Advanced Dental Technology Hillsboro | East Wind Dental Care

Cutting-Edge Technology for Superior Dental Care

At East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro, Oregon, we believe that exceptional dentistry requires exceptional tools. Our commitment to advanced dental technology ensures that every patient receives the most accurate diagnoses, comfortable treatments, and predictable outcomes available in modern dentistry. Dr. Meghan McEwen and our team continuously invest in state-of-the-art equipment and training to provide you with faster, more precise, and more comfortable dental care than ever before possible.

Modern dental technology has revolutionized the way we diagnose and treat oral health conditions. From same-day crowns to 3D imaging that reveals what traditional X-rays cannot, our technology-enhanced approach means fewer appointments, less discomfort, and better long-term results. When you choose East Wind Dental Care, you’re choosing a practice that prioritizes innovation, precision, and your comfort above all else. Experience the difference that advanced technology makes in your dental care journey.

CEREC Same-Day Crowns: Complete Your Smile in a Single Visit

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology represents one of the most significant advances in restorative dentistry. This revolutionary system allows Dr. McEwen to design, create, and place custom ceramic crowns in a single appointment, eliminating the need for temporary crowns, multiple visits, and uncomfortable traditional impressions.

How CEREC Technology Works

The CEREC process begins with digital imaging. Rather than using messy impression materials, we capture detailed 3D images of your tooth using our advanced intraoral camera. These digital scans are immediately transferred to our CEREC design software, where Dr. McEwen precisely designs your custom crown to match your tooth’s exact anatomy and your bite’s specific requirements. The software considers everything from the shape and size to the proper contact points with adjacent teeth.

Once the design is finalized, the digital specifications are sent to our in-office CEREC milling unit. This sophisticated machine carves your crown from a solid block of high-quality ceramic material, matching the shade perfectly to your natural teeth. The entire milling process takes approximately 15-20 minutes while you relax in our comfortable treatment room. After milling, Dr. McEwen carefully finishes, polishes, and glazes your crown before permanently bonding it to your prepared tooth.

Benefits of CEREC Same-Day Crowns

The advantages of CEREC technology extend far beyond convenience. Same-day crowns mean no temporary crowns that can fall off or cause sensitivity. You avoid the hassle of scheduling multiple appointments and taking additional time off work. The digital precision of CEREC often results in better-fitting crowns than traditional laboratory-made versions, as the entire process occurs while Dr. McEwen can make real-time adjustments.

CEREC crowns are milled from solid blocks of ceramic, making them incredibly strong and durable. Unlike traditional crowns that may require compromised tooth structure to accommodate metal frameworks, CEREC allows for more conservative preparations that preserve more of your natural tooth. The ceramic material is biocompatible, stain-resistant, and closely mimics the translucency and appearance of natural tooth enamel.

CEREC vs. Traditional Crowns

Traditional crown procedures require at least two appointments spanning several weeks. After preparing your tooth, the dentist takes impressions and places a temporary crown while a laboratory fabricates your permanent restoration. Temporary crowns can be uncomfortable, may dislodge, and often don’t fit as precisely as needed. Multiple injections, temporary sensitivity, and the inconvenience of returning for a second appointment add to the overall burden of treatment.

With CEREC, you walk in with a damaged tooth and leave the same day with a permanent, custom-designed crown. There’s no waiting period, no temporary crown concerns, and no need to arrange childcare or take time off work for a second visit. For our Hillsboro patients with busy schedules, CEREC same-day crowns represent the perfect combination of efficiency, quality, and convenience.

3D Cone Beam CT Imaging: Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides three-dimensional imaging that reveals anatomical details impossible to see with traditional two-dimensional X-rays. This advanced diagnostic tool has become essential for complex procedures such as dental implant placement, root canal therapy, wisdom tooth extraction, and diagnosing TMJ disorders. At East Wind Dental Care, our 3D imaging capability ensures that Dr. McEwen has complete visualization of your oral structures before beginning any complex treatment.

Understanding 3D Cone Beam Technology

Unlike conventional dental X-rays that produce flat images, cone beam CT scanners rotate around your head, capturing hundreds of individual images from different angles. Sophisticated software then reconstructs these images into a detailed three-dimensional model of your teeth, jawbone, sinuses, nerve pathways, and surrounding structures. The entire scanning process takes less than 30 seconds and is completely painless.

