Dental Technology at Riverfront Dental
Riverfront Dental has a 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) scanner, an iTero Lumina intraoral scanner and a soft-tissue diode laser at our Cambridge clinic. Each tool has a specific job. This page explains what each one does, when your dentist might use it and where to read more.
What is a CBCT scanner, and why is it on site?
A cone beam CT (CBCT) scanner takes a 3D X-ray of your teeth, jaw and the bone around them. Your scan can happen at the same clinic where you are treated. Dentists use CBCT to plan implants and to assess wisdom teeth and root problems that a flat X-ray cannot show.
A CBCT scan uses more radiation than a standard dental X-ray, so it is not part of a routine checkup. Your dentist orders one when a 3D view will change the treatment plan. Other dentists can also refer patients to us for a scan. Read more about CBCT imaging in Cambridge.
How does the iTero Lumina scanner work?
The iTero Lumina is an intraoral scanner made by Align Technology. Instead of biting into a tray of impression material, you have a small wand moved around your teeth while it builds a 3D digital model. The model appears on a screen in the room, so you can see your teeth while your dentist explains what they show. At Riverfront Dental, digital scans are part of planning Invisalign treatment.
What is a diode laser used for?
A diode laser is a small dental laser for gums and other soft tissue, not for teeth. Dentists at Riverfront Dental use it for soft-tissue (gum) procedures and to help relieve canker sores and cold sores. A soft-tissue laser is also one option for releasing a lip or tongue tie. Bleeding is usually minimal. Read more about diode laser dentistry.
The dental X-rays we take
Riverfront Dental takes three common types of dental X-ray. A single periapical X-ray shows one or two teeth from crown to root. Bitewings show decay between the back teeth. A panoramic X-ray shows all your teeth and both jaws in one image, which helps with wisdom teeth and orthodontic planning. Your dentist chooses which ones you need based on your exam and history.
Philips Zoom in-office whitening
Philips Zoom is the in-office whitening system Riverfront Dental uses. Our team applies a whitening gel to your teeth during one appointment, with your gums protected. Results vary from person to person. Whitening also does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings. Read more about teeth whitening in Cambridge.
What sedation does Riverfront Dental offer?
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is the sedation option at Riverfront Dental. You breathe it through a small mask over your nose, and it brings on a light, relaxed feeling within minutes. It wears off quickly once the mask comes off, so most patients drive themselves home. Riverfront Dental does not offer IV sedation. Read more about sedation dentistry.
General dentists, not specialists
Riverfront Dental's three dentists, Dr. Kim Beaucage, Dr. Rifaan Lalji and Dr. Sandra Gerlich, are general dentists. None of them is a specialist. To see the clinic and its treatment rooms, take a tour of the office. You can also call (519) 621-2111 with questions about any of these tools.
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