ROYAL YORK DENTAL
Call Our Hotline
416-231-0550
416-231-0550
3034 Bloor Street West | Toronto, Ontario | M8X 1C4
416-231-0550
 Technology continues to play a significant role in healthcare |
Here at Royal York Dental we continually strive to incorporate dental technologies that will help us improve the quality of care for our patients.
"It's amazing all the changes that have occurred in dentistry." says Dr. Joe Bulger. "And the pace of change has accelerated phenomenally over these past few years. Cameras, lasers, digital X-rays, magnification, etc. New materials and equipment are always being developed.
I couldn’t imagine turning back the clock and practicing dentistry the way things were way back when I graduated from dental school.”
Better technology doesn't guarantee better dentistry, but it can certainly make a difference.
At Royal York Dental, we often here comments such as, "Wow! My old dentist never had anything like this!"
 Our Digital Panoramic Machine |
X-rays are an essential component of dental diagnosis and treatment. Many potentially harmul conditions would go undetected if not for the utilization of dental X-rays. Modern equipment and techniques provide effective diagnostics at exceptionally low levels of radiation exposure.
Digital Radiography is a form of X-ray imaging in which digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. This has been one of the most significant advancements in dental technology over the past 10 years.
Capturing and saving digital X-Rays offers many advantages…
Less Radiation: Digital X-rays require less radiation than conventional film-based X-rays. Environmentally Friendly: Film-based X-rays must be developed in chemical baths. With digital, there's no toxic chemicals. Instant Photos: Your images can be viewed within seconds. Saving & Sharing. Your images are saved electronically as part of your confidential records. These images can be conveniently viewed anywhere on our network. When necessary, we can also share your images with dental specialists and insurance companies.
 Panoramic X-rays are easy and comfortable to take. |
At Royal York Dental we utilize two different digital X-ray systems:
A panoramic X-ray is an important component of a thorough diagnostic examination. This broad overview offers a full wrap-around image of your entire mouth. It supplies information about the teeth, upper and lower jawbone, sinuses,
and other hard and soft tissues of the head and neck.
| Dr. Joe Bulger states, "X-rays should be taken periodically even when everything seems perfectly healthy. Proper diagnostics include good radiographic images. Small cavities can be detected early before they can progress. Bone levels can be evaluated. Hidden problems, such as an abscessed tooth, can be detected. A panoramic X-ray is an amazing device for finding those hidden problems. Once we find something, we can zero in on it with a smaller, more detailed image." |
A Panoramic X-ray can help in the assessment of a variety of situations.
 A panoramic view offers good detail and a broad range of diagnostic information. |
2. Digital Single X-rays
We use digital sensors for Single X-rays. These are the traditional small X-rays that are placed inside your mouth.
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Here's how it works. A small sensor wrapped in a protective cover is placed inside your mouth. The sensor is connected to a computer by a thin wire. An X-ray exposure records the image of your teeth and sends it to the computer. The image takes only seconds to appear. The sensor can then be repositioned to capture more images from other sections of your mouth.
Single X-rays are used to capture detailed images of selected teeth. There are two standard formats - the Periapical and the Bitewing.
Periapical images are used to show entire teeth right down to the root tips. These images provide an accurate look at a specific area of concern. If you had a dental emergency involving a tooth-ache, this would usually be the X-ray image of choice.
Bitewing images are used to captures multiple contact points of back teeth. These are also referred to as "Checkup" X-rays, as they're routinely taken during hygiene visits to assess bone levels and check in between teeth for potential cavities. The contact points of your back teeth are more susceptible to cavities. We recommend that you have Bitewing X-rays taken periodically to ensure your dental health.
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Digital X-rays is one of the many ways we ensure you continue having the benefits of up-to-date technology.
 Intra-Oral Cameras offer terrific close-up images. |
At Royal York Dental we have every room equipped with special cameras that can take pictures right inside your mouth. We use these images to magnify specific teeth or areas of concern. We can take extremely close views whenever we need to.
The biggest advantage is that we can show you, with great detail, exactly what's going on in your mouth. This lets you make better, more-informed decisions about your treatment options.
If we find something suspicious or out of the ordinary, we're able to capture an image that we can use for future comparison. Once captured, your images are digitally stored and become part of your confidential digital record.
