of the biggest advantages of digital dental x-rays compared to traditional technology is the fact that they expose patients to 90% less radiation. Combined with the fact that the image is taken in fractions of a second, patients can be confident that their exposure is extremely low.
Do I really need x-rays?
Patients often ask if x-rays are really necessary. Indeed they are. Dental x-rays are a valuable part of the diagnosis and pre-treatment planning. Without this snapshot of the inner workings of the oral system, Dr. Alexander is left to guess what may be causing the problem.
Looking at the results of a dental x-ray, Dr. Alexander can identify hidden problems such as tooth decay, oral cancer, gum disease, and TMJ disorder.
Committed to a greener planet
Dr. Alexander is very concerned with the environment and preserving it for future generations. Digital dental x-rays don’t require chemicals to develop images as traditional x-rays do. Because the images are in a digital format, Dr. Alexander can store them electronically with a patient’s dental records, eliminating the need for bulky storage.
In addition, digital x-rays can be shared instantly with other dentists, specialists, and physicians around the world for the highest level of patient care and communication.
ViziLite Cancer Screening
According to the National Cancer Institute, doctors will diagnose 42,000 people with oral cancer this year. What is of most concern is that in the early stages, oral cancer can go unnoticed. More so, a rapidly growing segment of patients affected by oral cancer is young, healthy non-smokers. It is believed that HPV is now the leading cause of oral cancer in American adults.
Dr. Alexander is committed to offering patients the highest level of care. Our dentistry goes beyond routine cleanings and exams. We take the time to consider your dental health as part of your overall health. To help combat oral cancer and give patients the best chance for a cure, Dr. Alexander has added oral cancer screening technology.
We offer oral cancer screening as part of our new patient exam and periodically perform oral cancer screenings to catch abnormal cells early. Dr. Alexander has selected ViziLite technology, one of the leading oral cancer detection systems on the market.
Oral Cancer Detection
Dr. Alexander will thoroughly examine inside your mouth, including the roof of the mouth, the back of the throat, the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and the lymph nodes in your neck.
The ViziLite system uses a special solution and light to identify abnormal cells. When abnormal cells are present, they will “glow,” making them easy for the dentist to detect. If he finds abnormal cells, Dr. Alexander may take a biopsy for further analysis.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Generally, in the early stages, there are no obvious signs or symptoms of oral cancer. Some patients may experience bleeding sores, difficulty chewing or swallowing, numbness of the tongue, lumps or hard spots in the mouth, or ear pain.
The good news is that oral cancer has one of the highest survival rates (88%) when caught early. Unfortunately, it is estimated that only 1/3 of all cases are discovered early. For these reasons, it is important to seek a qualified dentist who can provide oral cancer screenings and reduce your risk.