Modern dental technology can make diagnosis, treatment planning and communication more efficient and easier to understand. At Excellence in Dentistry, our dentists use dental technology in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to gather detailed information, plan treatment carefully and help patients better understand what is happening with their oral health.
Dr. Curtis Godfrey and Dr. Brock Russell both incorporate digital technology into patient care. Their experience includes CBCT imaging, digital design, guided surgical techniques, digital impressions, intraoral scanners and intraoral cameras. These tools support a more detailed approach to diagnosis and treatment planning across a range of dental needs.
Our Dental Technology
How Dental Technology Supports Your Care
Dental technology is most useful when it helps your dentist see more clearly, plan more accurately or explain treatment more effectively. Depending on the type of care you need, digital tools may help our team:
- Capture detailed images of teeth, bone and surrounding structures
- Evaluate areas that may not be visible during a standard visual examination
- Plan restorative, surgical and implant treatment
- Create digital records of the teeth and bite
- Show patients areas of concern more clearly
- Coordinate treatment using digital information and planning tools
The technology used for your visit will depend on your individual needs. Our dentists can explain why a particular tool is being used and how the information it provides may influence your treatment plan.
CBCT Imaging for Three-Dimensional Views
CBCT imaging allows our dentists to view three-dimensional information about the teeth, jaws and surrounding structures. Unlike a traditional two-dimensional dental image, a CBCT scan can provide additional detail that may be useful when evaluating anatomy or planning certain procedures.
Dr. Godfrey uses CBCT imaging as part of his approach to dental implant planning and guided surgical treatment. The additional information can help him evaluate bone and surrounding anatomy before developing a treatment plan.
Dr. Russell also works with CBCT technology as part of diagnosis and treatment planning. Whether the scan is needed depends on the procedure and the information required for your care.
Digital Impressions and Intraoral Scanning
Digital impressions and intraoral scanners can create a digital representation of your teeth and bite. Rather than relying only on conventional physical impressions, these tools allow our team to capture detailed dental information electronically when appropriate.
Digital scans may be useful when planning restorative or cosmetic treatment because they provide a clear record of tooth position, shape and relationships. They can also make it easier for the dentist to review information on a screen and incorporate it into a broader digital workflow.
Dr. Russell has experience using digital impressions and intraoral scanners as part of his restorative treatment planning. Dr. Godfrey also incorporates digital design into comprehensive and cosmetic cases when appropriate.
Intraoral Cameras Help You See What We See
An intraoral camera is a small imaging device that allows our dentists and team to capture close-up views inside the mouth. These images can help patients see areas that may be difficult to view on their own, such as a damaged tooth, worn restoration or other area being discussed during an examination.
Being able to view an enlarged image can make conversations about dental care easier to follow. Instead of relying only on a verbal explanation, you can see the area your dentist is evaluating and ask questions about the findings and recommended treatment.
Digital Planning for Dental Implants
Technology can play an important role in implant treatment because the position of an implant must be planned in relation to the available bone, surrounding anatomy and final restoration. Dr. Godfrey uses CBCT imaging, digital design and guided surgical techniques to support implant placement and treatment planning.
When guided treatment is appropriate, digital information can be used to plan the intended implant position before surgery. This allows the surgical and restorative aspects of care to be considered together rather than treating implant placement as an isolated step.
Dr. Russell has also completed advanced continuing education in implant dentistry and has experience with both implant restoration and surgical implant placement.
Technology Supports the Dentist — It Does Not Replace Clinical Judgment
Advanced equipment can provide valuable information, but technology alone does not determine the right treatment. Images, scans and digital plans still need to be interpreted in the context of your oral health, symptoms, goals and clinical examination.
At Excellence in Dentistry, our dentists use technology as one part of a comprehensive approach to care. The purpose is to gather useful information and support thoughtful treatment planning, not to recommend treatment simply because a particular technology is available.
Experience With Digital Dental Care
Dr. Curtis Godfrey has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completes more than 100 hours of continuing education annually with Spear Education. His advanced training includes comprehensive treatment planning, restorative dentistry, aesthetics, occlusion and complex dental cases. He uses technologies such as CBCT imaging, digital design and guided surgical techniques as part of that broader clinical approach.
Dr. Brock Russell brings a strong restorative background and has completed approximately 100 hours of continuing education since dental school, including advanced implant training. His clinical experience includes CBCT imaging, digital impressions, intraoral scanners and intraoral cameras.
Together, their experience allows digital tools to be incorporated into care based on the needs of the individual patient and procedure.
Dental Technology FAQs
What dental technology do you use?
Our dentists work with technologies including CBCT imaging, digital impressions, intraoral scanners, intraoral cameras, digital design and guided surgical techniques. The technology used during your care depends on the type of examination or treatment being planned.
What is a CBCT scan used for in dentistry?
CBCT imaging provides three-dimensional views of dental and facial structures. It may be used when additional anatomical information is needed for diagnosis or treatment planning, including certain implant and surgical procedures.
What is the difference between a digital impression and a traditional impression?
A digital impression uses an intraoral scanner to create an electronic representation of the teeth and bite. A traditional impression uses impression material to create a physical record. The appropriate method depends on the treatment and clinical situation.
What does an intraoral camera show?
An intraoral camera captures close-up images inside the mouth. These images can help our dentists document areas of concern and can make it easier for you to see and understand what is being discussed during your visit.
How does technology help with dental implant planning?
CBCT imaging and digital planning can provide information about bone, surrounding anatomy and the intended position of an implant. Dr. Godfrey may use this information when planning implant placement and guided surgical treatment.
Does every patient need advanced dental imaging?
No. The type of imaging or technology recommended depends on your individual dental needs and the information required for diagnosis or treatment planning. Our dentists can explain why a particular technology is being recommended.
Where can I learn more about dental technology in Idaho Falls, Idaho?
Our team at Excellence in Dentistry can explain how digital technology may be used during your dental care. Call 208-529-4321 to schedule a visit with one of our dentists and learn more about the tools used in your treatment.
Experience Modern Dental Care
If you would like to learn how dental technology in Idaho Falls, ID, may be incorporated into your care, call 208-529-4321 to schedule a visit at Excellence in Dentistry. Our dentists can answer your questions and explain how the technology used for your treatment supports diagnosis, planning and patient education.