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Technology

Technology Overview

Technology in the dental field is ever-changing and our doctors enjoy learning how to integrate state-of-the-art equipment into their practice. Utilizing the latest advancements in dentistry allows our doctors to treat patients with less pain and in fewer visits. This equals less time in the dental chair and a more comfortable experience from start to finish.
Our doctors and their team spend many hours each year training and taking advanced courses to ensure they deliver the best care, safely. Employing the latest technology means consistent results, so you’ll know what to expect at each visit. You'll find that modern dental care with Nelsen Family Dentistry leaves you smiling.
At Nelsen Family Dentistry in Chico, CA, you'll discover dental care at its highest level: technology, advanced training, and compassionate service blended perfectly together.

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Nelsen Family dentistry

Technology We Offer 

Intra-Oral Camera

Intra-oral imaging gives you a detailed view of your mouth in pictures and videos.

Putting specific problem areas onto a computer screen lets us see with clarity and detail that’s not possible with a traditional mouth mirror. Hand-held wands quickly capture the details of your teeth and gums. In fact, even small cracks that often lead to broken teeth appear vividly with the click of a button. We can explain the need for treatment more clearly by showing you what we see in great detail.

As an added benefit, dental insurance benefits often pay more quickly with the visual proof of a digital image.

Digital X-ray

Digital sensors capture detailed x-ray images with a fraction of the exposure found in traditional film x-rays.

Technological advancements in x-ray technology provide multiple benefits, from safety to improved treatment results.

Benefits:
Safety - Although traditional dental films require minimal radiation for image development, our digital x-ray system provides unsurpassed safety: up to 90% reduction in radiation compared to older film-based systems.
Time Savings – Images captured instantly with a digital sensor lessen the time you spend in the dental chair.
Better Outcomes - Improved image clarity increases our doctor's ability to diagnose and treat conditions.

3D Imaging (ConeBeam CT)

We're excited to offer the most advanced imaging process in dentistry: ConeBeam CT scanning, or 3D imaging. This technology allows us to create virtually unlimited views of your teeth, face, and neck with just one scan. We're able to obtain high-quality, detailed information to diagnose and plan your treatment needs. We can evaluate your teeth and facial structures from literally every angle, in 3D, and in color! Routine x-rays, on the other hand, produce a single flat image with limited information.

The ConeBeam CT imaging system is a digital x-ray scanner that rotates once around your head while you stand or sit in a chair. The process is quick, simple, and completely painless. We use these scans to provide the best treatment in dental implants, root canals, diagnosis of dental and facial pain, etc.

Regardless of your needs, 3D imaging makes it possible to plan and customize your care unlike never before. You can have absolute confidence and satisfaction in the treatment you receive, knowing we've analyzed every problem with 3D technology.

Hard Tissue Laser

Laser technology continues to create new possibilities in healthcare, including many cosmetic enhancements. In dentistry, lasers simplify many surgical procedures and lead to more comfortable treatment and more predictable outcomes. But hard tissue lasers take your care one step further, eliminating anxiety-producing aspects of dental care for many patients.

GENTLE, QUIET CARE

Hard tissue lasers elevate dental treatment to a new level. Teeth contain water, and laser energy contacting a tooth excites the water molecules to help gently trim away tooth structure. Often a continuous stream of water keeps the tooth cool, virtually eliminating sensation. And the quiet operation of the laser handpiece offers a pleasant respite from the sound of a dental drill.

ULTRA-PRECISE

A hard tissue laser's precise operation allows less of your tooth to be removed to access an area damaged by a cavity. And without the vibration of a conventional metal drill, fewer stress cracks develop in the tooth. Your tooth remains stronger with less filling material needed to return it to full function. Better yet, no anesthetic is needed for many procedures involving the small laser handpiece!

ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE

Since teeth rarely need numbing before laser treatment, multiple cavities can often be restored in one visit. Instead of worrying about numb lips and return visits, laser dentistry streamlines your care and gets you back to your daily routine in no time. Adults and children benefit from treatment that leaves their mouths feeling perfectly normal right after treatment!