Dr. McEwen can manipulate this 3D model on her computer screen, viewing your anatomy from any angle, zooming into areas of concern, and measuring structures with submillimeter accuracy. This level of detail allows for diagnosis of conditions that might otherwise go undetected, such as small fractures, hidden infections, or anatomical variations that could complicate treatment.

Implant Planning with 3D Imaging

Dental implant success depends heavily on precise placement. The implant must be positioned at the correct angle, depth, and location to ensure long-term stability and aesthetic results. With 3D cone beam imaging, Dr. McEwen can assess your bone density, measure available bone height and width, identify the precise location of nerves and sinuses, and virtually plan the entire implant procedure before making a single incision.

This virtual planning eliminates guesswork and minimizes surgical complications. Dr. McEwen knows exactly where to place your implant for optimal support and natural appearance. For patients requiring multiple implants or bone grafting, 3D imaging provides the comprehensive information needed to develop a surgical plan that maximizes success while minimizing recovery time. The precision of cone beam-guided implant placement has dramatically increased success rates and reduced healing periods.

Accuracy and Safety Advantages

The diagnostic accuracy of 3D imaging far exceeds traditional X-rays. Conditions such as vertical root fractures, extra canals during root canal therapy, impacted teeth, cysts, tumors, and jawbone abnormalities become clearly visible in three dimensions. Early detection means earlier treatment, better outcomes, and often less invasive procedures.

Despite providing significantly more information than traditional X-rays, cone beam CT scanners are designed specifically for dental applications and emit much lower radiation doses than medical CT scanners. The focused beam and rapid scan time minimize radiation exposure while maximizing diagnostic value. When 3D imaging is clinically indicated, the benefits in terms of diagnostic accuracy and treatment precision far outweigh the minimal radiation exposure.

Digital X-Rays: Clear Images with Minimal Radiation

Digital radiography has replaced traditional film X-rays at East Wind Dental Care, providing immediate, high-quality images while dramatically reducing radiation exposure. This technology allows Dr. McEwen to diagnose cavities, bone loss, infections, and other conditions with greater accuracy and speed than ever before possible.

How Digital X-Rays Work

Digital X-ray sensors replace traditional film. When an X-ray is taken, the sensor captures the image and immediately transmits it to our computer system. Within seconds, the image appears on the monitor in our treatment room, allowing Dr. McEwen to review it with you immediately. No waiting for film development, no chemical processing, and no delay in diagnosis.

The digital format allows for image enhancement that’s impossible with film. Dr. McEwen can adjust contrast, brightness, and magnification to highlight specific areas of concern. She can zoom into suspicious areas, overlay previous images to track changes over time, and use measurement tools to assess bone levels or cavity depth. These capabilities result in more accurate diagnoses and better treatment planning.

Radiation Reduction and Environmental Benefits

Digital X-rays reduce radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional film X-rays. The highly sensitive digital sensors require much less radiation to produce a diagnostic-quality image. For patients concerned about radiation exposure, especially parents of young children, this significant reduction provides peace of mind without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

Beyond health benefits, digital radiography eliminates the environmental impact of traditional X-ray processing. No toxic chemicals are needed for development, no lead foil is disposed of in landfills, and no water is wasted in processing. The digital format also simplifies insurance claim submission and makes sharing images with specialists instantaneous. Your X-rays can be securely emailed to specialists or insurance companies without the delays and costs associated with duplicating and mailing traditional films.

Digital Impressions: Comfort and Precision Without the Mess

Traditional dental impressions involving trays filled with gooey impression material are now obsolete at East Wind Dental Care. Our digital impression system uses advanced optical scanning technology to capture detailed 3D images of your teeth without any uncomfortable materials, gagging, or mess.

The Digital Impression Advantage

Digital impression scanners use a small, wand-like camera that captures thousands of images per second as it’s moved over your teeth. These images are instantly compiled into a precise 3D model of your dental anatomy. The entire process takes just minutes and can be paused at any time if you need a break. Unlike traditional impressions that must be perfect on the first attempt, digital scans allow Dr. McEwen to capture additional images of specific areas if needed.

