Modern Technology

The dental field is enjoying significant advances in the technology and techniques we use. That's why we continually educate ourselves and update our practice to include modern technology like 3D X-rays and iTero® digital scanners, which allow us to gather detailed and precise measurements and images of your teeth, jaws, and gums. Our team also uses cutting-edge techniques, like Waterlase dental laser, to provide gum contouring that maximizes your comfort and promotes faster recovery times.

A dentist is using a computer in a dental office.
A dentist is using a computer in a dental office.

Modern Technology

The dental field is enjoying significant advances in the technology and techniques we use. That's why we continually educate ourselves and update our practice to include modern technology like 3D X-rays and iTero® digital scanners, which allow us to gather detailed and precise measurements and images of your teeth, jaws, and gums. Our team also uses cutting-edge techniques, like Waterlase dental laser, to provide gum contouring that maximizes your comfort and promotes faster recovery times.

A woman is getting her teeth examined by a dentist.

Technology at Nathanson Dental

Beginning at your first appointment at our practice, new patients will benefit from our commitment to using modern technology in their care. The following tools help us with your evaluation and treatment:

  • iTero digital impressions (no more “goop” in your mouth!)
  • Intraoral camera
  • Velscope® oral cancer early detection screening
  • Digital intraoral x-rays
  • DIAGNOdent and NIRI (near infrared) cavity detectors
  • These tools are useful for Dr. Nathanson as well as you. For example, digital x-rays can be easily manipulated to view the targeted area from multiple perspectives. They also expose the patient to less radiation than traditional x-rays.


Similarly, intraoral cameras give our doctors enlarged digital images of areas that are hard to see clearly by means of visual inspection alone.

The Impact of Technological Diagnostics

The use of technology to diagnose oral diseases can have tremendous advantages for your health. DIAGNOdent and NIRI can help to identify cavities in obscure areas so that they can be treated before they get too large and require an extensive restoration.

In the case of oral cancer screening, Velscope can actually save a patient’s life by diagnosing early stage malignancies before they have the chance to spread to surrounding tissues, when the prognosis is much poorer.

A man wearing a mask is looking at a computer screen.
A man wearing a mask is looking at a computer screen.

The Impact of Technological Diagnostics

The use of technology to diagnose oral diseases can have tremendous advantages for your health. DIAGNOdent and NIRI can help to identify cavities in obscure areas so that they can be treated before they get too large and require an extensive restoration.

In the case of oral cancer screening, Velscope can actually save a patient’s life by diagnosing early stage malignancies before they have the chance to spread to surrounding tissues, when the prognosis is much poorer.

A computer monitor and a laptop are on a cart

Use of Technology in Treatment

The types of technology used in your treatment help us to maximize your comfort and obtain the best possible treatment outcomes. Here are just a few examples of the technology we may include in your treatment:



  • Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
  • Waterlase iPlus
  • DentalVibe®
  • CBCT imaging can give Dr. Nathanson a unique three-dimensional image to use in treatment planning for more predictable results.


For patient comfort, dental lasers like Waterlase iPlus are highly effective in replacing drills or scalpels in certain dental and surgical procedures while reducing discomfort and recovery time. You may not even need anesthetic when this instrument is being used.

For times when anesthesia is needed, the DentalVibe is a unique tool that uses gentle vibrations to reduce the discomfort associated with any necessary injections.

A computer monitor with a picture of a tooth on it.

Use of Technology in Treatment

The types of technology used in your treatment help us to maximize your comfort and obtain the best possible treatment outcomes. Here are just a few examples of the technology we may include in your treatment:


  • Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
  • Waterlase iPlus
  • DentalVibe®
  • CBCT imaging can give Dr. Nathanson a unique three-dimensional image to use in treatment planning for more predictable results.


For patient comfort, dental lasers like Waterlase iPlus are highly effective in replacing drills or scalpels in certain dental and surgical procedures while reducing discomfort and recovery time. You may not even need anesthetic when this instrument is being used.

For times when anesthesia is needed, the DentalVibe is a unique tool that uses gentle vibrations to reduce the discomfort associated with any necessary injections.

A woman is smiling while getting an x-ray of her teeth.