If you have dental insurance, images can be electronically submitted to help you make the most of your dental benefits. Insurance companies prefer to verify treatment need with photos and X-rays.
| Dr. Joe Bulger shares, "At Royal York Dental, we were early adopters of digital cameras and images. Back in the mid-90's, we were one of the first dental offices in Canada to capture digital images and share them on a LAN (Local Area Network). We soon added Intra-oral Cameras to capture images right inside the mouth. The early versions we used were analog cameras and we needed video-capture cards to render them digital. Now we can capture straight to digital with high-resolution images." |
 Close-up view of a broken tooth. |
 Close-up view of restored tooth. |
The image above right shows a damaged tooth with a broken filling. The person had no discomfort and was completely unaware that she needed that tooth restored. Once she could see the problem, she didn't hesitate in making the choice to restore the tooth properly.
 Digital Imaging shows how closing a gap could look. |
Ever wonder what you would look like with your perfect smile? Computer imaging is one of the ways we can help you visualize potential enhancements. We can show you opprtunities before any work is ever done.
"We use imaging to test potential changes" states Dr. Joe Bulger. "Whitening always looks great. We can also reshape any tooth to make it longer or shorter. A series of simple little changes can transform a smile before your eyes."
Here are 4 ways we use to preview your smile...
1. Lab-faricated Waxup - The teeth are precisely re-shaped in wax on a stone model of your teeth. Precision Waxups are an essential step for bigger cases - where numerous teeth or an entire arch will be restored.
The drawback of a wax-up is it's harder to imagine (unless you're artistically inclined) what the changes would look like inside your own mouth.
2. Digital Imaging - the teeth are reshaped on a digital photo. Computer simulations are quick way of seeing the potential for a whiter, straighter smile. The photos on the right show a simulation for closing up a gap between the front teeth.
The big upside of imaging is speed. You can see the impact of a potential change immediately. Another upside is that people can look at an image of their smile impartially - they can clearly see the discrepancies on a big screen.
One downside of imaging is it's only a two-dimensional picture. Seeing the results inside your own mouth are far more impressive. Also, what can catch people off guard is looking a true image of their smile. Everything looks off kilter because most people are more familiar seeing themselves in the reversed image of a mirror.
 Digital Imaging shows how reshaping and whitening teeth could look. |
3. Mock-up - the teeth are reshaped right in the mouth using white filling material (bonding). This is a fast and easy way to know what the changes will look like. This is the best way for people to instantly see what the results will really look like. There's nothing better than seeing it right inside your own mouth.
4. Aesthetic Provisionals - This is the ultimate preview. It's a temporary buildup that can be worn for an extended time. That means you get to wear it home.
We use temporaries whenever teeth are prepared for a veneer or crown. Those temporaries cover and protect the prepared teeth. Aesthetic Provisionals can be used before the teeth are ever prepared as a trial. This allows you time to adjust to a new bite and new look. It also allows us an opprtunity to make small alterations at the trial stage.
Going slowly and carefully through these various preview steps can help ensure we achieve the smile of your dreams. Ask us about previewing your smile. Perhaps your dream smile is easier and closer than you ever imagined.
 Comfortable anaesthetic delivery can help make your dental visit more comfortable. |
One of our most appreciated technological developments involves the use of electronic devices to assist with local anaesthetic delivery. These devices can help make that dreaded injection much more comfortable.
For many people, the "needle" has always been the worst part of their dental experiences. Who can blame them? Getting an injection in the mouth is never pleasant. Up until recently, the conventional syringe was your only option. Unless of course you were crazy/brave/tough enough to attempt dentistry without any local anaesthetic!
Thankfully, we can now use devices that don't look nearly so intimidating and the injection can be done so gently that most people barely notice. Even children often find it an "ouchless" experience.
What's the difference? The main thing these devices offer is controlled flow of anaesthetic delivery. With a conventional syringe, it's easy to inject the solution too quickly. That can cause pain. Controlled flow means less chance of discomfort.