The accuracy of digital impressions exceeds traditional methods. The 3D model captures details down to microscopic levels, ensuring that crowns, bridges, veneers, and other restorations fit precisely. Better fit means better long-term success, improved comfort, and reduced need for adjustments. Many patients who previously dreaded dental impressions are amazed at how comfortable and quick the digital process is.

Applications Across Restorative Dentistry

Digital impressions are used for CEREC same-day crowns, traditional laboratory-made restorations, clear aligner orthodontics, implant planning, dentures, and nightguards. The digital files can be stored indefinitely in your patient record, allowing for easy reproduction if a restoration needs replacement years later. They can be instantly transmitted to dental laboratories, reducing fabrication time for cases that require off-site manufacturing.

For orthodontic treatment planning with clear aligners like Invisalign, digital impressions are essential. The 3D model allows for virtual treatment planning, showing you the projected movement of your teeth before treatment begins. This technology has made orthodontic treatment more predictable, comfortable, and efficient than ever before.

Intraoral Cameras: See What Your Dentist Sees

Understanding your dental health is much easier when you can see what Dr. McEwen sees. Our intraoral cameras are small, pen-sized devices with built-in cameras that capture high-resolution images of individual teeth and specific areas inside your mouth. These images are displayed on monitors in our treatment rooms, allowing you to become an active participant in your dental care decisions.

Enhanced Patient Education and Understanding

Many dental conditions are difficult to see in a mirror or even with traditional examination methods. A cavity between teeth, a cracked filling, gum recession around a back molar, or wear patterns on your enamel become clearly visible when magnified on a monitor. Dr. McEwen uses intraoral cameras to show you exactly what she’s seeing, explaining treatment recommendations with visual evidence rather than asking you to simply trust her assessment.

This visual approach improves treatment acceptance and patient satisfaction. When you can see the crack in your tooth or the decay beneath an old filling, the need for treatment becomes obvious. The images also help you understand preventive recommendations. Seeing early signs of gum disease or enamel erosion motivates many patients to improve their home care routines before problems become serious.

Documentation and Insurance Communication

Intraoral images provide valuable documentation for your patient records and insurance claims. Insurance companies are more likely to approve treatment when provided with clear photographic evidence of the condition being treated. The images can be saved to your file and compared with future images to track changes over time, document healing after treatment, or show progression of conditions if treatment is delayed.

For patients who want to share information with family members before making treatment decisions, we can provide intraoral images that clearly show the issue. This transparency builds trust and helps you make informed decisions about your dental care.

Laser Dentistry: Gentle, Precise Soft Tissue Procedures

Dental lasers use focused light energy to perform a variety of soft tissue procedures with greater precision, less discomfort, and faster healing than traditional scalpel-based techniques. At East Wind Dental Care, Dr. McEwen uses laser technology for gum contouring, frenectomies, treatment of gum disease, and removal of excess tissue.

How Dental Lasers Work

Dental lasers emit concentrated beams of light energy that are absorbed by specific tissues. For soft tissue procedures, the laser vaporizes targeted tissue while simultaneously sealing blood vessels and nerve endings. This results in less bleeding, reduced post-operative discomfort, and faster healing compared to traditional surgical methods.

The precision of laser dentistry allows Dr. McEwen to remove only the exact amount of tissue necessary while leaving surrounding healthy tissue untouched. Many laser procedures can be performed with minimal or no anesthesia, as the laser seals nerve endings during treatment, reducing discomfort. The antimicrobial properties of laser light also reduce infection risk and promote faster healing.

Common Laser Dentistry Applications

Gum contouring for patients with a “gummy smile” is one of the most popular laser applications. Dr. McEwen can reshape the gum line to expose more of your tooth structure, creating a more balanced and aesthetic smile. The procedure is quick, typically requires only local anesthesia, and healing is rapid with minimal discomfort.

Frenectomies, or the removal of restrictive tissue connecting the lip to the gums or tongue to the floor of the mouth, are performed efficiently with lasers. These procedures are common in children with tongue-tie or lip-tie conditions that affect speech or nursing. Laser frenectomies heal quickly with minimal discomfort and rarely require stitches.

