VistaClear Water System

The VistaClear water sterilization system is designed to deliver improved water quality to each of our handpieces, tools and accessories in all of our operatories by filtering bacterial and chemical contamination from our water. Installed in a dedicated equipment room, water from the city is passed through the VistaClear multi-stage filtration system directly to each operatory. The VistaClear water system also features multiple VistaCheck backflow preventers, before and after the system, to comply with city and state regulations and to prevent the unwanted backflow of fluids into the city water supply. Only clean, high quality water reaches our patients and equipment, and the system is designed to continue operating even during city boil-water notices, keeping our office on schedule.

State of the Art Sterilization

Sterilization using steam (heating in an autoclave) is the safest and most effective method we can use in our office. It is the standard practice of most dental offices, laboratories and hospitals. The instruments are heated in special cassettes for a predetermined amount of time with the air in the autoclave being replaced by steam, which removes all living microorganisms, spores and viruses from our dental tools and materials. This makes our instruments non-infectious, meaning you cannot get an infection from them. After the sterilization process, the instruments are removed from the autoclave, stored and ready for the next patient. 

Patient Worn Glasses

During certain types of procedures, we will ask you to wear safety glasses for your protection. Similar to dental dams, which are applied to protect your airway, our safety glasses are worn to protect your eyes from water spray, flying debris (from the work being done in your mouth), trauma (from a dropped handpiece), and most importantly, from very sharp instruments that are passed near your face. Our glasses are comfortable and durable, and can be easily cleaned, keeping them sanitary from patient to patient.

Digital Radiography (X-Rays)

Digital radiography is a new technology for taking very low radiation dental X-rays, which is better for your health and safety. This technology uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) to capture and store a digital image of your teeth on our computer, so there is no need to develop the x-rays, thus eliminating the disposal of harmful waste and chemicals into the environment. The captured X-ray image can then be viewed instantly on the computer and monitor in your operatory to help Dr. Jeff and the dental hygienist detect hidden problems. Another advantage of digital radiography is that it is also faster and more comfortable to take than traditional X-rays, which reduces your time in the dental office. And remember, detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage may save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

Dental X-rays are used to reveal:

• Abscesses or cysts
• Bone loss
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
• Decay between the teeth
• Developmental abnormalities
• Poor tooth and root positions
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line

Dental Dam

A dental dam is a thin square of latex rubber (a silicon version is available for those allergic to latex) used to isolate and protect a tooth or a group of teeth from bacteria in the surrounding oral cavity environment. Your tooth crown stands out from the dental dam through an individual hole made by a hole punch. This permits a clean and dry operative field, and enables treatment of the appropriate tooth without contamination from blood or saliva. The dental dam is recommended for fillings, crowns, root canals and extractions. Dental dams also protect your airway from any loose particles, liquids or vapors that may be inhaled during your treatment.