3D CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) Scans

We use the latest dental technology at Mark A. Babbitt, DDS, including 3D CBCT scans. This scan provides more accurate images of the mouth, teeth, jaw bone density, soft tissues, and nerves in the craniofacial region in one scan. This helps us for more accurate diagnoses and to treat dental and oral surgery conditions. Traditional film and x-ray methods do not provide the level of detail or accuracy that CBCT does.

This scan is only used for certain surgical cases because it does transmit more radiation than other digital x-rays; however, the benefits of this scan outweigh the risks.

CBCT is commonly used in more complex dental implant cases.

Digital Panorex

A digital Panorex is a wide-view dental X-ray that gives our dental team a complete image of the teeth, jaws, sinuses, and surrounding structures in a single scan. We use it to evaluate wisdom teeth, plan braces, dentures, implants, and extractions, and to spot issues such as bone loss, jaw problems, cysts, fractures, or other hidden concerns that may not show up on regular X-rays.

Benefits include faster imaging, improved comfort, lower radiation exposure than traditional film-based X-rays, and clearer images that help Dr. Babbitt diagnose problems more accurately and explain treatment options more easily to patients.

Digital Bitewing X-Rays

Digital bitewing X-rays are a common dental imaging method that lets our dental team see the upper and lower back teeth in a single view, especially the areas between teeth where cavities often start. Dr. Babbitt uses them to spot early decay, check bone levels for signs of gum disease, and examine the fit of fillings, crowns, and other restorations. The main benefits are clearer images, faster results, easier storage and sharing, and lower radiation exposure compared with traditional film X-rays.

Itero Digital Impression Scanner

Traditional impressions can feel uncomfortable and messy. The iTero digital impression scanner offers a more efficient and reliable alternative. Digital impressions help our team visualize the structure of your teeth and jaws so we can plan treatment with accuracy and comfort.

Using a radiation-free laser, this compact device scans your mouth to create a digital, three-dimensional impression of your teeth and gums within minutes. These impressions are often more accurate than traditional materials and can reduce the likelihood of retakes. Many patients prefer digital scanning because it feels easier, faster, and more comfortable.

The iTero scanner supports a wide range of dental treatments by providing precise digital data for planning and fabrication. Combined with clinical experience and careful design, digital scanning helps deliver outcomes that fit better and feel more natural.

Digital scanning supports:

• Comfortable impressions: Improved by eliminating messy, uncomfortable impression materials.
• Accurate measurements: Supported through detailed 3D imaging of teeth and gums.
• Efficient workflow: Enhanced by creating usable digital files quickly.
• Reliable planning: Strengthened for procedures that require precise fit and alignment.

Soft Tissue Diode Laser

A soft tissue diode laser is a handheld dental device that uses focused light energy to gently cut, contour, and disinfect gum and other soft tissues with high precision. Our dental team commonly uses it for procedures like gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, frenectomy, crown lengthening, biopsy, and adjunctive periodontal therapy to remove inflamed tissue and bacteria around teeth. Because the laser energy simultaneously cuts and coagulates, it significantly reduces bleeding, often minimizes or eliminates the need for sutures, and can decrease the amount of local anesthesia required. Patients typically experience less postoperative discomfort, swelling, and faster healing because the laser is minimally invasive, promotes cellular regeneration, and provides a bactericidal effect that helps sterilize the treatment area. For practices, soft tissue diode lasers can make procedures more efficient and comfortable, improving patient satisfaction and serving as a strong return-on-investment technology when integrated into hygiene and periodontal protocols.

3-D Printing

3‑D printing allows our dental team to turn digital scans into highly accurate physical models, custom night guards, and implant surgical guides right in the office. We first capture an intraoral scan, design the appliance or guide in CAD software or a cloud design service, then print it using biocompatible resins and perform quick post‑processing steps like washing, curing, and polishing. This workflow lets our practcie fabricate precise study models, deliver same‑day or next‑day night guards for bruxism, and create guided implant surgery templates that help position implants in the ideal angulation and depth. Key benefits include faster turnaround compared with traditional lab fabrication, lower per‑unit costs, highly customized fit that improves comfort and accuracy, and the ability to control quality in‑house while enhancing patient experience and case acceptance.