For patients with gum disease, laser therapy can remove diseased tissue and bacteria from periodontal pockets without the need for traditional gum surgery. The laser’s antimicrobial action reduces bacteria while stimulating tissue regeneration, often resulting in improved gum attachment to teeth and reduced pocket depths.

Electric Handpieces: Quieter, More Precise Treatment

The high-pitched whine of traditional air-driven dental drills causes anxiety for many patients. Our electric handpieces operate much more quietly while providing superior precision and efficiency. These modern instruments improve both the patient experience and treatment outcomes.

Advantages of Electric Handpieces

Electric handpieces maintain consistent speed and torque regardless of the resistance they encounter, unlike air-driven handpieces that slow down when cutting. This consistency allows Dr. McEwen to prepare teeth more precisely and efficiently, often completing procedures faster than with traditional drills. The reduced vibration and noise create a more comfortable experience, especially for patients with dental anxiety.

The precision of electric handpieces allows for more conservative tooth preparation. Dr. McEwen can remove only the decayed or damaged portion of a tooth while preserving more healthy tooth structure. This conservative approach leads to stronger, longer-lasting restorations and better long-term tooth health.

Electric handpieces also generate less heat than traditional air-driven units, reducing the risk of thermal damage to the tooth’s nerve. This means less sensitivity during and after procedures, contributing to a more comfortable overall experience.

Digital Charting: Accuracy and Efficiency in Record-Keeping

East Wind Dental Care maintains completely digital patient records, eliminating paper charts and improving the accuracy, security, and accessibility of your dental information. Our digital charting system streamlines every aspect of your care, from scheduling to treatment planning to insurance processing.

Benefits of Paperless Records

Digital records eliminate the possibility of lost charts, illegible handwriting, or misplaced information. Every detail of your dental history, treatment plans, X-rays, intraoral images, and communications is stored securely in one electronic location. Dr. McEwen can access your complete information instantly from any treatment room, ensuring continuity of care regardless of which room you’re in.

The digital format allows for sophisticated treatment planning tools that help Dr. McEwen develop comprehensive care plans tailored to your specific needs and goals. Insurance claim submission is automated, reducing errors and speeding reimbursement. Appointment reminders, post-treatment instructions, and patient communications are streamlined and personalized.

Digital security measures protect your information far better than paper charts in filing cabinets. Encrypted backups ensure that your records are never lost, and access controls limit who can view your information, maintaining HIPAA compliance and protecting your privacy.

Why Advanced Technology Matters for Your Dental Care

The integration of advanced technology throughout our Hillsboro dental practice delivers tangible benefits that improve every aspect of your dental experience. Understanding these benefits helps you appreciate why East Wind Dental Care’s commitment to technology represents a genuine advantage for your oral health.

Faster Treatment with Better Outcomes

Technology enables procedures that once required multiple appointments to be completed in a single visit. CEREC same-day crowns, digital impressions, and 3D imaging eliminate waiting periods and additional appointments. Faster treatment means less time away from work, fewer childcare arrangements, and reduced overall disruption to your life. You get your smile restored quickly without compromising quality or longevity.

Precision is perhaps technology’s greatest contribution to modern dentistry. Digital planning, 3D imaging, and computer-guided procedures minimize human error and maximize predictability. Dr. McEwen can plan treatments with accuracy measured in fractions of millimeters, resulting in restorations that fit better, last longer, and function more naturally than ever before possible. Better precision translates directly to fewer complications, less need for adjustments, and improved long-term success.

Enhanced Comfort and Reduced Anxiety

Many patients fear dental treatment because of memories of uncomfortable impressions, lengthy procedures, or painful recovery periods. Modern technology addresses each of these concerns. Digital impressions eliminate gagging and discomfort. Laser dentistry reduces bleeding, swelling, and post-operative pain. Electric handpieces operate more quietly and with less vibration. Same-day dentistry reduces the anxiety of waiting for treatment completion.

Intraoral cameras and digital imaging help patients understand their treatment needs, transforming anxiety-inducing uncertainty into informed decision-making. When you can see the problem clearly and understand the solution, dental care becomes less frightening and more collaborative. You become a partner in your treatment rather than a passive recipient.

