IN-HOUSE DENTAL LABORATORY

At SAN DIEGO PROSTHODONTICS we have a fully equipped prosthetic laboratory on premises, staffed with two full-time, experienced dental laboratory technicians. This ensures complete control and timely delivery of superior quality customized crowns, bridges, dental implant restorations, dentures and facial prostheses.

**We have the ability on site to accomplish all phases of complete denture fabrication, most implant supported restorations and cast precious metal crowns and bridges. A custom milling machine is available for the fabrication of high-end implant supported restorations. All phases of fabrication of silicone facial prostheses, from sculpting to processing and painting are handled in our laboratory.

Our dental laboratory technicians, Fred and Ian are vital components of our oral health care team. The skill and knowledge they have represents over 50 years of experience in the field of dentistry. If you are having a restoration on an implant or a tooth; if you are receiving crowns (caps), bridges, inlays, onlays, partial or complete dentures (plates),or nightguards, you have been helped by these valuable individuals who are dedicated to restoring the beauty and function of your mouth.

Advantages of Digital Dental X-Rays

I am often asked by patients about the advantages of digital radiography when used in my dental office. Digital radiography is a form of x-ray imaging where sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. There are two types of dental radiological examinations—intraoral, with sensors placed inside the mouth, and extraoral, where the sensor is outside the mouth. An extraoral X-ray image is commonly referred to as a Panoramic X-ray and is used to visualize a larger region.

When we moved to our new office, we purchased both a digital intraoral x-ray machine as well as a digital extraoral panoramic machine, commonly referred to as a digital Panorex . After more than 25 years practicing dentistry using conventional X-ray technology, I am excited to share the benefits of digital radiology with my patients.

First and foremost, digital radiography reduces my patient’s exposure to radiation—usually 70 to 80 percent. Many patients are very relieved that digital radiology significantly lowers the amount of radiation they will receive.

In addition, there is no chemical processing of the x-rays, eliminating the inconvenience and environmental impact associated with disposal of conventional film developers

Thirdly, digital X-rays facilitate communication with patients as well as other practitioners. The digital images are immediately available to view. Using current technology, it is very easy to enhance, enlarge, or refine the X-ray images. Brightness, color and/or contrast of digital X-rays can be adjusted without re-exposing the patient for another film. Patients are now able to view their X-rays instantaneously on the computer monitor screens located in each operatory.

One of the most useful advantages, is that I can send the digital image to other doctors in a few minutes. Often, while a patient is still seated in the dental chair, I can call other referring doctors to discuss their treatment plan. This can understandably save time for both patients and doctors alike.

Finally, digital X-ray images can be stored in each patient’s database on the computer. This process saves time and allows me to easily retrieve this information when necessary.

As you can see, digital radiology offers many advantages when compared with traditional film based X-rays. The decision to ‘go digital’ in our new office has both enhanced and improved patient care.

Visit our new location. 8860 Center Drive, Suite 460, La Mesa.,CA

January 1, 2011, we celebrated our one year anniversary at our new office location, 8860 Center Drive, Suite 460, La Mesa, CA  91942.  We are conveniently located next to Sharp Grossmont Hospital.