Sterilization Area

​Our office implements the highest standards of sterilization and disinfection. We use the latest equipment and products to ensure patient safety.

What is done:*

1. We use gloves and masks whenever treating patients.   Hands are washed with soap and water and are dried thoroughly or rubbed with a  hand sanitizer  before we glove. 
2.  In the operatory all surfaces exposed during the procedure are sprayed and wiped down using high level disinfectants.
3. All water and suction lines are disinfected between patients and nightly to remove the bacterial growth.
4. Plastics, rubber dams, papers, gauze, foam trays, gloves or anything else disposable are discarded after the procedure.
5. Sharps, needles, glass and scalpels, are disposed of in a puncture-proof container at point of use.
6. All handpieces (or drills) are lubricated and sterilized.
7. All instruments used during treatment are reprocessed (or sterilized) at the Steri-Center and are either placed into an instrument cassette or bagged in a sterilization pouch.  The  instruments are pre-washed in an instrument washer to remove stubborn debris and then placed into an Autoclave.
8. We verify sterilization effectiveness mechanically, chemically and biologically.
9. Every load is logged by time, date, the contents  and whether it was successful
10.  The time/date stamp, sterilizer and load # of the cassettes and/or pouches used on you are recorded in your chart.
11. All sterilization equipment is inspected  and maintained on the schedule recommended by the manufacturer 
12. As per the RCDSO, we conduct an annual audit using the Public Health Ontario’s Infection Control and Prevention Checklist for dental offices .  If  any deficiencies are revealed we take  immediate action to correct them. 

Your health matters to us so, you can be assured we are taking the latest precautions to make your visit safe.
 
* this is for information purposes only and in no way implies our office is superior to any other office in this respect

​Digital Radiography

​Digital radiographs are vital in evaluating oral health, offering insights that aren't apparent in a visual exam. 

Advantages of Digital Radiography:

• X-ray radiation exposure is reduced by as much as 90%.
• Enhanced details and image adjustments on the computer significantly aid diagnosis.
• Images are stored in the electronic chart for quick access when needed.
• It eliminates the use of chemicals found in conventional development processes.

Our practice has  a ScanX digital radiographic system and a Vatech Digital Panorex Machine.

ScanX digital radiographic system: 

​We typically take bitewings to detect cavities between teeth and assess bone loss. If we need to focus on an  individual tooth, we will take one or more periapicals which  will identify issues like abscesses and root fractures. 
​Radiographs are captured using small phosphor plates enclosed in a disposable wrapper. These plates are highly sensitive to x-rays, thus requiring less radiation per image. After the radiograph is taken, the plate is processed in the ScanX system, allowing the image to be promptly displayed on the screen for review.​

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​​Vatech PaX-i Panorex:
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​A panorex is an X-ray that captures a comprehensive view of the upper and lower jaws, along with the teeth, on a single film. It is used to assess overall oral health, including the status of impacted teeth and jaw alignment. These radiographs are crucial for establishing baseline information, particularly for new patients. The Vatech Panorex machine delivers high-quality diagnostic images at the push of a button, minimizing distortion and consistently producing high-quality images for optimal diagnosis and treatment planning.​

iTero Digital Impressions

At our practice, we use the advanced iTero scanner to perform a digital scan for every new patient. This state-of-the-art technology captures detailed 3D images of your teeth and gums, enhancing treatment precision and planning. By eliminating the need for traditional messy impressions, the iTero scanner significantly improves patient comfort. Additionally, it aids in cavity detection by providing highly accurate visuals, allowing us to identify potential issues early. Whether it’s for crowns, bridges, or other procedures, this innovative tool supports our commitment to delivering personalized, efficient, and preventative care.