We evaluate and apply the latest  techniques and technology in dentistry!

Dr. Lockwood's passion for dentistry is evident in his pursuit of the latest techniques and technology in all areas of dentistry.  Click on the current hot topics in dentistry to read more about them:

• Hydrokinetic Lasers
• Periostat
• Air Abrasion with Sealants

***NEWS FLASH!***
 Lasers are Replacing Drills and
Gaining Prominence in Dentistry!

And, With No Heat, There's No Pain...

Lasers are better than ever!  And, now they're being used effectively for more dental procedures than ever, including:

• decay removal

• cavity preparation

• reshaping "gummy" smiles

• general soft tissue procedures

• general dentistry for enamel & dentin

• to avoid being "numbed"

• to avoid the shot and pain

What is Hydrokinetic Technology?

The Hydrokinetic process is the removal of tissues with YSGG laser-energized water droplets.  Hydrokinetic energy is produced by combining a spray of atomized water with laser energy.  The resulting energy gently and precisely removes a wide range of human tissue including tooth enamel (the hardest substance in the body), and soft tissue (gum tissue), with no heat and no pain in most cases.

What Are the Benefits of this Laser?

• Most dental procedures can now be performed with no pain, virtually eliminating the need for anesthesia in most cases.

• The laser's pinpoint accuracy is precise enough that your dentist can leave behind more tooth structure, allowing you to keep your own teeth longer.

• Soft tissue (gum) procedures are performed with little or no bleeding.  Fewer reasons to be referred to a specialist; a convenience to the patient.

• Avoids common problems of high-speed drill, including cracks in the teeth from vibration and rapid turning of the burrs with can weaken your teeth causing future problems.

• The laser prepares your teeth in a way that maximizes the bonding of tooth colored fillings, allowing them to last longer.

• No longer will the whine of the drill be heard, but rather a popping sound similar to that of popcorn popping.  What a relief to the senses!

Here's what several patients had to say:

"I was prepared for a couple of hours of drilling and needles, and not being able to eat or smile.  But when I came in that day, I got through in 20 minutes instead of 2 hours, and I walked out smiling and had lunch with my husband without any paralyzation in my mouth.  It was great.  It's certainly what I would choose again."  - Patient

"Ten minutes for the whole cavity procedure.  No anesthesia was used.  I felt nothing at all.  I was delighted.  I'm looking forward to my next cavity.  I actually want to go to the dentist again."  - Patient

Dr. Lockwood is excited about this advanced laser technology and providing his patients with the highest standard of care.  From both clinical and patient viewpoints, it makes good sense to treat decay with minimal invasiveness and virtually no pain!

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Periostat is the first and only medication that suppresses the action of enzymes responsible for the destruction of tooth and gum tissue associated with periodontal disease.  It is available by prescription only and is taken orally in conjunction with early periodontal therapy.

What's Your Periodontal Status?

• 60% of adults surveyed are not familiar with periodontal disease

• More than 80% do not know it is the leading cause of tooth loss

• Four of ten (39%) adults do not visit a dentist regularly

• Of those familiar with periodontal disease, 1/3 could not identify any treatments

Very few people know their periodontal status (the condition of their gums and bone structure that keep their teeth safely anchored).  With regular checkups, we will keep you informed of your exact periodontal status.

For our patients with signs of gum disease, we are excited to be able to offer Periostat, a breakthrough medication that suppresses the disease.

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Air Abrasion with Sealants
The "Diagnostic Sealant"

Air Abrasion is an alternative to the dental drill for most cavities.  Micro-abrasive particles are propelled by a gentle, narrow stream of air.  The particles quickly and gently remove decay from deep and narrow grooves without removing healthy tooth structure.

Air Abrasion allows our doctors to treat decay at its earliest stages.  It creates a more conservative or smaller preparation (opening).  The restorative material used to seal or fill the preparation is able to bond more thoroughly to the clean and rough surface created by the Air Abrasion.

"Diagnostic Sealant" is the term we use for the process of investigating stained grooves on molars (where decay is often present 50% of the time) by using Air Abrasion.  Our approach is to conservatively strip away and remove the stain in order to diagnose the presence of hidden decay.  If no decay is present under the stain, a sealant is then applied to protect the tooth.

When there is decay under a groove, the specific area of decay is removed and a conservative composite filling is inserted. 

Air Abrasion, then, is used as a diagnostic procedure to discover decay at its' earliest stages without destroying tooth structure.  This means smaller restorations that last longer!

Best of all, our diagnostic use of Air Abrasion is pain-free and requires no anesthesia.  The only feeling you'll have is of air whisping onto your tooth.

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