Technology That Helps Us Deliver Better Dental Care

At Renaissance Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, technology is not a substitute for careful listening, clinical experience, or personalized care. It is a tool that helps us understand your oral health more clearly and provide treatment with greater precision.

Our advanced dental technology allows us to identify concerns that may not be visible during a traditional examination, explain our findings using images you can see, and plan treatment around your individual needs. Many of these tools also make appointments more comfortable and efficient.

Most importantly, we use technology to support our collaborative approach to dentistry. We want you to understand what we see, why a treatment may be recommended, and what options are available before making decisions about your care.

Digital Dental X-Rays

Digital X-rays provide detailed images of the teeth, roots, supporting bone, and areas between the teeth that cannot always be evaluated through a visual examination alone. The images appear almost immediately on a computer screen, allowing our team to review them with you during your appointment.

Digital imaging can help us identify cavities between teeth, bone changes associated with gum disease, infections, damaged restorations, and other concerns before they become more difficult to treat. Compared with conventional film, digital radiography can also reduce radiation exposure and eliminates the chemicals required to develop traditional X-ray film. We take X-rays based on your individual needs and follow current safety recommendations to keep exposure as low as diagnostically acceptable for patients.

• Faster access to clear, detailed images
• Earlier identification of dental problems
• Lower radiation exposure than traditional film
• Easier communication because you can view the images with your dentist
• Secure digital records that can be compared over time or shared with specialists when needed

NOMAD Handheld X-Ray Technology

The NOMAD is a portable, handheld digital X-ray unit that allows our team to capture necessary images directly at the dental chair. Because the equipment can be positioned around the patient instead of requiring the patient to move to a fixed X-ray unit, imaging may be easier for children, older adults, patients with limited mobility, and anyone who finds dental X-rays uncomfortable.

The NOMAD Pro 2 incorporates shielding designed to protect the operator from backscatter radiation while producing the diagnostic images needed for patient care:

• Convenient chairside imaging
• Easier positioning for patients with mobility limitations
• A more efficient X-ray process
• Greater flexibility when capturing difficult angles
• Less disruption during an examination or procedure

i-CAT FLX Cone Beam 3D Imaging

Traditional dental X-rays produce a two-dimensional image. When a more complete view is necessary, our i-CAT FLX cone beam computed tomography system, commonly called CBCT, creates a detailed three-dimensional image of the teeth, roots, jawbone, and surrounding structures.

CBCT imaging can provide important information when planning dental implants, evaluating complex root anatomy, investigating unexplained symptoms, or assessing areas that cannot be fully understood with standard X-rays. The system allows the scan area to be adjusted so we can focus on the region relevant to your immediate needs. It also provides low-dose imaging options and digital treatment-planning software. not necessary for every patient or every procedure. We recommend it only when the additional three-dimensional information is expected to meaningfully improve diagnosis or treatment planning.

Benefits for patients:

• A three-dimensional view of important oral structures
• More precise implant and restorative planning
• Better evaluation of complex or difficult-to-see conditions
• The ability to examine a targeted area based on your needs
• More informed treatment recommendations before a procedure begins

iTero Element 5D Digital Scanner

The iTero Element 5D scanner creates a highly detailed digital model of your teeth and bite. A small scanning wand moves comfortably around the mouth while images are assembled into a three-dimensional model that can be viewed on screen.

For many procedures, digital scanning reduces or eliminates the need for traditional impression material. The scans can be used to plan Invisalign treatment and assist with restorative care. The iTero Element 5D also combines three-dimensional scanning with color images and near-infrared imaging, or NIRI, which can aid in detecting cavities between certain teeth above the gumline. Lapse feature allows us to compare scans taken at different appointments. This can help us monitor changes in tooth position, bite, gum levels, and patterns of wear. For Invisalign patients, the Outcome Simulator can provide a preview of how the smile may change, while Progress Assessment tools help us evaluate how treatment is advancing.

• Comfortable digital impressions without trays of impression material in many cases
• Accurate three-dimensional models of the teeth and bite
• Enhanced visualization of areas between the teeth
• The ability to monitor changes over time
• A preview of potential Invisalign results
• More efficient communication with dental laboratories and specialists

VELscope Enhanced Oral Tissue Examination

An oral cancer screening includes a careful visual and physical examination of the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, throat, and other oral tissues. VELscope technology provides an additional way for our team to examine these tissues.

The handheld device uses a safe blue light that causes oral tissues to fluoresce. Changes in the normal fluorescence pattern can help the dentist visualize areas that may require closer evaluation. The examination is quick, noninvasive, and can be completed as part of a routine dental visit. is an adjunctive screening tool, not a stand-alone cancer diagnosis. Any unusual finding must be evaluated in the context of your health history and clinical examination, with referral or biopsy when appropriate.

