Skip to main content
Aesthetic Edge Dental 559Dentist.com · Fresno, CA
Home / Dental Services / Dental Technology
Diagnostics & Technology

The Tools We Use, and Why They Change What You See

Technology in a dental office matters for one practical reason: it lets you see what the dentist sees. A finding you can look at on a screen is easier to understand — and easier to decide about — than one described to you from behind a mask. This office uses digital impressions and digital X-rays, keeps same-day time open for urgent problems, and refers same-day to trusted local specialists when a case belongs in specialist hands.
Diagnostics

Digital Impressions — No Putty Trays

A small handheld scanner passes over your teeth and builds an accurate 3D model on the screen in a few minutes. There is no tray of impression material, no gagging, and no waiting for a mold to set — the most commonly disliked part of dentistry, simply removed. The scan is more accurate than a physical impression, can be re-taken in seconds if you move, and goes to the lab electronically, which shortens turnaround on crowns, nightguards, and aligner cases. It also gives you something worth seeing: your own bite, rotated on a monitor, while the findings are explained.

Digital Radiography

Digital X-rays produce images immediately, can be enlarged and adjusted for contrast, and involve less radiation than the film systems they replaced. They also become part of a record that can be compared year over year to catch change early.

Intraoral Photography

A small camera captures a magnified image of a specific tooth or area and displays it on the monitor. It is the single most useful tool for explaining a cracked cusp or a failing margin, because you can simply see it.

Examination and Screening

A comprehensive examination includes charting existing restorations, decay detection, periodontal measurements, bite evaluation, and an oral cancer screening of the soft tissues — not only a look at the teeth.

Digital Records and Imaging Workflow

Records, images, and treatment notes are kept in the practice management system rather than paper charts, which makes it straightforward to pull up your history, compare images, and send information to a specialist when a referral is needed.

How we talk about technology

Same-day availability, and same-day specialists

Time is held open each weekday for urgent problems, so a patient in pain is usually seen the same day rather than booked into next week. Digital X-rays and a scan mean the diagnosis happens in the same visit, not after a wait for images to develop or a mold to be poured.

When a case genuinely belongs with a specialist — a complex surgical extraction, an involved root canal, periodontal surgery, orthodontic treatment beyond aligners — Dr. Gill refers to trusted specialists here in Fresno, and can usually arrange that referral the same day rather than sending you off to find someone yourself. Your images and records travel electronically, so the specialist is not starting from scratch.

Claims we will not make

You will not find "state-of-the-art" on this page, or a list of devices chosen to sound impressive. What is listed here is what this office actually uses, described by what it does for you. If a technology is not named here, assume we do not have it — that is more useful to you than a vague claim.

New does not always mean better for you

Some technology genuinely improves accuracy, comfort, or turnaround. Some mainly improves marketing. Dr. Gill’s bias is toward conservative treatment and proven approaches, and toward explaining the reasoning either way.

Your records belong to you

You can request copies of your X-rays and records, including for a second opinion or transfer to another dentist. Requests are handled through the office following applicable privacy requirements.

Common Questions

It depends on your decay risk, gum health, and history, not a fixed schedule. Dr. Gill will explain why a particular image is being recommended.
Clinically reviewed by Mankirat Gill, DDS·Last reviewed July 2026

This page is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace an in-person dental examination or personalized advice.

Related: Preventive Care New Patients Comfort & Sedation

See What We See

A comprehensive examination includes reviewing your images together on the screen.

Book an Appointment