Kona 'Ohana Dental Dr Muramoto

Technology

In order to provide nothing but the best to our patients, our office uses state-of-the-art technologies in all our procedures.  These new technologies allow us to treat dental cases with extreme precision, detect dental concerns at early stages, and provide stunning and customized restorations. When you visit our office you can be confident that you are receiving on the finest and most advanced in dental care. 

 We proudly offer and use the following advanced equipment:

X-RAYS AND DIGITAL X-RAYS
X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through bone which produce an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed.  This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease.  Without an x-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues, there would be no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention. 

In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using up to 90% less radiation than conventional film x-rays.  Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer.  The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnosis dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case. Back to top

AIR ABRASION
Air abrasion is a drill-less and more gentle approach to remove decay from the teeth.  An air abrasion unit is a small instrument that blasts a fine stream of air and particles onto the teeth to spray away decay. The small particles are made of silica, aluminum oxide or baking soda and aid in cleaning the tooth surface.  Air abrasion allows for decay to quickly be removed while conserving healthy tooth structure. The particles and decay are then suctioned out of the mouth.

Air abrasion is gentle because it generates no heat, sound, pressure or vibration.  In addition, it reduces the need for anesthesia, making it an ideal choice for children and those who experience dental anxiety. Back to top

DIAGNOdent
Providing the absolute best service to our patients is of the highest importance to our office. To aid in achieving this goal, we use a new high-tech device called the DIAGNOdent.  This small tool is a portable laser that allows us to detect cavities on the chewing surface of the back teeth that would have otherwise gone undetected by previous methods.  Diagnosing cavities in the back of the mouth using traditional methods is difficult; studies even show that 50% of cavities are left undetected in these areas.However, the new DIAGNOdent enables us to locate and treat these cavities, putting a stop to further decay.  The laser is easy to use, harmless, and will alert us with an audible signal if it detects a cavity.It will even calculate the approximate size of the cavity so we can better plan treatment.  By using this device, you can rest assured that cavities will be accurately detected and treated in their infancy. To learn more about this device, click here. Back to top

LASER DENTISTRY
Laser dentistry is the latest advancement in dental technology, treating a wide range of dental and cosmetic problems from cavities to gum disease to teeth whitening. The lasers we use in laser dentistry at our practice are an alternative to the common hand-held scalpel, drills, or other tools. These lasers direct an invisible energy beam onto problem areas and allow us to efficiently treat decayed teeth, enamel, and gums.  The benefit of laser dentistry is that they minimize the pain most often associated with dental procedures, meaning more comfort to our patients. Clinical studies show that approximately 96% of all patients require no anesthesia when lasers are being used during dental treatments.  Dental lasers have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are safe for both adults and children.

SOFT TISSUE LASER
Soft tissue lasers are used to safely remove soft tissue, such as excess gum tissue.The soft tissue laser can also be employed to destroy bacteria in gum pockets, preventing infection and allowing the tissue to return to a healthy state. The soft tissue laser enabled the dentist to treat our patients with extreme accuracy and eliminates the need for most stitches.
Back to top

PAPERLESS CHARTING
Our office is a completely digital (paperless) dental office. This means all x-rays and charting are made and recorded with the aid of the computer. This technology allows us to maintain your dental records electronically, and cuts down the unnecessary paperwork used with traditional paper charting.  Traditional paper charting is difficult to keep standardized from doctor to hygienist to assistant.  Even handwriting differences and coding make the charts look different. The computer eliminates this problem by using consistent charting methods that are accurate and precise, making it easy to read your dental chart and see up-to-date information.  Digital charting standardizes the charting process so it is clear, easy to understand, and enables us to provide on the most accurate and precise care to our patients. When needed, this method also allows us to quickly and securely share information with your other health care providers. Back to top

AUTOMATED APPOINTMENT REMINDER
We use an appointment reminder system that will call your home two days prior to your scheduled appointment time to remind you of your appointment. This system will soon be automated. If you are not home, a message will be left on your voicemail.  Failure to notify our office of a cancellation may result in a charge. See our missed appointment policy for more information. Back to top

DIGITAL IMAGING SOFTWARE
We use digital imaging software in our office, which allows us to take a digital picture of you and use our imaging system to predict how a particular treatment or cosmetic procedure would change the appearance of your teeth. This software is beneficial for patients who are considering cosmetic procedures but are not sure if they’re ready for dramatic changes. Digital imaging also allows us to document your dental case and procedures very well.We take digital images of your face, teeth and smile to provide us with a permanent dental record and to provide a visual documentation of treatment. Back to top

ELECTRONIC CLAIM PROCESSING
Our office utilizes electronic claims processing.This means that rather than sending your dental claim through the mail, it is sent electronically to your insurance company with the click of the button.By filing your claim electronically, information is submitted more efficiently and with fewer errors.This benefits our patients because the turn around time on claims is faster and fewer claims are returned or denied.We are happy to submit your dental claims to your insurance company on your behalf.  Back to top

INTRAORAL IMAGING
We use small cameras about the size of a pen, called intraoral cameras, to help clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums.  With this advanced technology we can zoom in on small diseased areas, cracks, chips and worn metal fillings with extreme precision. The full-color images taken with the intraoral camera are sent to a computer screen so we can clearly see and diagnose dental problems much earlier than with traditional dental technology. Because images are displayed on our screens, patients will also be able to see areas being worked on and are able to gain a better understanding of dental procedures being performed.  Back to top

TELESCOPIC LOUPES
The dentist performs most of his dental procedures while wearing a pair of funny looking glasses called surgical telescopes. These powerful glasses have magnifiers on them, allowing the dentist to see fine details that would go unnoticed to the naked eye.  Back to top


76-6225 Kuakini Hwy, Suite B203  •  Kailua Kona, HI  96740
Phone: 808-329-6167
Fax: 808-334-0205

Welcome
About Us
Meet the Doctors
Services
Technology
Kid's Stuff
FAQ
After Treatment
Hours and Directions
Patient Forms
Payment

Appointment Request
Dental Education
Refer Our Office
Contact Us