Benefits for patients:

• A painless and noninvasive examination
• Enhanced visualization of oral tissue changes
• An additional layer of screening beyond the unaided eye
• Clear documentation of areas that may need monitoring
• Timely referral for further evaluation when necessary

Intraoral Cameras

An intraoral camera is a small camera designed to capture magnified images inside the mouth. It allows us to show you areas that would otherwise be difficult to see, including small cracks, worn fillings, gum inflammation, plaque buildup, and damaged teeth.

The images can be displayed on a monitor during your appointment, making it easier to understand our findings and follow the reasoning behind a treatment recommendation. They can also be saved in your record so we can monitor an area over time.

Benefits for patients:

• A clear view of what the dentist sees
• Better understanding of dental conditions and treatment options
• Detailed documentation for monitoring changes
• Helpful visual records for insurance claims or specialist communication
• Greater confidence when making decisions about care

AMD Picasso Lite Soft-Tissue Dental Laser

The AMD Picasso Lite is a diode laser designed for soft-tissue and periodontal procedures. Its focused energy allows the dentist to treat targeted gum tissue with a high level of precision.

Depending on the procedure, laser treatment may reduce bleeding and limit disruption to nearby healthy tissue. It can be used for selected periodontal treatments, gum reshaping, management of soft tissue around restorations, and other procedures involving the gums. y condition can or should be treated with a laser. We determine whether laser treatment is appropriate based on the procedure, your health, and the condition of the surrounding tissue.

Benefits for patients:

• Precise treatment of targeted soft tissue
• Less bleeding during many procedures
• Reduced disturbance of nearby healthy tissue
• Greater comfort for certain periodontal and restorative procedures
• A clean treatment area that supports accurate restorative work

Dental Loupes and Magnification

Dental loupes are specialized magnifying lenses worn by the dentist during examinations and procedures. They enlarge the treatment area, helping the dentist see fine details that may be difficult to identify with the unaided eye.

Magnification is especially valuable when evaluating small cracks, preparing a tooth for a restoration, examining the edges of a filling or crown, and completing other detail-sensitive procedures.

Benefits for patients:

• Enhanced visibility during diagnosis and treatment
• Greater precision when working on small areas
• More conservative removal of damaged tooth structure
• Careful evaluation of restoration margins and tooth surfaces
• Support for consistent, high-quality clinical results

Isolite Dental Isolation System

Keeping the treatment area dry and clearly visible is important for many dental procedures, especially when placing tooth-colored fillings, sealants, crowns, and other bonded restorations.

The Isolite system combines a comfortable bite block, continuous suction, illumination, and protection for the tongue and cheek within one soft mouthpiece. It gently supports the jaw while helping control saliva and moisture. This gives the dentist a stable, well-lit working area and helps prevent water or small particles from moving toward the back of the mouth. tently dry treatment area is especially important because moisture can interfere with modern bonding materials. Better isolation therefore supports both patient comfort and the quality of the restoration.

Benefits for patients:

• Less jaw fatigue from holding the mouth open
• Continuous removal of saliva and water
• Protection for the tongue, cheek, and airway
• Fewer interruptions for rinsing and suction
• A dry working area that supports dependable bonding
• More efficient appointments for many procedures

Amalgam Separation Technology

When older silver amalgam restorations are removed, small particles can enter a dental office’s wastewater system. Our Hg5 amalgam separator captures amalgam particles before they enter the public water system.

The separator is ISO 11143 certified and is designed to remove more than 99 percent of amalgam waste from dental wastewater. It reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality dentistry while reducing the environmental impact of dental care. ts for patients and the community:

• Responsible containment of amalgam waste
• Reduced release of mercury-containing particles into wastewater
• Support for cleaner local water systems
• Environmentally conscious handling of dental materials
• Care from a practice committed to both personal and community wellness

Better Information Leads to Better Decisions

Advanced technology is most valuable when it improves the way we care for you. Digital images can reveal concerns earlier. Three-dimensional scans can make complex treatment planning more precise. Intraoral photographs and digital models allow you to see what we see instead of relying only on a verbal explanation.

We combine these tools with a thorough examination, your health history, and an unhurried conversation about your goals. We will explain what we find, discuss the benefits and limitations of your options, and help you choose the level of care that feels right for you.

Experience Advanced, Patient-Centered Dentistry in Folsom

Renaissance Family and Cosmetic Dentistry provides preventive, restorative, cosmetic, implant, Invisalign, airway, and family dental care in a welcoming and judgment-free environment.

Whether you are visiting for a routine examination or considering a more complex treatment, our technology helps us provide care that is thoughtful, precise, and tailored to your needs.

Call (916) 237-4419 or request an appointment online to visit our dental office at 2350 E. Bidwell Street, Suite 100, Folsom, CA 95630.