Comfortable Anaesthetic Delivery helps us ensure your visits are always easy and comfortable.
| "Patients really appreciate it." states Dr. Joe Bulger. "Like every dentist, I thought I was really good at injections.The first time I used one of these anaesthetic pumps I was blown away by how much more comfortable the delivery of anaesthetic could be. Patients were saying they didn't feel it at all! That very day I switched from those old syringes to the new devices." |
 With a Dental Laser we can reshape your gums. |
The Soft-Tissue Dental Laser is a great tool for re-shaping your gums.
Our purpose as dental professionals is to preseve your teeth & gums. There are occasions when removing some of your gums is appropriate. A laser is an elegant tool for that purpose, as opposed to using a scalpel blade or electro-surgery unit.
Smile Enhancement often involves reshaping gums. If your gums show when you smile, sculpting them can make the difference between a good smile and a great one. Even dentists tend to overlook this vital aspect of smile design.
Benefits to using a Soft-Tissue Laser include:
Quick and easy
Less need for anaesthesia
Effective disinfection
Faster healing
Minimal discomfort afterwards
Better Results
If your smile could use a "lift" perhaps a Soft-Tissue Laser would help you.
It's just one more way we help you achieve a healthy beautiful smile.
 Our high-powered LED Curing Lights offer faster, deeper curing for better results. |
Many advancements in technology are behind the scenes from a patient's perspective. Something as simple as a better Curing Light can make every-day dentistry a lot easier and our clinical success more predictable.
Curing Lights are those hand-held devices used to harden Composite Bonding (white fillings) and cements. These materials contain a photo-chemical initiator that, once exposed to high-intensity blue light, triggers the transformation to a very solid, durable final set.
Working with light-curing materials has its challenges. Dr. Joe Bulger states, "These materials are very technique sensitive. More steps and more challenges than that old mercury-amalgam stuff. Experienced hands can make a big difference with these materials - reducing complications such as post-operative sensitivity."
Over the years, incremental gains have been made in light-cured materials. These materials still depend on suitable exposure to light. A better light can mean a better cure. LED lights have the added benefit of limited colour spectrum, which means less generation of heat. Conventional halogen bulbs are broad spectrum and can generate a lot more heat on a tooth as they cure.
The LED fast-curing light is one of the many high-tech tools we use to ensure we continue providing you the best dentistry possible.
 Magnification improves precision and quality. |
Delivering precision dentistry requires visual accuracy and a delicate touch. Magnifying loupes provide a tremendous improvement in visual acuity over the naked eye. The operating field is considerably enlarged.
“It’s like working on a giant tooth by comparison.” says Dr. Joe Bulger. “Everything is so crystal-clear and delivering excellent dentistry is much easier to do. I believe increased magnification is essential to deliver the precision required for quality dentistry. I could never go back to working without my loupes.”
All our doctors use special telescopic lenses to improve visual acuity.
Magnifying loupes can be equipped with small halogen headlights to improve lighting. Improvements in batteries and LED technology have made portable accessory lighting easy and convenient.
Quality patient care is our highest priority, and using magnification is one more step we take to provide our patients with excellent dental care.
 Air Abrasion offers many benefits. |
Air abrasion is a relatively new tooth preparation technique that we can use in place of a traditional dental drill. Air abrasion technology allows us to do many repairs to teeth without the noise and vibration of the drill. This can often be done without dental anesthetics (freezing).
Air abrasion improves bond strength. It enhances how strongly we can bond materials to teeth. This produces longer-lasting restorations.
Air Abrasion is very conservative. It allows us to perform "Micro-Dentistry" whereby minimal reduction of your tooth surface is required. That means we can preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. Using Air Abrasion can also reduce the risk of enamel micro-fractures associated with high-speed drills.
Air abrasion is comfortable. Since Air Abrasion doesn't produce vibration or heat, it can be more comfortable. Patients often require little or no anesthetic.
 Air Abrasion is fast and gentle. |
So how does it work? Air abrasion applies the principle of kinetic energy to "sand-blast" the tooth area with a high-pressure stream of tiny particles. As these particles contact your tooth's surface, they remove a small amount of your tooth at a time.
Limitations of Air Abrasion: This tool is an adjunct to conventional dental handpieces, and not meant to completely replace them. One drawback of this technology is the mess it can make. Hence the elephant trunk vacuum required to contain the powder.
