Staying true to the mission and vision that Athens Oral Surgery Center was founded upon, we constantly strive to incorporate cutting edge, proven technologies and biomaterials into the treatment of our patients. These innovations are backed by proven and respected research. Not just add a shiny new toy to the office as is often the case in other settings, but rather to improve our diagnostic abilities, treatment outcomes, and lessen treatment times and symptoms associated with treatment.
Electronic Medical Records and Cloud-Based Information Systems
Our practice uses an electronic medical records system to better access our patients’ information. Electronic medical records also promote conservation and reduction of our carbon footprint. Additionally, our practice utilizes cloud-based systems to house our practice information to best allow secure and timely access of all information we need to best serve our patients.
3D Imaging
3D imaging, or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), allows us unparalleled x-ray studies at the highest diagnostic quality, at a remarkably low dose of radiation compared to standard x-rays and standard CT scans. Such studies allow us to thoroughly and properly diagnose patients and formulate treatment plans, along with using the studies in coordination with other technologies as an integral part of the surgical procedure, such as the fabrication of surgical guides. This technology also allows for advanced evaluation of impacted teeth and lesions of the jaws, and planning of our jaw surgery cases, among many other things.
Intraoral Scanning and Virtual Modeling
Digital impressions and digital dental models have been available for more than a decade now, however, recently those technologies have finally surpassed their standard dental impressions and stone model predecessors in terms of accuracy and usability. Using a handheld camera to scan our patients’ teeth and create an incredibly accurate 3D digital model is not only significantly more comfortable for our patients than the goopy dental impressions, but it is faster, more accurate, and lasts forever. These models allow us to further our diagnostic and treatment planning abilities in conjunction with our referring providers, better educate patients regarding their diagnosis and planned treatment, and facilitate treatment by fabrication of surgical guides and patient specific hardware via 3D printing technology.
3D Printing
Our practice uses in-house 3D printing technology to allow us to fabricate our own models and surgical guides. This in-house fabrication allows us to practice with cutting edge technology while also nearly eliminating additional lab costs attached to treatment, which can significantly increase healthcare costs offset to patients.
X-Guide
3D surgical navigation allows surgeons to visualize not only the patient and surgery site, but gives the surgeon a live view of the patient’s X-ray/CT scan and the surgical progress. Real-time surgical navigation allows for even greater increases in surgical precision and reduction in surgical complications for patients, treatment times and associated symptoms.
Biomaterials
Dr. Tomlinson makes use of the most advanced biomaterials to best benefit patients and their surgical results. Innovative implant systems from Nobel Biocare and BioHorizons allow Dr. Tomlinson to offer patients shortened treatment times to full dental rehabilitation and improved success rates. These innovations allow for treatment planning implants to be placed immediately following tooth removal or during the same visit in select cases. Dr. Tomlinson makes use of the latest techniques and materials for grafting and reconstruction procedures, including resorbable collagen membranes and bioactive materials to facilitate healing such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and bone morphogenic protein (rh-BMP), among other things.