Our Staff

Technology in our Dental Practice

A few words about technology...

Dentistry has seen many rapid advances in technology over the last few years, and new changes are coming at an ever-increasing rate. It really is a great time to be a doctor or a dental patient.

Many practices advertise that they have the newest technologies simply to appear on the "cutting edge". Unfortunately, these newer gadgets and gizmos may be very expensive or have limited use for most patients. You may arrive at an office to find that you are "not a good candidate" for the advertised technology.  Other practices are so concerned with having the newest toys to appear current that they don't wait to see them proven first. And someone has to pay for these expensive tools; you get one guess who that is.

These things said, we do like to take advantage of proven technology whenever possible. Our practice does feature some important technological assests that have substantial benefits for every patient that passes through our doors.

Computerized Office
Our scheduling system is completely computerized, allowing us to more easily schedule appointments that meet your schedule, or locate your next appointment quickly when you call. Furthermore, we have digitized most of the insurance process. We can determine your benefits by contacting your insurance company online. We can also electronically submit insurance pre-estimates and claims and the insurance companies typically reply to us electronically. This can streamline what used to be a month-long process into a week or less--meaning fewer obstacles between you and your treatment.

Jeffrey M. Casiglia, DMD, DMSc               William F. White, DDS

Essex Street Dental Medicine

Digital Radiography
This tremendous advance allows us to take computerized X-rays and eliminate film. Some of the advantages you will notice right away are:

• NO developing time (saves you about five minutes per film)
• 90% less radiation than traditional films.
• Images are visible on monitor instead of trying to squint at a postage stamp-sized film! This makes it easy to show you what problems might exist and help you better understand your oral health. Advanced software makes this even easier--we can change contrast and brightness to make subtle changes easier for you to see.
• Images can be sent digitally to insurance companies to expedite your treatment, or printed for you if you like

Intraoral Camera
This allows you to see  what we see in your mouth as we examine you, so you can visualize the problems for yourself instead of relying on our descriptions.

• Image appears large on monitor so you can see small cracks, cavities, and failing fillings that are otherwise difficult or impossible to conceptualize.
• Images can be printed for you if you like.
• We can take before and after pictures of treatment for you.
• We can even take before pictures and virtually create a new smile with veneers, bonding, whitening, and other techniques. This allows you to imagine how you will look after treatment BEFORE we even start!

Before upgrading or implementing technology in his practice, Dr. Casiglia always asks the following questions:

• Does the new technology help the patient better understand their diagnosis or treatment?
• Does the new technology allow us to provide new or better treatment?
• Has the technology been proven in reputable scientific studies, and is it reliable?
• Will I have to raise fees or see more patients simply to rationalize the purchase of expensive equipment?

If I can answer "Yes" to the first three questions, and "No" to the last, I will consider investing in the new technology. No technology is a substitute for education, attention to the patient's needs, and compassion.