Advanced Technology

At Edward B. Coffey, DDS MS – Encinitas Dental Art, we do everything we can to provide the best dental care you deserve. Dr. Coffey is known for his gentle hand and state of the art dental techniques – so you can be confident that when you entrust us with your dental care, you will get the natural looking results that come from pain-free, technologically advanced dentistry.

Precision Dentistry

Our practice uses high power microscopes to enhance the precision of patient care.

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Dentistry is micro-surgery. Using a 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.

Digital Imaging

Dental radiographs, or x-rays as they are more commonly known, are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Because not everything is apparent to the naked eye, x-rays are essential for diagnosing hard-to-detect issues, such as 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. X-rays allow Dr. Coffey to see the true condition of your dental health, and he chooses carefully which and when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that we follow.

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Dr. Coffey utilizes state of the art Digital Imaging Technologies within the office, which minimize radiation by about 90%, and exposure time by about 50% compared to traditional film x-rays. It’s faster and safer – in addition, the images can be seen on a computer monitor, enhanced for superior visibility, and electronically stored and retrieved. Digital x-rays make diagnosis faster because the sensor is just moved from tooth to tooth and the images can be seen on a computer screen just moments after exposure – unlike film x-rays that require a wait period for chemical development. It’s also better for the environment, since there are no chemicals to be used or thrown away.

Digital imaging allows us to store patient images, and enables us to quickly and easily transfer them to specialists or insurance companies.

Gendex 3D Cone Beam Digital Imaging

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This high-tech machine allows Dr. Coffey to capture high-definition, three-dimensional digital images of the oral and facial regions, as well as 2D panoramic projections. This system allows us to provide our patients with cutting edge diagnostic technology at decreased cost and reduced radiation exposure that is associated with traditional CT scans. This system provides complete three dimensional views of oral and maxillofacial structures, giving us the most thorough diagnostic information possible for a variety of treatment including extractions and dental implants. These images allow for the most accurate treatment planning and more predictable treatment outcomes.

Laser Dentistry

For patients who do not look forward to needles, drilling, or numbness, Laser Dentistry may be the right choice.

Biolase_Laser_Treatments_Edward_B_Coffey_DDS_MS_Encinitas_Dental_ArtLaser 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 a 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

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Dr. Coffey utilizes 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. These amazing, tiny cameras allow Dr. Coffey to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums, which aid in providing the detailed diagnosis necessary for prescribing proper dental treatment. With these images, the accuracy of diagnosis is enhanced and you can see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. Dr. Coffey can then display these high resolution images on a computer monitor in the operatory, allowing the patient to share the view of the dentist. Allowing patients to view their teeth is a tremendous asset for Dr. Coffey, as it allows him to coordinate with patients regarding treatment needs and intended treatment outcomes. This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair-time for you!

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.

Intra oral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our computer files to provide a permanent record of your dental history. Just like digital x-rays, these images can be printed or electronically sent to other specialists, or insurance companies.

Autoclave Sterilization

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An autoclave is a device that heats solutions above their boiling point, producing pressurized steam that effectively kills all micro-organisms. To prevent the spread of infection, we use autoclave steam to sterilize all of our instruments prior to performing dental work. Our sterilization practices exceed accepted standards, ensuring the safety of our patients and the cleanliness of our work environment.

If you would like to experience the advantages of technologically innovative dental care in the heart of Encinitas and would like a complimentary consultation, you can call our office at (760)942-7272. Hablamos Español.