The benefits of laser treatment extend well beyond cavities, providing a valuable method of treating gum disease, root canals, and problem areas around implants. Many other surgical treatments can be simplified, often eliminating the need for stitches and reducing otherwise lengthy healing periods. We look forward to introducing you to the comfortable, convenient and precise possibilities of hard tissue laser treatment at Nelsen Family Dentistry!

Soft Tissue Laser

Laser technology continues to transform many procedures in healthcare. Once the subject of sci-fi movies, lasers now clearly provide benefits for mainstream treatment in medicine and dentistry. Shorter procedures, less discomfort, and quicker healing are just a few of the benefits of modern lasers.

The soft tissues of the mouth cover about 30 square inches of surface area. Annoying lumps or bumps may need removal with any unusual patches of tissue requiring further microscopic analysis. Traditionally, a surgical procedure involving incisions and sutures would be required to produce a biopsy sample. Today, a pen-shaped wand allows our doctors to remove suspicious or bothersome bumps in a couple of minutes. The healing stimulated by laser energy leads to rapid healing and little to no discomfort, without the need for stitches.

Similarly, gums can be quickly reshaped without bleeding, and some gum infections are now treated with rapid results. Even cold sores or mouth ulcers can undergo faster healing when laser energy passes over the surface. Better yet, the days of pain associated with these recurring ulcers can be dramatically decreased. Lasers are also safe for use with children and can help with growth and development issues or help wisdom teeth move into place.

A soft tissue laser offers a valuable benefit to many conditions in the mouth. Our doctors' specific training in laser protocols opens many possibilities using one of modern dentistry's most versatile tools.

CEREC®

SINGLE APPOINTMENT TOOTH REPLACEMENT

CEREC® is the most advanced dental restorative system available today. CEREC® streamlines a once time-intensive process…dramatically.

In ONE visit, 3D digital images of your teeth appear on the screen and our doctors and their team design a custom solution with innovative software. The images produce a crafted porcelain restoration through a special milling process. Bonded into place minutes later, your new tooth appears and functions just as nature intended.

WHAT DOES CEREC® MEAN?

CHAIRSIDE: The technology sits within arm's reach of the dental chair in as little as one appointment.

ECONOMICAL: Efficiency reduces the overall cost of treatment and allows you to turn two visits into one. Less travel, less time away from work and your family.

RESTORATIONS: Natural beauty, function, and strength for a broad range of needs, CEREC® offers a solution for nearly every scenario.

ESTHETIC: Metal-free materials in many shades and color variations allow a perfect blend with your teeth.

CERAMIC: High-strength ceramics closely mimic natural tooth structure and support years of normal function.

iTero Element Scanner

Traditionally, hours of labor in a dental laboratory were required to make a crown or bridge. With the adoption of more technology into dentistry, digital imaging continues to grow in importance.
Most restorations begin with a mold of your mouth that involves messy impression materials. With the iTero Digital Scanner, you can say goodbye to the mess. iTero eliminates this step, replacing it with simple digital images captured with a handheld wand. The images quickly appear on a computer screen as 3D models of your teeth. Our doctors review the detailed images to make sure they meet their strict standards.
NO messy impressions.
INSTANT images for review.
DETAILED reproduction for better outcomes.
FASTER case completion.
EXCEPTIONAL fitting restorations and appliances.

We look forward to introducing you to the innovation of modern dentistry. iTero offers one more reason to experience the difference at Nelsen Family Dentistry 

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We'd Love To Hear From You!

Take the first step toward a healthier, brighter smile by booking your appointment with Nelsen Family Dentistry today! Whether you need a routine cleaning, cosmetic enhancement, or specialized dental care, our experienced team in Chico, CA, is here to provide personalized treatment in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Don’t wait—schedule your visit now and experience the exceptional care you deserve!