The option of Air abrasion is a popular choice for both children and adults. It's quieter, faster, and can be more comfortable than traditional drilling. Appointments don't take very long and children love that. It feels like a "cleaning" appointment. Parents are very impressed when their children can be taken care of so quickly and comfortably .
| "Thanks to Air Abrasion technology, we can provide you with attractive tooth-coloured fillings faster and easier than ever before," according to Dr. Joe Bulger. "It's so handy to use for those tiny preparations on teeth and as a finishing step for large restorations. I feel confident we're getting the best bond possible, and that means our patients will enjoy the benefits of durable restorations." |
 "Thank you for calling..." |
We consider our greatest resource to be our team. Dentistry isn't just about teeth & gums - it's about people taking care of people.
With technology we provide our team with powerful tools that increase their productive capacity. Managing appointments, chart records, insurance, and billing all takes up very valuable time. We use computer tools for every aspect of our business that we can. By utilizing computers to increase our efficiency and effectiveness, we can free up our time to better serve our guests. That's what we truly enjoy doing.
As a large dental facility, we've added voice-mail to our telephone system. We know most people would prefer a live person whenever they call. And yes, we're still available to speak to you during our extended business hours. Our sheer volume of calls promted the move to an automated system.
Handling incoming calls requires a triage approach. The urgent must be distinguished from the routine. That's the beauty of an automated system - it provides pre-screening and directing of calls. The downside is losing that initial human touch. Even with a brief voice-mail process, people still don't like it.
 "How can we help you smile today?" |
It would be nice if we could handle every incoming call, but there's only so much of us to go around! One of the big reasons we added voice-mail was to handle all the routine appointment confirmations we get each day. That accounts for at least half of our incoming calls.
We take pride in offering terrific service. Voice-mail allows us to better serve our guests inside our office. Over the phone, we'll do our best to give you fast, friendly service once you do reach us. That should only take a few moments.
You're always welcome to leave us a message. We're very good at returning calls.
 Confirming by email is easy and convenient. |
At Royal York Dental we are continually striving to improve our communication capabilities. For many people, email has become their preferred method of communication for both professional and personal correspondence.
Confirming appointments is a service we provide to our patients. Some people find it very helpful to have a reminder of an upcoming appointment. Traditionally, we've done this by phone. However, some find it a nuisance playing telephone tag.
To make it easier for you, we implemented the Smile Reminder System for confirming appointments. When you receive your email confirmation, all you have to do it press the confirmation button.
Below is a sample of the email you would receive from us once you're in our care.
Some of the key features are indicated...
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 Submitting forms electronically saves you time and eliminates the hassle. |
If you have dental insurance, we can help you in quickly claiming benefits.
Electronic Claims Submission ensures speedy processing. Unlike the old days, there isn't any form to print out or mail off. You get paid your benefits much faster - typically in under a week.
A few word about Dental Insurance...
Most people have realistic expectations regarding insurance benefits. They know it's not supposed to be a pay-all. They appreciate it when benefits cover a portion of their dental treatment.
Historically Dental Insurance has been a generous benefit from your employer. These days, there's been plenty of budgetary belt-tightening and health benefits is often one of the areas that's trimmed back. Limitations and restrictions have been added. You can't count on benefits like you once could.
If you have Dental Benefits, try to make the most of them. There's usually a deadline on benefits. Once the year is over, any remaining benefits vanish, and a new annual allowance begins. So use it or lose it.
Note: Insurance or not, all our guests are subject to the same fees for services rendered. We'll alter treatment based on your specific needs, but please appreciate that we do not alter our treatment or fees based on your insurance coverage.
 Our websites reflect our team's commitment to providing you with excellent dentistry. |
Our websites and blogs reflect our commitment to excellence in everything we do. .
Here's what we wanted our sites to offer...
something people could turn to as a source of helpful dental information.
something that reflects the unique and distinctive qualities.
put ourselves out there as an option for people choosing a dental office.
sharing messages of support our patients have given us.
sharing our success story with our friends, our community and our profession.
It's gratifying that people in the dental field from all corners of the world have come to visit our site and have offered praise and recognition.
If you're looking for a cosmetic-oriented dentist, our team at Royal York Dental can help. We're open six days a week and can often offer same-day service. Fill out our contact form or CALL 416 231-0550. Download our free dental emergency guide. |
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