Dr. Steven Demetriou, D.M.D.- New Technologies

New Technologies!
Comfortable Dentistry Drill-Less Technology Digital Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)
Dr. Demetriou uses the latest technology available for your child. Lasers, digital radiographs and intra-oral cameras allow us to keep your child on the cutting edge of technology.
COMFORTABLE DENTISTRY Our care provides for your child’s comfort and well-being during dental procedures. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the use of these dental aids, please feel free to discuss them with us. We want you to feel comfortable with the methods of care in our office. Local Anesthetic: We prefer to call it “sleepy water.” This is used to numb an area of gum, bone, and teeth. The size of an area numbed (from one tooth to the side of the jaw) varies with the method used to place the anesthetic in the tissue. We attempt to give this in a manner that reduces a child’s awareness of the injection. The area numbed may remain “sleepy” up to one or two hours after your child leaves the office. A child who has had lips, cheeks or tongue numbed should be watched to reduce the chance of injury by chewing or pinching the area. While it is rare to find someone who has had a reaction to the anesthetic, we need to know of any past history of a problem. Relative Analgesia: We call it “laughing gas” or “happy gas.” This is used to reduce fear/anxiety, improve patient cooperation, improve tolerance for longer appointments and reduce gagging so that comfortable, quality dental care can be achieved. “Happy gas” is a combination of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen which is breathed by the child with the aid of a nose piece. Your child can talk and is aware of sounds and sights around him or her. Some children may take a nap because they are relaxed. Some may have tingling fingers, toes or lips, or feel like they are on a space ride or a merry-go-round or just feel heavy. This is not anesthesia and is not used to “put” your child to sleep. Usually a child is clear of its effect after 3-5 minutes of breathing oxygen. Conscious Sedation: There are often times when a child is unable to tolerate dental treatment. This may be because of anxiety, the child’s age, or the amount of treatment required to restore a healthy smile. During these situations, we may recommend medicine to help the child relax and sleep. Our goal is to develop a positive relationship with your child and conscious sedation eliminates obstacles that may affect that outcome. Back to the Top
DRILL-LESS TECHNOLOGY Laser dentistry with the VersaWave™ Dental Laser System A Stress-Free Dental Experience! Dr. Demetriou is pleased to offer the latest in drill-less technology. Laser dentistry allows him to treat many teeth without "the drill", the needle or the noise, that makes so many children worry about their treatment. The laser helps him detect and treat dental decay in its earliest stages. It also preserves more of the tooth than "drilling". If you have tooth decay, you want to treat it as soon and as painlessly as possible. Dr. Demetriou has made a commitment to your dental health by offering the VersaWave™ Dental Laser. The VersaWave™ offers you the opportunity to have a safe, anxiety free dental experience, without drills, and in most cases, without anesthesia. How does the laser work? The VersaWave™ removes and treats all dental tissue with the energy of light. The specialized light produced by the VersaWave™ laser is rapidly absorbed by the water molecules in soft tissue. In the case of treating a cavity, the laser gently removes the decay, leaving more of the healthy tooth. How is the laser different than the drill? The drill is a very powerful mechanical tool, and the vibration and large hole it produces causes discomfort. Anesthesia is almost always needed. The VersaWave™ is an alternative which offers the patient the latest in technological advances. The laser light works to destroy and remove the decay without the vibration and resulting discomfort. Rather than a drilling sound, you hear only a gentle tapping. Will I still need anesthesia? Probably not! Most patients require no injected anesthesia when the VersaW'ave™ is used to remove decay. This means that you will not have to spend time waiting for numbing to take effect or to wear off. Additionally, multiple teeth in different parts of your mouth can be worked on in ONE visit. You may still choose to have anesthesia, while still avoiding the sound and vibration of the drill. Is the laser safe? Absolutely, the treatment has proven to be appropriate and safe in over tens of thousands of applications throughout the world. The laser is ideal for both adults and children. What else can the laser treat? The VersaWave™ is effective for soft tissue procedures on the gums, cheeks and tongue with less pain, less bleeding and faster healing times. The laser is used in a variety of endodontic (root canal) procedures as well. How do I get started? Contact Dr. Demetriou's office and they will be happy to discuss the VersaWave™ treatment options with you.
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DIGITAL DENTAL RADIOGRAPHS (X-RAYS) With the advances in computer aided dentistry, we now provide our patients the latest diagnostic imaging, also known as Digital Radiography (x-rays). Instead of biting down on dental film, a digital x-ray uses a sensor. Where it used to take 4-6 minutes to process a regular dental x-ray, it now takes less than 30 seconds to produce the image. Since digital x-rays are processed by the computer, they are environmentally friendly – no chemicals or waste. The Dentist and patient can watch the images come up on the computer screen seconds after the sensor is inserted into his/her mouth. This allows for better education and understanding for our patients, resulting in greater confidence in treatment. Digital x-rays have the ability to be computer enhanced and magnified. A concern to many of our patients is the amount of radiation they are exposed to when getting their x-rays. By using digital radiography, the patient exposure is reduced by 90%. Thus, providing better protection to our patients. Back to the Top
Ask us about all of the services we offer to make your child's dental experience more comfortable.

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Steven C. Demetriou , D.M.D.
Pediatric Dentistry
1147 Main Street - Cottage Place
Tewksbury, MA 01876
(978) 851-6334

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