Dr. David Shirinian’s Signature Smiles Pasadena is at the forefront of dental technology adoption. The practice has introduced several advanced tools, including intraoral scanning and CBCT imaging, improving both patient comfort and treatment outcomes.
Dr. Shirinian, a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, leads the charge in adopting these cutting-edge technologies.
The intraoral scanner takes thousands of pictures per second of a patient’s mouth, providing a detailed 3D model.
“We use it for diagnostic purposes and educational purposes,” Dr. Shirinian explained. He elaborated on the traditional impression process versus the new technology: “When we do a traditional crown preparation, let’s say, and traditional ways of taking impressions is by placing the impression materials on a tray and having the patient bite down the tray and hold it for about 10 minutes and they take a mold like that and then that mold gets sent to the lab for the fabrication of the restoration. Well, this way they’re able to take a scan instead of doing a mold and the scan then gets digitally sent to the lab directly and patient doesn’t have to bite on anything.”
The digital impressions offer numerous advantages over conventional methods. Patients no longer need to bite down on trays filled with impression material for extended periods, a process that can be particularly uncomfortable for those with sensitive gag reflexes.
Dr. Shirinian emphasized the improved accuracy of digital scans. “Plus, it’s just overall more accurate and precise doing the digital scan there,” he said. This precision translates to better-fitting crowns and other dental restorations.
The practice also utilizes CBCT scan technology, which provides three-dimensional radiographs for precise implant placement and diagnosis of jaw abnormalities. Additionally, they’ve recently introduced dental laser technology for various soft tissue procedures.
Beyond impressions, the intraoral scanner serves as an educational tool. Dr. Shirinian uses the scans to show patients issues they might not otherwise notice, such as tooth fractures or decay.
“When you show it to them, they understand it and visualize it completely and they commit to treatment,” Dr. Shirinian noted. This visual aid helps patients make informed decisions about their dental care.
The adoption of these technologies aligns with Signature Smiles Pasadena’s commitment to staying current with the latest dental techniques and equipment. The practice prides itself on providing exceptional care and impeccable dental work.
Dr. Shirinian, who holds fellowships in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, sees these technologies as part of a broader trend towards minimally invasive dentistry.
“It allows us to be more conservatively prepping the whole concept of minimally invasive dentistry with a conservative approach,” he said. “The whole concept of dentistry is preventative care. If you do the procedures sooner than later, you’re going to end up saving the tooth structure more and more.”
As dental technology continues to advance, practices like Signature Smiles Pasadena are at the forefront, offering patients more comfortable, efficient, and effective treatment options. The introduction of these advanced technologies marks significant steps forward in modern dentistry.
Signature Smiles Pasadena is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, patients can call (626) 381-9288 or visit their office at 2335 E Colorado Blvd #105, in Pasadena.
