Services        Technology      

We believe it's important to keep up with the latest developments and equipment in dentistry. They help us provide dental procedures faster and more comfortably.

Diagnodent

One of the important things we do for our patients is to identify and fill cavities. Since even the smallest spot of decay can threaten the integrity of the entire tooth, finding and filling cavities, before they get too big, is the key to preventing further problems of all kinds. Cavities often hide along grooves on biting or occlusal surfaces of our teeth. Cavities in these areas can be difficult to detect manually with a dental instrument. For this reason, we've invested in DIAGNOdent: a revolutionary new laser device that provides us with a thorough means of detecting cavities, so your exam can be fast, easy, and nearly imperceptible.

Digital X-rays

Hillside Dental believes it's important patients are protected from any possible harmful effects from radiation. That is why we use digital radiography, which decreases radiation by more than 90 percent compared to conventional dental X-rays. To take a digital x-ray of your teeth, we insert a tiny camera into your mouth. The X-rays are then instantly transmitted to a computer screen, where we will review them with you. You can see any problems for yourself, while reviewing your treatment options together. Digital X-rays help you to be more informed about your own dental health.

Intraoral Camera

We use an intraoral camera, about the size of a pen, to help you and us see clearly the condition of your mouth. We can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings, and significantly magnify these dental concerns. These images are then displayed on a computer screen so that you can view the areas that we'll be treating, making procedures more understandable. The intraoral camera is a revolutionary diagnostic dental tool that allows us to more easily identify potential problems within the mouth, early on.

CAESY patient information

We give you options and show you the possibilities using the CAESY patient information system. This is a multi-media system that allows patients to access information about a procedure and treatment options. We inform you visually, in writing, and through conversations on how to improve your smile and your dental health. We believe patients should be well informed when it comes to treatment options and procedures. This information helps you to understand how current and future dental care will affect the overall health of your smile. See for yourself how modern dentistry can improve the confidence and appearance of your smile.

Sterilization: For Your Safety

Our system of safety protocols reduces the chance for cross-contamination. We have steam, heat and chemical sterilization. Instruments are heat-sterilized after each patient's use in a process called autoclaving. Sterile storage areas and easy to clean counters and drawers. All instruments are bagged and sterilized. Many items are disposed of after one use.

Radio Surgery

This technology uses radio waves to change gum tissue coverage or re-contour unhealthy, short gum lines. Gum tissue helps protect teeth, but excessive gum tissue can be removed without reducing this protection. Gum tissue contouring is especially helpful to accident patients who have damaged gums. Show more of your pearly whites and increase the confidence of your smile.

Radio surgery is similar to laser surgery without the high-intensity heat that's generated from some lasers. Radio surgery eliminates the discomfort of the scalpel with no bleeding and is efficient at producing results without tissue inflammation. It used for esthetic gum contouring and during general surgery procedures. We want to create a no-worries dental experience.

Electronic Claims Processing

Get the information you need to make the best decisions for your dental care or for your family, quickly. Estimating coverage can be frustrating when your expectations and ours do not coincide with your insurance provider. Electronic processing gives us better information in a timely basis. We're also very quick at developing a financing plan when you're ready to restore, renew and revitalize your smile.

Sonicare

This brushing technology is far beyond electric and manual toothbrushes. Sonicare cleans with a combination of high-speed brushing (31,000 strokes per minute) and sonic wave action. Its sonic technology is proven to remove plaque without the bristles touching the plaque itself. It reaches plaque in hard to reach places. It is gentle on gums and sensitive teeth and yet is powerful enough to reverse gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. It is also proven to remove 80 percent of coffee, tea and tobacco stains. Achieving great dental health and a whiter smile, that's hard to beat.

Comfort Dentistry

We realize that some patients are apprehensive about receiving dental care. That's why we have worked hard to garner a reputation for making patients as comfortable and relaxed as possible. If your anxiety level is high, we can help reduce it. Our doctors are very gentle when administering localized injections. We also use less invasive topical anesthetics.

