One of the technological innovations we've pioneered is our e-mail confirmation system. I've had so many patients tell me just how effective it is and how much they appreciate it.

With this system, you'll receive an e-mail message 30 days before your appointment reminding you of the date and time of your next visit. Then, four days prior to the appointment, you'll receive a second confirming e-mail and if you prefer even a text message , just to make sure. If there are any questions about your appointment you can simply respond by e-mail and let us know. Or you only need to click on CONFIRM to let us know that you are coming. It's another way we've found to keep the focus of the practice on your convenience.

First, as you may know, digital radiography is a new X-Ray technology that eliminates film. When you have X-Rays taken in our office with the award winning DEXIS system, you won't have to wait for X-Ray film to be developed. You'll immediately see a digital X-Ray image on a large-screen computer, very near the chair you're sitting in. There's no waiting for film to be developed, so you don't waste your time.

But even more important, digital radiography exposes you to up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional film X-Rays do. It's much safer than the old technology. And with this important new tool, you'll be involved in treatment planning much more than before. The large images, combined with tools that enable me to highlight potential problem areas on the screen so you can see them, enable you to understand just what I'm talking about. In my practice, you're directly involved in treatment planning, so you know just what to expect.

DIAGNOdent by Kavo is a revolutionary laser-based diagnostic tool that enables me to discover hidden caries, or cavities, that might otherwise be missed using normal diagnostic tools. DIAGNOdent is especially useful in identifying hidden caries that have begun to form underneath the enamel surface but are not yet developed enough to show up even on our powerful digital X-Ray system.

DIAGNOdent consists of a display that is connected to a pen which either my hygienists or I use to scan your teeth. You'll actually be holding the display readout as I'm scanning your teeth, and when the laser detects a possible cavity, you'll hear beeping and be able to check the reading on the display. Once again, in addition to its invaluable ability to detect caries at a very early stage and enable us to plan an effective treatment strategy, it also involves you in the process. It's technology in the service of patient involvement in treatment planning, and it enables us to provide the most conservative approach possible in developing your treatment plan.

We use a terrific new tool, known as "The Wand," to administer the anesthetic to our patients. The Wand is a dramatic improvement over the way numbing is typically done because it provides a more comfortable experience while at the same time providing precise dosages so that you'll never receive too little or too much anesthetic.

That's because The Wand uses computer technology to give precise control of the amount of anesthetic administered. This means that the pressure needed to inject the anesthetic is much less than it used to be, and it means that, based on what the computer "learns" as the anesthetic is being administered, the precise dosage can be very accurately controlled, again insuring a much more pleasant experience for you. Patients are simply amazed.

Since one of the specialties of my practice is cosmetic and restorative dentistry, I've installed the latest technology to enable me to provide ceramic crowns, onlays, and veneers in a single visit. This means that, if you need restorative work done, it is possible that you won't have to make multiple appointments and take valuable time away from your schedule.

And since Cerec enables me to use ceramic materials which restore your teeth to their natural strength and coloring, I'm no longer limited to using silver fillings, gold, or other metals in my restorations. Cerec provides the optimum in convenience for you, insuring that your restoration will be of the highest quality and strength.

Since 2008 we are proud too have incorporated the VELscope^® Oral Cancer Screening System into our dental practice for initial and dental hygiene treatment visits.

Known as The Forgotten Disease, each hour of every day a person dies of oral cancer in the United States. Oral cancer strikes three times as many victims as cervical cancer. It is one of the few types of cancer that has not seen a significant reduction in incidence over the past thirty years. Most people think one has to smoke or drink heavily to be at risk of oral cancer, but recent research including the New England Journal of Medicine has shown a strong association with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which can be sexually transmitted.

We utilize this FDA approved screening device called the VELscope^® System which adds only one or two minutes to a conventional examination. It is completely free of any pain or discomfort, and is affordably priced (only $20 per screening). Patients are grateful that we have invested in such a device as it truly gives us an extra pair of eyes.

Oral cancer is typically discovered in late stages, when the five-year survival rate is only 22%. If detected in early stages, however, the five-year survival rate is 80% or higher. The VELscope^® System can also help discover abnormal growths before they become cancerous. For over 20 years I have always conducted an annual comprehensive oral cancer screening for all of our patients, but now the VELscope^® System will help us see things we might could have missed previously as it can spot abnormal cells lurking below the surface. By detecting potential problems earlier, we are providing our patients with the best health care currently available.