This is not a dental exam. It is a complete oral health investigation. Dr. Dave and our hygienist work together simultaneously. Two trained sets of eyes with seven different diagnostic technologies focused entirely on you.
AI Enhanced X-Rays
What it finds: Advanced imaging software that analyzes every X-ray for patterns the human eye can miss. It highlights areas of concern that traditional viewing would overlook.
Why it matters: Problems are caught at the earliest possible stage when they are simplest and least expensive to treat.
Why most practices don't have it: Most practices use standard X-ray viewing. AI enhancement requires specific software and training that most offices have not invested in.
NIRI 3D Scanning (iTero with Near Infrared Imaging)
What it finds: Near infrared light passes through tooth structure to find cavities forming between teeth before they appear on any X-ray.
Why it matters: This means intervention while the problem is small instead of waiting until it becomes a crown.
Why most practices don't have it: Most practices use standard impressions or basic scanners without NIRI capability.
DIAGNOdent Laser Detection
What it finds: A laser that reads the density of tooth structure and detects decay hidden inside teeth that look perfectly healthy on the outside.
Why it matters: Catches problems at the earliest possible stage when treatment is simplest and most affordable.
Why most practices don't have it: Most practices rely on visual inspection and X-rays alone which miss early internal decay.
MicroLux Transillumination
What it finds: A focused light that passes through teeth to reveal hairline cracks, fractures, and structural weaknesses invisible to the naked eye and undetectable on X-rays.
Why it matters: Finds cracks before they become emergencies. A cracked tooth caught early can often be saved. A cracked tooth caught late often cannot.
Why most practices don't have it: Most practices do not have transillumination technology.
DentLight Oral Cancer Screening
What it finds: A specialized fluorescence light that detects abnormal tissue changes that indicate early stage oral cancer. We perform this at every single visit without exception.
Why it matters: Early detection of oral cancer has a survival rate above 80 percent. Late detection drops below 30 percent.
Why most practices don't have it: Most practices do not screen at every visit. Many do not screen at all.
CBCT (When Indicated)
What it finds: Three dimensional imaging that provides a complete view of bone, jaw joints, and airway when standard imaging is not enough.
Why it matters: Reveals problems hidden beneath the surface that two dimensional X-rays cannot show. Available on site.
Why most practices don't have it: Most practices refer out for CBCT imaging which means delays and additional cost.
And this Protocol never stops improving. As new technology is proven through independent clinical research we add it. This is not a fixed checklist. It is an evolving standard.
