 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
Advanced Technology When most people think of dental technology, one of the first things that probably comes to mind is radiography. However, dental technology has evolved considerably over the past several decades, improving significantly in its capacity and scope. From initial diagnosis to treatment, these technological advancements have substantially improved the quality of care that we can provide to our patients. By using these remarkable medical devices in our office, we here at Malmquist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery can better assist our valued patients, allowing them to have bright, beautiful smiles and optimal dental health.The I-Cat Cone Beam SystemWhile dental radiography has been incredibly helpful in allowing us to diagnose and treat oral health concerns such as tooth decay and gum disease, with the introduction of the I-Cat Cone Beam System, we are now able to get a more comprehensive look inside a patient’s mouth. With the information we can generate from the I-Cat Cone Beam System, we can improve our diagnosis and treatment of any dental concerns that we observe. This device works by rapidly and accurately capturing a 3D image of the inside of the mouth, allowing us a closer look at the teeth and other dental structures. This high-resolution image provides us with a more clear, crisp image of the structures of the mouth and is superior to the flat, two-dimensional images that could come from radiography. The data that our I-Cat Cone Beam System generates for us allows us to use better precision when planning for oral surgery, identifying and diagnosing serious health concerns like oral cancer, placing dental implants, and share findings with any other oral healthcare providers who may be involved in your care. The I.G.I. SystemThe I.G.I (Implant Guided Imagology) System was designed specifically to enhance the placement of dental implants in patients. While dental implants have been demonstrated to have an incredibly high success rate, there have been limitations in planning for the placement of these implants. The I.G.I. System allows us to use a combination of CT scanning and imaging, as well as digital perspectives during the placement, to help improve the prognosis for our patients. By introducing this system in our office, not only are we able to reduce discomfort and downtime for our patients, but we are also able to improve the outcome of the implant procedure greatly. The result is the superior placement of the implant, thanks to the pre-planning imaging offered by the I.G.I. System, and a reduction in implant failure. This means that the patient often has reduced recovery time and better comfort as they heal from the implant placement procedure. For both the patient and ourselves, the benefits are immediate and tangible. The CO2 LaserWhile it may seem that using CO2 (carbon dioxide) in oral surgery may seem like a brand-new concept, the fact is, this technology has been in use as far back as the 1960s. The benefits of using a CO2 laser are both well understood and applauded, as using it can be much safer and more effective than conventional surgical devices. While scalpels have been used in the past, they can be cumbersome and ineffective. Furthermore, they do not have the same precision that can be provided by the CO2 laser. A CO2 laser also can reduce the amount of blood produced by a surgical procedure, as it does something called “hemostasis”, meaning that it stops blood by sealing off the blood vessels. The carbon dioxide generated by our CO2 laser allows us to make extremely accurate and precise incisions in the gum tissue, allowing us to perform a wide variety of procedures on our patients. These procedures can include gingivectomies, dental implant placement, and tissue removal (such as tumors or other masses), abscess drainage. We are also able to treat our patients much faster, as there is a reduced need for anesthetic before we begin. Sutures are often not required after these procedures, as well, which means that healing after the procedure is often faster and less uncomfortable. For us, it means that we can improve our quality of care and precision when performing these procedures. For our patients, this means a notably reduced recovery time and vastly minimized discomfort after the procedure. The Surgical MicroscopeWhile the oral cavity may initially seem like a macro environment, the truth is, there are many areas inside the mouth that need more magnification to view. By using a dental microscope, we can get a much better view of the affected area. The treatment site is crisper and easier to see, thanks to the light and amplification of the site. This means that not only can we see the site much more clearly, we are also able to precisely and carefully perform procedures in the area with confidence. With our surgical microscope, we can improve our quality of care to our patients, minimizing the risk of any errors or complications both during and after a procedure. This means less discomfort and recovery time for our patients. We can use our surgical microscope in a wide assortment of applications, including gum surgery, root canal therapy, and implant placement. The Piezosurgery DeviceOccasionally bone surgery is required inside the mouth. While bone surgery may seem somewhat daunting and scary to a patient, by using our Piezosurgery device, we can perform these procedures with accuracy and precision. This machine uses ultrasonic vibrations to give us ultimate control when performing these procedures. Like many of the other devices we use in our office, our goal when introducing this technology is to improve the outcome for our patients. Our Piezosurgery device is no different in this regard. Because of the improved accuracy provided to us from the device, both discomfort and downtime for the patient are largely reduced. When we perform bone or soft tissue surgery inside a patient’s mouth with our Piezosurgery device, we can use extremely small and accurate incisions. This device also helps prevent excessive blood loss in the mouth, leading to a more comfortable and safer experience for the patient. We can use this device in a variety of applications, including sinus lifts, extractions, and implant placement. The Osstell SystemDental implants have allowed patients to have a beautiful and complete smile, allowing them to regain their confidence and their quality of life. Unlike dentures, which can slip and lead to discomfort, dental implants are a type of permanent restoration. Because the placement of a dental implant is a surgical procedure, there is an immense need to carefully monitor the patient to help ensure that the implant procedure was a complete success. In the past, checking on the implant could lead to further complications, but the Osstell System allows us to monitor the outcome of the implant procedure without harming the procedure site. By using Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA) through our Osstell System, we can help ensure that the implant site is properly healing and verify that osseointegration (when the bone in the jaw builds up around the titanium post of the implant) does occur. Healing is facilitated, and discomfort and downtime are reduced, in patients who receive follow up care with the Osstell System. Digital RadiographyDigital radiography is one of the most important advancements in dental technology. While conventional dental x-rays have been around since 1895, digital x-rays allow us to thoroughly identify, diagnose, and treat any oral health concerns on our patients. We can quickly and accurately capture images of the affected site and immediately pull the results up on our computer. Any issues with the bones, teeth, and structures of the mouth can be quickly pinpointed and isolated. In the past, x-rays needed to be sent to a lab to be developed. That meant delays in care and treatment of our patients. Today, we can get real-time results. Any areas of concern that we see in the digital radiographs can quickly be zoomed, adjusted, and cropped to allow focus on these sites. These images are saved in a patient’s digital chart, which also is very helpful to our practice as it means a reduced risk of losing these images. As a bonus, the risk of radiation exposure is quite low. While conventional x-rays are also regarded as safe, digital radiographs have as little as ten percent of the radiation that can be found in a traditional x-ray. The Technological AdvantageThe benefits of using these state-of-the-art devices are numerous and well understood. Because we use these incredible technological products in our office, we are investing in the wellbeing of our patients. Our primary concern has always been focused on making sure our patients receive the highest quality of care with markedly reduced discomfort and downtime after a procedure. Across a wide variety of procedures, such as implant placement, sinus lifts, flap surgery, and tumor excision, our various treatment systems result in healthier patients and brighter, happier smiles. To learn more about how we here at Malmquist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery use these medical devices in our office, or to set up an appointment with us, please give us a call at (503) 446-6776 today! |
 
Phone:(503) 446-6776Fax:503-297-7810Address:1750 SW Harbor Way, Suite # 100, Portland, OR. 97201Hours:Mon - Thu: 8:00am–4:30pm Friday: 7:00am–2:00pm Saturday: By Appointment Only |
