When your dentist uses advanced technology, every appointment becomes more precise, more comfortable, and more informative. At Seattle Smiles Company, our dental services are built on a foundation of state-of-the-art equipment that allows our team to diagnose more accurately, plan treatments with greater detail, and deliver results that last. Located in downtown Seattle, our practice brings together imaging technology, digital scanning, laser systems, and 3D printing capabilities rarely found under one roof at a general dental practice.
Advanced Dental Technology We Use in Seattle
Our technology covers every phase of dental care, from initial diagnosis to final restoration. Below is an overview of the key systems we use and what each one means for your experience and outcomes.
Cone Beam CT Scanning (3D Imaging)
Our cone beam CT scanner produces a complete three-dimensional image of your jaw, teeth, nerve pathways, and bone structure in a single scan. This level of detail goes far beyond what traditional two-dimensional X-rays can show. We use cone beam CT scanning most often when planning dental implant placement, evaluating impacted teeth, assessing bone density before surgery, and diagnosing complex conditions that require a full spatial view. We offer free 3D CT evaluations for new patients, so you receive this diagnostic advantage before committing to any treatment.
Digital X-Rays
Our digital X-ray system produces detailed images instantly while exposing patients to significantly less radiation than conventional film X-rays. According to the American Dental Association, digital radiography reduces radiation exposure by up to 80 percent compared to traditional X-rays. Images are displayed on a chairside monitor so we can walk you through exactly what we see in real time, making your diagnosis easier to understand and your treatment decisions more informed.
Intraoral Camera
Our intraoral camera is a small, handheld device that captures high-resolution images of your teeth and gum tissue and displays them on a monitor beside you. When you can see what we see — a cracked cusp, early decay, or gum recession — treatment recommendations become clearer and decision-making feels less abstract. Intraoral cameras are particularly useful for documenting the condition of teeth over time and for catching problems early, before they require more extensive intervention.
CAD/CAM Technology and Digital Scanning
Our digital intraoral scanner replaces traditional impression trays with a precise, comfortable digital capture of your tooth surfaces. This data feeds directly into CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) software, which we use to design crowns, bridges, and other restorations with exceptional accuracy. The result is restorations that fit better, require fewer adjustments, and last longer than those fabricated from conventional impressions.
Laser Dentistry
Our laser dentistry capability allows us to perform many soft-tissue procedures with less discomfort, reduced bleeding, and faster recovery than traditional surgical methods. We use laser technology for gum contouring, bacterial reduction in periodontal pockets, and tissue management during restorative procedures. Lasers often eliminate the need for sutures and significantly reduce post-procedure swelling.
3D Printing and Laboratory Integration
We use 3D printing in-house to fabricate surgical guides, temporary restorations, and diagnostic models with a level of precision that supports predictable outcomes, especially for implant surgery and full-arch reconstruction. Our relationships with premier Pacific Northwest dental laboratories further ensure that final restorations meet the highest quality standards.
How Dental Technology Benefits You as a Patient
Advanced dental technology is not just about equipment — it directly changes what your appointment feels like and what your outcomes look like.
Earlier, More Accurate Diagnosis
Cone beam CT scanning and digital X-rays reveal problems that traditional methods miss entirely — early decay, hairline fractures, bone loss, and anatomical factors that affect surgical planning. Earlier diagnosis means simpler, less expensive treatment.
More Comfortable Procedures
Digital scanning eliminates messy impression materials. Laser procedures reduce the need for incisions and sutures. Precise 3D treatment planning reduces surgical time. Technology at every step translates to a more comfortable experience start to finish.
Better Treatment Planning and Transparency
When your dentist can show you a 3D image of your jaw or a live intraoral camera view of your tooth, you understand exactly what needs to be done and why. We review your imaging with you at your free consultation so you feel confident in every treatment decision before we begin.
Fewer Appointments, Lasting Results
From digital impressions that fit right the first time to 3D-printed surgical guides that place implants with pinpoint accuracy, our technology reduces the number of appointments needed for complex treatments and improves long-term outcomes.
Technology That Supports Complex Treatments
For patients considering dental implants, full-arch replacement, or surgical procedures, technology is not optional — it is the foundation of a safe, predictable outcome. Our cone beam CT scanner maps your entire jaw anatomy before the first incision. Our 3D-printed surgical guides ensure implants are placed at the precise angle, depth, and position planned digitally. For patients who benefit from sedation, we combine sedation dentistry with advanced monitoring equipment, including certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) for complex surgical cases requiring IV sedation or general anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Technology
What does a cone beam CT scan show that a regular X-ray does not?
A cone beam CT scan produces a three-dimensional image that shows bone density, nerve locations, tooth root orientation, and sinus structures in full spatial detail. Standard X-rays provide only a flat, two-dimensional view and cannot capture depth or the relationship between structures. For implant planning, jaw surgery, or complex extractions, cone beam CT imaging is essential for safety and accuracy.
Are dental X-rays at Seattle Smiles safe?
Yes. Our digital X-ray system reduces radiation exposure by up to 80 percent compared to conventional film X-rays. The American Dental Association notes that the radiation from a standard dental X-ray series is lower than the natural background radiation most people encounter in daily life. We also follow the ALARA principle — as low as reasonably achievable — and only recommend imaging when it is clinically necessary.
Do you offer same-day restorations using CAD/CAM technology?
Our digital scanning and CAD/CAM workflow significantly reduces turnaround time for restorations. Depending on the complexity of your case, we coordinate with our laboratory partners to deliver high-quality crowns and bridges as efficiently as possible. Ask our team at your consultation about timing for your specific restoration.
How does laser dentistry differ from traditional dental procedures?
Laser dentistry uses focused light energy rather than a scalpel to treat soft tissue. The laser seals blood vessels as it works, which means less bleeding, less swelling, and often no need for sutures. Recovery tends to be significantly faster, and many patients report noticeably less discomfort during and after laser procedures compared to traditional surgery.
Experience Advanced Dental Technology at Seattle Smiles Company
At Seattle Smiles Company, we invest in the technology that produces better outcomes because our patients deserve access to the same level of precision available at specialty practices — without leaving downtown Seattle. We offer free consultations, free 3D CT evaluations, and multiple financing options through Cherry, Alphaeon Credit, Proceed Finance, Scratch Pay, and CareCredit. Our in-house membership plan also provides affordable ongoing care for patients without traditional insurance. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation and see our technology in action.
206-814-0800