Advanced Technology

Precision Dentistry

When you seek care at our office, you are assured that Dr. Shim and his staff utilize the latest in technology to enhance the quality and fit for your dental care.

Digital Imaging

Dr. Shim chooses carefully which and when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines that we follow. Radiographs allow us to see everything we cannot see with our own eyes. Radiographs enable us to detect 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.

Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental health. Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. Dr. Shim utilizes Digital Imaging Technologies within the office. With digital imaging, exposure time is about 50 percent less when compared to traditional radiographs. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information. We may be able to see cavities better.

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

Digital X-Rays:

Digital X-rays offer more precision since we view the image on a computer monitor, instead of holding up a 35mm film up to the light. Digital X-rays results in 1/6th the radiation exposure to you.

Digital ImPRESSIONS

No more goop, gagging, or discomfort. When we need to get a model of your teeth we now use an Emerald scanner to take a “digital” impression.
The new highly accurate technology completely eliminates the traditional tray-and-putty impressions, where many patients say the experience is like stuffing a big wad of gum in your mouth. The traditional impression takes 5 minutes to set in the mouth. For those five minutes, the patient is experiencing the bad taste of the putty, while fighting off the gag reflex at the same time. 
Our new Emerald scanner ensures a more accurate impression resulting in improved treatment, as well as a more comfortable patient experience. Accuracy and patient comfort were the reasons for upgrading to a digital impression system.
You’ll be happy to know digital impressions give the ability to see your teeth instantly in 3D, improving communication during the consultation and treatment process.
Here’s how it works: The Emerald scanner, a compact, hand-held wand, digitally captures the structure of the teeth and gums using the latest optical technology. Once we begin the scanning process, it can be stopped and started as many times as necessary.

Your mouth is scanned with the radiation-free laser, and in as little as 2-3 minutes, renders a digitally perfect, 3-D impression of the teeth and soft tissue structures. Through this digital software, patients are then able to follow the progress of the scans including a three-dimensional model of their teeth on the computer screen.
The Emerald scanner can be used for any restorative treatment including crowns, bridges, implants and orthodontic treatments like Invisalign or Clear Correct.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to make an appointment we would love to help you!

Intraoral Camera

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.

Dr. Shim 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. An Intraoral Camera allows our practice to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums, in order for us to accurately make a diagnosis. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations. This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair-time for you!

Intra oral cameras also enable our practice to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatments. These images can be printed for you, other specialists, and your lab or insurance companies.

You’ve got to do your part too.

We get you involved too. By using intra-oral cameras, we’ll let you see your teeth while we explain the care you need, so you can make more informed decisions. We keep track of your progress with computer-assisted perio charting, for faster reference. And we’re connected to other dental practices through the internet to have a faster, more complete reference to your dental history. And of course, you’ll have to do your part too. We’ll talk about good preventive care – the basics…brushing flossing, etc. – as well as good general health practices. It’s all part of being on the same team.