
Our Vancouver Office & Technology Tour
HIGH STANDARDS
At New Image Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we are devoted to you by providing excellent dental care with the latest technology and techniques. We take extra time get to know you so we can best meet your needs, desires, and concerns. What sets us apart is our excellent personalized care and comprehensive dental services, ranging from basic preventative care to complete smile makeovers and the latest in cosmetic dentistry. These include laser dentistry, dental implants, Candid Pro Clear Aligners, porcelain veneers, and teeth whitening.
When you seek care at our office, you are assured that Dr. Perkins, Dr. Vasquez, and their staff utilize the latest in technology to enhance the quality and fit for your dental care.
Our practice uses high power microscopes to enhance the precision of patient care.
Dentistry is micro-surgery. Using 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.
Many dentists use air-driven “hand-pieces” (the dental term for “drills”). While acceptable for many procedures, these “whiney sounding” air-powered hand pieces all have a degree of non-concentricity; they do not rotate perfectly smoothly.
For the most precise aspects of restorative procedures, we use electric hand-pieces. This results in extraordinarily precise interfaces between your tooth and your new restoration (dental crown, tooth veneer, or tooth filling). This will bring more comfort to you as well. With a more precise tool, there is less vibration and less noise.
Digital Imaging
Drs. Perkins or Vasquez chooses 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. Drs. Perkins and Vasquez utilize 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 imaging allows us to store patient images, and enables us to quickly and easily transfer them to specialists or insurance companies.
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 results in 1/6th the radiation exposure to you.
Laser Dentistry
For patients who do not look forward to needles, drilling, or numbness, Laser Dentistry may be the right choice.
Laser dentistry is one of dentistry’s latest advances. The laser delivers energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a “target.” In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, gum tissue, or whitening enhancers. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others. Laser dentistry can be used for both tooth and soft tissue related procedures. Oftentimes no local anesthesia is required. Unlike with the dental drill, with laser dentistry there is no heat or vibration, making the procedure quite comfortable for most patients. For soft tissue (surgical) procedures it eliminates the need for suturing and healing is much faster.
Lasers can be used to diagnose cavities. They can find hidden decay in teeth in early stages, and in some cases the decay can be reversed through hygiene and fluoride treatment and may never need filling.
Areas of dental care that benefit from laser technology:
- Cavity diagnosis and removal
- Curing, or hardening, bonding materials
- Whitening teeth
- Periodontal, or gum related, care
- Pediatric procedures
- Apthous Ulcer treatment (canker sore)
- Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) without anesthesia or sutures
- Root canals and apicoectomies
- Crown lengthening, gingivectomy and other gum corrections
Dental lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for treating both children and adults.
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.
Drs. Perkins and Vasquez 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, in order 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.
EDUCATION & PREVENTION
We believe that preventative care and education are the essential for dental health. We emphasize thorough dental exams because we believe in “dental care” vs. “disease care.” Regular cleanings, flossing, sealants, and fluoride help to prevent dental infections and decay. Since we care about you as a whole person, we carefully review of your medical history, new medications, and any illnesses that could effect your dental health.
UNCOMPROMISING SAFETY
Infection control is a priority. To protect patients and staff, we follow sterilization standards recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Infection Control
Infection controls and universal precautions protect clients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone in a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with Dr. Perkins or Dr. Vasquez and receive a straightforward answer.
Drs. Perkins and Vasquez, and our entire team follow procedures recommended by several federal agencies: the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These measures include:
- Disinfectant hand soap
- Gloves and face masks
- Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
- Sterilization of all equipment before every use
- Disposable materials
We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental hand pieces. We use an autoclave, a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat and pressure.
The best defense against disease is information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel.
TRAINING & EXPERTISE
We pride ourselves in providing excellent dental care; we are therefore diligent to stay updated on the latest in dental technology and techniques by attending dental lectures, meetings, and conventions. Also, as members of professional dental associations, we stay updated on the changes and recommendations for our health care profession.
We view each patient as a unique and special individual and focus on understanding your primary concerns. This is vital to building a trust and achieving your goals. We understand how nervous some patients may feel about their dental visits, so we take extra care in providing a relaxing and positive experience. Each operatory has its own TV so you can watch your favorite channel during your appointment. Our team is devoted to providing excellent, personalized care to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Thank you for trusting us with your dental needs and we look forward to serving you.
Call to make an appointment today at New Image Cosmetic and Family Dentistry Phone Number (360) 604-7151 -we’ll give you a reason to smile!