What Is A Cone Beam CT?

A cone beam CT (CBCT) is a unique piece of imaging equipment that creates a three-dimensional depiction of your facial structures. The CBCT accomplishes this by compiling a series of two-dimensional images into a 3-D representation. That 3-D image can be manipulated on the screen in order to view the structures from different perspectives. This technology is tremendously useful for planning complex treatments such as dental implant placement.

What Is A Cone Beam CT?

A cone beam CT (CBCT) is a unique piece of imaging equipment that creates a three-dimensional depiction of your facial structures. The CBCT accomplishes this by compiling a series of two-dimensional images into a 3-D representation. That 3-D image can be manipulated on the screen in order to view the structures from different perspectives. This technology is tremendously useful for planning complex treatments such as dental implant placement.

A woman is smiling while getting an x-ray of her teeth.

Technology FAQ

Are Digital X-Rays Bad for You?

You may have concerns about getting dental x-rays on an annual basis due to exposure to radiation. However, it’s important to note that digital x-rays are actually safer than traditional x-ray imaging because the patient is exposed to lower levels of radiation. Furthermore, the images produced by digital x-rays are clearer and easier to interpret than conventional x-ray films. The digital files also can be transmitted easily to other providers in cases when specialist referrals are needed.

Are Lasers in Dentistry Safe?

Lasers in dentistry are quite safe and effective when used properly, and they can actually help to reduce the patient’s risk of post-operative complications as well. Because lasers are less-invasive, less anesthetic is needed and patients usually heal more quickly after the procedure. Patients experience less swelling and bleeding, and the treatment often takes less time than it would if traditional surgical instruments were used. These are just some examples of the many benefits when lasers are used for dental procedures.

A dentist is holding a model of a tooth in front of a laptop computer.

Our Practice’s Commitment To Adopting Innovative Technology

Our doctors are dedicated to staying informed about the latest technological developments that enhance and improve dental care. Not only is this evident in the technology you will see around our office, but our doctors also pursue continuing education opportunities that support these initiatives.

If you have any questions about the use of technology in the assessment or treatment of your case, please don’t hesitate to ask. We will be happy to educate you on the benefits of these tools and how they improve your care.


iTero: Revolutionizing Digital Impressions

Experience the future of orthodontic treatment with iTero technology. Say goodbye to messy traditional impressions and hello to precise, digital scans of your teeth. With iTero, we can create accurate 3D models of your smile, enabling us to plan and execute your treatment with unparalleled precision and efficiency.

A dentist is talking to a patient in a dental chair.
A dentist is talking to a patient in a dental chair.

iTero: Revolutionizing Digital Impressions

Experience the future of orthodontic treatment with iTero technology. Say goodbye to messy traditional impressions and hello to precise, digital scans of your teeth. With iTero, we can create accurate 3D models of your smile, enabling us to plan and execute your treatment with unparalleled precision and efficiency.

A dentist is using a computer to scan a patient 's teeth.

Intraoral Camera: See Your Smile Up Close

Explore the intricacies of your oral health with our intraoral camera technology. This small, handheld device allows us to capture high-definition images of your teeth and gums, providing a detailed view that helps us identify potential issues and track your progress over time. With the intraoral camera, you'll gain a deeper understanding of your oral health and feel more confident in your treatment decisions.

Velscope: Early Detection for Oral Health

Protect your smile with Velscope technology, which aids in the early detection of oral abnormalities. Using fluorescence visualization, Velscope helps us identify areas of concern that may not be visible to the naked eye, such as oral cancer and precancerous lesions. With Velscope, we can catch potential problems early, leading to more successful treatment outcomes and better overall oral health.

A diagram of a person 's skin with a light shining on it.
A diagram of a person 's skin with a light shining on it.

Velscope: Early Detection for Oral Health

Protect your smile with Velscope technology, which aids in the early detection of oral abnormalities. Using fluorescence visualization, Velscope helps us identify areas of concern that may not be visible to the naked eye, such as oral cancer and precancerous lesions. With Velscope, we can catch potential problems early, leading to more successful treatment outcomes and better overall oral health.

