Technology
The equipment used in examination and treatment helps diagnosis and treatment planning to be carried out accurately. This page describes the main equipment used at the clinic and what it is for. Your dentist decides at the examination which investigations are needed.
Digital X-rays
Intraoral X-rays are taken with digital sensors. The image appears on the computer screen within a few seconds, and your dentist can look at it with you. Findings such as decay, root-tip inflammation and the condition of the bone are assessed on these images.
Panoramic and three-dimensional imaging
A panoramic X-ray shows all the teeth and jawbones in a single image. A three-dimensional dental CT scan shows the volume of the jawbone and the position of the nerve canal and sinuses in three dimensions. It is used particularly in implant planning and in assessing impacted teeth and jaw cysts. A three-dimensional scan is not necessary for every patient; the dentist decides whether it is needed.
Intraoral scanner
For some treatments, impressions can be taken digitally with an intraoral scanner. The scanner creates a three-dimensional image of the teeth, which is used to make restorations such as crowns and bridges.
Magnification
Magnifying loupes are used in delicate procedures such as root canal treatment. Magnification gives a more detailed view of the working area.
Treatment rooms
Each treatment room has a dental chair and a computer for patient records and X-ray images. The water lines connected to the chairs are disinfected regularly.
Sterilisation
The equipment and steps used in cleaning and sterilising instruments are described on the Hygiene and sterilisation page.