Conservative, Tooth-Preserving Approach

Advanced diagnostic technology allows Dr. McEwen to detect problems in their earliest stages, often before you experience any symptoms. Early detection means less invasive treatment, better outcomes, and lower costs. A small cavity detected digitally can be treated with a conservative filling, while that same cavity left undetected until it causes pain might require root canal therapy and a crown.

Precision instruments and digital planning enable more conservative tooth preparation. Dr. McEwen removes only diseased or damaged tissue, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Since natural tooth structure is always stronger and more desirable than any restoration, this conservative approach contributes to better long-term tooth health and longevity.

Technology also improves preventive care. Digital records track your oral health over time, identifying trends that might indicate increased cavity risk, developing gum disease, or bite problems. Early intervention prevents these issues from progressing to more serious conditions requiring extensive treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Technology

Is dental technology safe, especially regarding radiation exposure?

All technology used at East Wind Dental Care is FDA-approved and proven safe for dental applications. Digital X-rays reduce radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional film X-rays, while 3D cone beam imaging delivers far less radiation than medical CT scanners. Dr. McEwen only uses radiographic imaging when clinically necessary, following ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles to minimize exposure while maximizing diagnostic benefit.

Are CEREC same-day crowns as durable as laboratory-made crowns?

CEREC crowns are milled from solid blocks of high-quality ceramic, making them incredibly strong and durable. Clinical studies show that CEREC crowns have success rates equivalent to or better than traditional laboratory-made crowns. The advantage of CEREC is that the entire process occurs in one appointment with the dentist making real-time adjustments, often resulting in better fit and function than crowns made remotely by a laboratory.

Does dental laser treatment hurt?

Most patients report minimal to no discomfort during laser procedures. The laser seals nerve endings as it works, reducing pain sensations. Many soft tissue laser procedures can be performed with only topical anesthetic or minimal local anesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is typically much less than with traditional scalpel-based procedures, and healing is faster.

Can digital impressions be used for all dental restorations?

Digital impressions are suitable for crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, onlays, implant restorations, dentures, nightguards, and orthodontic appliances. They have become the gold standard for accuracy and patient comfort across virtually all restorative applications. In rare cases involving full-arch rehabilitation, Dr. McEwen may supplement digital scans with additional verification steps to ensure optimal results.

How does 3D imaging differ from regular dental X-rays?

Regular dental X-rays produce two-dimensional images, similar to photographs. They’re excellent for detecting cavities, examining bone levels around teeth, and routine diagnostic purposes. 3D cone beam imaging creates three-dimensional models of your entire oral and facial structure, revealing anatomical details impossible to see on regular X-rays. Dr. McEwen uses 3D imaging for complex cases such as implant planning, impacted wisdom teeth, TMJ evaluation, and diagnosis of difficult-to-detect conditions.

Will my insurance cover treatments using advanced technology?

Insurance coverage depends on your specific plan and the procedure being performed. Most insurance plans cover necessary diagnostic imaging, including digital X-rays and, when medically necessary, 3D cone beam scans. CEREC crowns are typically covered at the same level as traditional crowns since they’re the same type of restoration, just completed more efficiently. Our team verifies your insurance benefits before treatment and provides detailed cost estimates so you know exactly what to expect.

How often does East Wind Dental Care update its technology?

Dr. McEwen is committed to staying at the forefront of dental technology. Our practice regularly evaluates new technologies and invests in equipment and training that offer genuine benefits to our patients. We don’t adopt technology simply because it’s new; we carefully assess whether it improves diagnosis, treatment outcomes, comfort, or efficiency. Our team receives ongoing training to ensure they’re skilled in using all equipment to its full potential.

Can I see my dental images and records online?

Yes, our digital record system includes a patient portal where you can securely access your dental records, X-rays, intraoral images, treatment plans, and appointment history. You can also use the portal to request appointments, communicate with our team, and review pre- and post-treatment instructions. We believe your dental information belongs to you, and we make it easily accessible while maintaining the highest security standards to protect your privacy.

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Experience the difference that advanced dental technology makes in your care. Contact East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro at (503) 614-0198 or visit our office at 7546 NE Shaleen St to schedule your appointment and discover modern, comfortable, precise dentistry.