A person is holding a dental x-ray of a person 's teeth.

Intraoral X-Rays: Clear Images for Precise Diagnosis

Gain insight into your oral health with intraoral x-rays, which provide detailed images of your teeth, roots, and surrounding bone structures. These digital x-rays offer several advantages over traditional film x-rays, including reduced radiation exposure, faster processing times, and enhanced image quality. With intraoral x-rays, we can identify issues such as cavities, infections, and bone loss early, allowing for prompt and effective treatment.

DIAGNOdent: Advanced Cavity Detection

Detect cavities in their earliest stages with DIAGNOdent technology. This innovative device uses laser fluorescence to detect changes in tooth structure, allowing us to identify cavities before they are visible on x-rays or to the naked eye. By catching cavities early, we can provide minimally invasive treatment and preserve more of your natural tooth structure.

A white device that says pk on it
A white device that says pk on it

DIAGNOdent: Advanced Cavity Detection

Detect cavities in their earliest stages with DIAGNOdent technology. This innovative device uses laser fluorescence to detect changes in tooth structure, allowing us to identify cavities before they are visible on x-rays or to the naked eye. By catching cavities early, we can provide minimally invasive treatment and preserve more of your natural tooth structure.

A computer screen shows a 3d model of a person 's teeth.

NIRI: Non-Invasive Cavity Detection

Experience gentle and non-invasive cavity detection with Near-Infrared Imaging (NIRI) technology. By emitting harmless infrared light, NIRI can penetrate the surface of your teeth and detect early signs of decay that may not be visible to the naked eye or traditional x-rays. With NIRI, we can identify cavities quickly and accurately, leading to prompt treatment and better long-term oral health.

Waterlase: Minimally Invasive Laser Dentistry

Experience the future of dental care with Waterlase technology. This advanced dental laser combines water, air, and laser energy to perform a wide range of procedures with minimal discomfort and downtime. From cavity treatment to gum reshaping, Waterlase allows for precise and minimally invasive dental care, resulting in faster healing times and a more comfortable experience for patients of all ages.

A waterlase machine is sitting on a cart
A waterlase machine is sitting on a cart

Waterlase: Minimally Invasive Laser Dentistry

Experience the future of dental care with Waterlase technology. This advanced dental laser combines water, air, and laser energy to perform a wide range of procedures with minimal discomfort and downtime. From cavity treatment to gum reshaping, Waterlase allows for precise and minimally invasive dental care, resulting in faster healing times and a more comfortable experience for patients of all ages.

Dental vibe is a dental device that looks like a pen.

DentalVibe: Comfortable Injections for a Fear-Free Experience

Say goodbye to fear of injections with DentalVibe technology. This handheld device uses gentle vibrations to stimulate nerve endings in the treatment area, effectively blocking pain signals and reducing discomfort during dental procedures. With DentalVibe, even the most anxious patients can relax and feel at ease, knowing that their comfort is our top priority.

CBCT: 3D Imaging for Comprehensive Treatment Planning

Take your dental care to the next level with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) technology. This advanced imaging technique captures detailed 3D images of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures, allowing us to plan and execute complex procedures with unparalleled precision. From dental implant placement to orthodontic treatment, CBCT enables us to provide customized care that meets your unique needs.

A woman is getting an x-ray of her teeth in a dental office.
A woman is getting an x-ray of her teeth in a dental office.

CBCT: 3D Imaging for Comprehensive Treatment Planning

Take your dental care to the next level with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) technology. This advanced imaging technique captures detailed 3D images of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures, allowing us to plan and execute complex procedures with unparalleled precision. From dental implant placement to orthodontic treatment, CBCT enables us to provide customized care that meets your unique needs.

A woman is smiling while sitting in a dental chair.

Dental Care for Every Age

We believe every smile is as special as the person it belongs to, which is why we offer custom family dentistry so you and your loved ones can share healthy, confident smiles. Our team blends over 40 years of experience with modern technology to maximize your comfort and create a positive experience. From HealthyStart™️ treatments encouraging your little one's oral hygiene to facial rejuvenation for you, we offer the array of dental care in Hunt Valley that you and your family need to protect your smiles.

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