INTEGRATED RADIOLOGY SYSTEM

In 1995, we began the development and installation of our DIGITAL RADIOLOGY INTEGRATED SYSTEM, which has evolved to become today a network of 50 posts with Digora®-based Digital Radiology and Orthopantomography equipment.

It comprises one cone beam iCAT scanner and a digital laboratory to process 3D models with:

Simplant ®


Nobelguide ®


Med3D ®


Robodent ®



The system was designed to conform to the maximum extent possible to A.L.A.R.A. (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), an international safety principle for minimizing radiation doses to patients subject to diagnostic imaging systems.




iCAT Scanner

Cone beam scanner

We have followed for quite a few years the R&D advances of the different international manufacturers of high-tech radiology equipment and in 2006, we became the second European dental centre to install a second generation iCAT cone beam scanner.


This equipment meant a great step forward, being some of its features the following: low x-radiation, patient comfort -as scanner is made in a sitting posture and in less than 8 seconds-, high quality images and valuable applications in planning and dental implant or maxillary reconstruction virtual surgery software.




COMPUTERIZED PERIODONTAL PROBING

Since 2006, Clínica Sicilia uses the Florida Probe System, a computerized solution for accurate periodontal probing. This system provides an efficient breakthrough diagnostic technique to follow up patients.

Modern periodontology is based on effective monitoring of periodontal disease activity during the follow-up of patients. The most reliable method to detect the areas of periodontal activity is to compare consecutive precision measurements (PROBING). To reach this objective the University of Florida has developed a computerized periodontal probing system called the FLORIDA PROBE.




Its introduction as the usual protocol in our clinic has involved a large investment, the development of our own technology in Asturias (a mobile unit with energy autonomy and wireless connection) and many hours of training for our clinical team.

Thanks to all this, we can use this advanced technique as our usual periodontal diagnosis tool for patients who follow our Periodontal Preventive Treatment programme.




The system’s software shows us, once the patient’s clinical record has been entered and a previous exploration has been performed, the possible areas of activity. It does so by marking with an arrow the zones that have experienced changes in the probing depth and that are greater than 2 mm between the two explorations. So doctors can better diagnose periodontal activity, show hygienist the high-risk areas and/or, in the event of relapse, detect it earlier.

VIRTUAL SURGERY ON 3D MODELS

3D planning techniques are an excellent tool to create sophisticated virtual surgery simulations for each case. This technology helps to design, before the surgery, the treatment strategy and to perform a minimally invasive surgery with immediate tooth replacement for successful aesthetic and functional results. Pictures show a virtual surgery were 6 inferior teeth in the anterior sector and a wisdom tooth (in red) are extracted and 6 implants are simultaneously placed with microsurgery, thus replacing the teeth immediately.

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY GENETIC AND MICROBIOLOGY STUDIES

In certain patients, it is recommended to analyse their genetic susceptibility to disease, as well as isolating and/or detecting pathogenic bacteria associated to infections having a periodontal origin, which patients might be suffering. In these cases, culturing techniques or molecular biology processes are applied, as for instance, PRC (polymerase chain reaction) that allows for identification of bacteria through the DNA.

estudios-biologicos

FUNCTIONAL AND AESTHETIC STUDIES

A thorough planning of each case allows for better aesthetic and functional results, and less invasive techniques that preserve soft and hard tissues can be applied, resulting in longer lasting restorations.