Our office Care & Comfort
Infection Control
Infection controls and universal precautions protect clients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone in a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with Drs. Horton, Jacobson, Horton, Herrera, Hingst or Robinson and receive a straightforward answer.
Our team follows procedures recommended by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These measures include:
-
Disinfectant hand soap
-
Gloves and face masks
-
Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
-
Sterilization of all equipment before every use
-
Disposable materials
We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental hand pieces, using an autoclave—a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat and pressure.
The best defense against disease is information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel.
Advanced Technology
Precision Dentistry
When you seek care at our office, you are assured that Drs. Horton, Jacobson, Horton, Herrera, Hingst and Robinson, and their staff, utilize the latest in technology to enhance the quality and fit for your dental care.
Our practice uses high-power microscopes to enhance the precision of patient care. Dentistry is micro-surgery. By using a microscope similar to what an ophthalmologist uses, we create dental restorations with incredibly precise fit and finish. That level of care simply can’t be achieved with the naked eye.
In addition to allowing precise, close-up work, the microscope directs a beam of light directly onto the teeth—minimizing glare for you.
Digital Imaging
Drs. Horton, Jacobson, Horton, Herrera, Hingst and Robinson choose carefully which and when radiographs are taken. There are many guidelines we follow. Radiographs allow us to see things we cannot see with our own eyes. They enable us to detect cavities between your teeth, determine bone level, analyze the health of your bone, examine roots and nerves of teeth, diagnose lesions such as cysts or tumors, and assess damage when trauma occurs.
Dental radiographs are invaluable aids in diagnosing, treating and maintaining dental health. Exposure time for dental radiographs is extremely minimal. We utilize digital imaging technologies within the office. With digital imaging, exposure time is about 50% less than traditional radiographs. Digital imaging can also help us retrieve valuable diagnostic information and may allow better detection of cavities.
Digital imaging allows us to store patient images, and enables us to quickly and easily transfer them to specialists or insurance companies.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays offer more precision since we view the image on a computer monitor instead of holding up a 35mm film to the light. With digital X-rays the radiation exposure to you is about one-sixth of that of the traditional film method.
Intraoral Camera
Many patients—especially younger patients—are very familiar with the latest technology and are comfortable in a high-tech practice. Computers and TV screens are their primary method of information processing.
We utilize intraoral camera technology that helps enhance your understanding of your diagnosis. An intraoral camera is a very small camera—sometimes just a few millimeters long. It allows our practice to view clear, precise images of your mouth, teeth and gums in order for us to diagnose accurately. With clear, defined, enlarged images, you see details that may be missed by standard mirror examinations.
This can mean faster diagnosis with less chair-time for you!
Intraoral cameras also enable us to save your images in our office computer to provide a permanent record of treatment. These images can be printed for you, shared with other specialists, or sent to labs or insurance companies.
Why This Matters
By combining rigorous infection control measures and state-of-the-art technology, we deliver safe, efficient, high-quality dental care. You can feel confident in both the environment and the methods we use.
If you have any questions about our infection control protocols or technology investments, please don’t hesitate to ask our team. We’re committed to transparency and your comfort.
Call to Action
Contact our office today to schedule your appointment or to learn more about how we’re using leading technology and safety protocols to care for you.
