Dental Technologies

When you seek care at our office, you are assured that our Salem dentist team, Dr. Travis Hunsaker, and staff, utilize the latest in dental technologies to enhance the quality and fit of your dental care. If you have any questions regarding the technologies or instruments we use at Hunsaker Dental, please call us.

Precision Dentistry

Our practice uses high-power microscopes to enhance the precision of patient care.

Dentistry is micro-surgery. Using a microscope that is similar to the one an ophthalmologist uses enables us to create dental restorations with incredibly 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 for you.

Digital Imaging & X-Rays

Dr. Travis Hunsaker will choose carefully which and when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that we follow. Radiographs allow us to see everything we cannot see with our own eyes. Radiographs enable us to detect cavities in between your teeth, determine bone level, and analyze the health of your bone. We can also examine the roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, as well as assess damage when trauma occurs.

Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. Hunsaker Dental utilizes Digital Imaging Technologies within the office. With digital imaging, exposure time is about 50 percent less when compared to traditional radiographs. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information. We may be able to see cavities better.

Digital X-rays

Digital x-rays offer more precision since we view the image on a computer monitor, instead of holding up a 35mm film up to the light. Digital X-rays result in 1/6th of the radiation exposure to you.

Intraoral Camera

Many patients, especially younger patients, are very familiar with the latest technology and are comfortable with the high-tech practice. Computers and TV screens are their primary method of information processing.

Intraoral Camera Dr. Hunsaker will utilize intraoral camera technology that helps enhance your understanding of your diagnosis. An intraoral camera is a very small camera – in some cases, just a few millimeters long. An intraoral camera allows our practice to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth, and gums, for us to accurately make a diagnosis. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair time for you!

Intraoral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These images can be printed for you, other specialists, and your lab or insurance companies.

iTero Scanner 3D Imaging

The iTero scanner allows your dentist to take a digital impression—a highly accurate, digital 3D image of the individual characteristics of your tooth surfaces and gum tissue. The iTero scanner is all about keeping you comfortable while delivering precise imagery, without the putty-filled impression tray that makes you gag! Not only is it more comfortable, but taking a digital scan for your new crown, bridge, or Invisalign® aligners is quick, which allows you to spend less time at the dentist’s office and more time enjoying your new smile!

Comfortable

  • No gooey mess associated with impression materials
  • Breathe and swallow naturally during the digital 3D scan
  • No unpleasant taste

Safe

  • Does not expose you to radiation
  • Uses a laser to generate the images

Accurate

  • The precise fit of crowns, bridges, veneers, and Invisalign®
  • Eliminates the need to retake impressions multiple times

Fast

  • View 3D scans onscreen with your dentist immediately
  • Digital impressions taken for restorative purposes are completed in approximately 3 to 5 minutes

Text Credit: iTero Resources