• Nitrous Oxide

We can provide nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, which you inhale while we perform your treatment. Nitrous oxide relaxes you so you feel more comfortable.

• Movies
• Massage chairs in hygiene rooms
• Hot towels
• Warm pillows
• Warmed shawls
• Aromatherapy
• Music and headphones
• Juices, coffee, tea, water coolers

After Care Instructions

Care following Dental Extractions

Proper care of the mouth following most dental extractions can reduce complications and speed the healing of the surgical area.

Protection of blood clot: Maintain firms pressure by biting on the gauze sponge that has been placed over the surgical area. Keep steady firm pressure for 30 minutes. Repeat as often as necessary.

Rinsing: Do not rinse, spit or use a mouthwash for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, rinsing with warm salt-water 91/2 teaspoon table salt in 8oz. of warm water) every 1 to 2 hours is recommended. (The use of commercial mouthwash during the healing period is not encouraged.)

Discomfort: Following dental surgery, it is normal to experience some discomfort. If medication has been given or prescribed, take as instructed. If pain pills are to be taken, the doctor recommends one to be taken before the novocaine wears off. This is extremely effective. Do not drink anything alcoholic with the narcotic medication, as this is extremely dangerous.

Eating: Wait 2 hours before eating so a clot can form. Avoid getting food in the extraction site. Adequate food and fluid intake following surgery and/or general extractions is most important. If you find that eating your regular diet is too difficult, you may supplement your diet with liquids. Should you be unable to chew solid food of any nature for several says or longer, follow a nutritionally balanced liquid diet.

Cautions: Avoid all excessive physical activity. Don?t pick at the surgical area or consume liquids through a straw. Avoid alcoholic beverages and refrain from smoking until healing is well established.

Sutures (stitches): If sutures were used, do not fail to return for their removal on the appointment date given (usually 2-7 days).

Control of Swelling: Gently apply ice packs to area for periods of 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off. This procedure should continue for the first 24 hours only. Do not apply unwrapped ice directly to the face.

Allergic Reactions: If you experience a generalized rash, itching, etc., cal; the dentist immediately.

Bleeding: Some bleeding or slight oozing is common for the first day. If bleeding does not become minimal after a couple of hours, firm biting pressure on a moistened tea bag for 45 minutes (repeated as often as necessary) usually suffices.

Problems: After about 3 days, definite problems such as increased tissue soreness, bad taste, pain, or earache could indicate an infection. Notify the office. The doctor will rinse the area gently and apply medication. This may happen in about 5% of all extractions.

Questions: Please do not hesitate to call if any questions arise.

What to Do After Root Canal Treatment

Following are some suggestions to aid in your comfort after root canal treatment.

1. You may be numb for sometime after leaving today. Use cautions when eating and drinking to avoid burning or biting numb parts of your mouth.
2. The tooth receiving root canal treatment may be tender for 24 to 48 hours. Over the counter pain medication have been proven extremely effective in alleviating post-endodontic treatment discomfort. These medications consist of the potent anti-inflammatory analgesic Ibuprofen (Advil, MotrinIb), and the analgesic acetaminophen (Tylenol). The following recommendations are made regarding the use of these pain medications:

First 48 hours:

• (4) 200 mg tablets of Ibuprofen every 6-8 hours
• (2) regular or extra strength acetaminophen tablets may be taken two hours after each Ibuprofen does for additional relief.

After 48 hours:

• Follow the above recommendations as needed for discomfort.

It may be necessary to prescribe you additional pain medications and/or antibiotics. It is very important that you take these medications as directed to alleviate discomfort and aid in post-treatment healing.

If discomfort and/or swelling does not decrease after 48 hours or at any time worsens, it may be prudent to contact our us at our office at (715) 834-6603 or after hours at your doctors home.
Dr. Hutchinson 839-7590
Drs. Breneman 835-6092
Dr. Johnson 552-5934

3. A temporary filling may have been placed over the root canal opening in your tooth. It is important that you complete the filling/restoration of your tooth. Use care when chewing until the final restoration is placed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please ask us. We will gladly help in any way we can.