We offer a total comprehensive range of high-tech dental treatment options in relation to the management of your oral health.
Highly fluoridated outer surfaces make it hard to detect hidden decay in the inner part of the tooth. Conventional detection methods are no longer adequate to detect decay in grooves of back teeth.
Using lasers we can find hidden problems at early stages, providing cost effective preventative treatments.
At Shortland Dental Care we provide instant xray images from digital sensors which allow immediate diagnosis. The advantages are that images are displayed instantly on our monitors with significantly less exposure to xray radiation.
With the software we have invested in this allows images to be enhanced and magnified allowing more scope in diagnosis.
Communication with digital xrays can be easier and instant by emailing them to other health providers or dental specialists.
Panoramic imaging is an important part of our practice at Shortland Dental Care which allows a full face view of the dental and related structures. Panoramic images reveal hidden problems which would not have been detected with conventional xrays.
Panoramic imaging is essential for any diagnosis associated with impacted wisdom tooth removal and orthodontic treatment.
At Shortland Dental Care we use different methods of assessing the risk of dental decay providing dental treatment and restorative plans based on an individual patient's risk.
It has been recognised for some years that dental disease is no longer a generic problem. Individuals show quite different patterns of disease, depending upon the chemistry of events happening in their mouths.
We now know that dental decay is a complex disease caused by many different strains of bacteria. We call these bacteria the biofilm - the furry layer that builds up over minutes and hours after you brush your teeth.
We can check risk factors such as saliva output and pH, caffeine intake, diet, gastric reflux disease, medications, smoking, sporting activities - all of these can have an effect on the rate of tooth decay and wear in an individual.
Your clinical records are on hand at the click of a mouse as Shortland Dental Care is fully computerised. We can update your details, discuss photos and xrays at the chairside and forward your digital details to specialists instantly. This allows accurate and prompt follow up without the delays of a paper trail.
We have the facilities of utilising cameras to capture detailed views of your mouth for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Images can be sent by email to our laboratory technician and specialists.
Many patients are worried that they might expose themselves to infections. We understand the trust that you place in us and at Shortland Dental Care we are committed to ensuring your safety in every way by using standard sterilisation techniques, ie : an autoclave (steam pressure sterilisation), once-only use of equipment where appropriate and the highest level of staff training.
All equipment that is used in your mouth is completely sterilised. Our standards exceed those imposed by regulations and the industry norm.
Autoclave Steam Sterilisation
All instruments capable of withstanding high temperatures are steam sterilised under pressure in an autoclave. ALL bacteria and viruses are killed. We have the latest generation of autoclave that operates under a vacuum to ensure that even hollow tubes for example, inside of a dental drill, are totally sterile.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Prior to instruments being autoclaved they are hand scrubbed before being placed in an ultrasonic bath with a disinfectant cleaning solution. This removes any surface debris and begins sterilisation process.
Chemical Disinfection
All items that cannot tolerate high heat, for example plastics, are disinfected in a chemical solution formulated to kill infectious bacteria and viruses.
"Pouching" of Sterile Instruments
Most of our instruments are "autoclave pouched" to maintain sterility until the moment they are required.
One-time Use Items
Many items are single-use and are disposed of after each patient. This includes all syringes (needles) and saliva ejectors (the plastic tips on the suction tube which are placed in the mouth to remove saliva).
Disposable Gloves and Masks
Gloves and masks are worn to prevent transmission of disease between you and us (both ways), as well as providing protection from transmitting any diseases between you and another patient in the practice. Gloves are never used on more than one patient.
Surface Decontamination and Barriers
All surfaces (counter tops, dental chair, light handles, etc.) are disinfected with a chemical solution again formulated to kill infectious bacteria, spores, and viruses.
