Advanced Dental Technology in Albemarle, NC
At Dogwood Family Dentistry, we proudly serve new patients and returning families with the dental technology that Albemarle, NC patients deserve. Our commitment to transparent treatment planning means we use precise diagnostics to help you understand your options before any treatment begins. Whether you are coming in for a cleaning or a complex restoration, our tools are here to make your visit faster, more comfortable, and more accurate.
Precision Diagnostics & Digital Care
3D Cone Beam CT, iTero Scanners & CEREC Same-Day Restoration
How Our Technology
Makes Your Visit Better
Every tool we use is chosen with one goal: to give you a better experience. From the moment you walk in, our digital systems help us see more, work faster, and keep you comfortable. Here is what that looks like in your appointment.
Cone Beam CT / 3D Imaging — Precision Before We Begin
Traditional X-rays give us a flat view. Cone beam CT creates a 3D model of your teeth, jawbone, and nerves in seconds. This allows us to plan implants, root canals, and extractions with a level of detail that reduces surprises. You get a safer, more predictable treatment, and we get the full picture before we start.
iTero Digital Impressions — No Trays, No Mess
If you have ever gagged on a mouthful of putty, you will appreciate our iTero digital scanner. It captures a precise 3D image of your teeth with a small wand. Within minutes, we have a digital model ready for treatment planning, clear aligners, or same-day crowns. It is faster, cleaner, and much more comfortable.
Intraoral Cameras — See What We See
We use small, pen-sized intraoral cameras to show you exactly what we are looking at on a chairside screen. Instead of relying on descriptions or X-rays alone, you can see your teeth up close. That makes it easier to understand why a filling, crown, or other restoration is needed. We explain everything as we go, so you never feel left in the dark. Learn more about our intraoral camera dental exam process.
Digital X-Rays — Less Radiation, Faster Results
Our digital X-rays use up to 80 percent less radiation than traditional film X-rays. The images appear on a computer screen in seconds, so there is no waiting for film to develop. This means we can diagnose cavities, infections, and bone loss quickly and start your treatment sooner.
Same-Day CEREC Crowns in Albemarle
If you need a crown, you do not have to wait two weeks or wear a temporary. Our CEREC system lets us design and create a ceramic crown right here while you wait. You leave with a permanent, natural-looking crown in a single visit.
How CEREC Works — From Scan to Crown in One Visit
First, we take a digital impression of your tooth using our iTero scanner. The data goes to our in-office milling unit, which carves the crown from a block of tooth-colored ceramic. While the crown is being made, you can relax in our treatment room. Once it is ready, we bond it in place. The whole process takes about one to two hours. For details, see our ceramic crowns same-day service.
Permanent Ceramic Restorations
Custom milled in under 2 hours — no temporary crowns needed.
Technology That Supports
Every Service We Offer
Our diagnostic and imaging tools are not just for crowns. They support every area of our practice. Cone beam CT helps us place dental implants with pinpoint accuracy. Digital impressions guide our restorative and cosmetic work. Even routine cleanings benefit from digital X-rays and intraoral imaging that catch problems early. Every service we offer is backed by the same commitment to precise, comfortable care. Explore all of our services to see how technology fits into your treatment plan.
Dental Implants
Cone beam CT scans allow surgical planning with pinpoint accuracy and safe, predictable implant placement.
Restorative Care
Single-visit ceramic crowns and durable restorations custom designed and milled right in our office.
Cosmetic Smiles
Goop-free 3D intraoral scans for clear aligners, veneers, and precise cosmetic treatment planning.
Preventive Exams
Early detection using high-speed digital X-rays and chairside cameras during cleanings and exams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Dental Technology
Do I need a referral to access 3D imaging or same-day crowns?
No referral is needed. Just schedule a routine exam or a consultation for same-day crowns, and we will take any needed 3D images or digital scans right in our office.
Is cone beam CT scanning safe?
Yes. The radiation dose from a dental cone beam CT is low — often comparable to a few standard dental X-rays. We use it only when the clinical benefit outweighs the minimal risk, which is typical for implant planning, wisdom tooth evaluation, and complex root canals.
How are digital impressions different from traditional molds?
Digital impressions are much more comfortable. Instead of trays filled with impression material, a small camera wand glides over your teeth. There is no gagging, no waiting for material to set, and the resulting 3D model is more accurate. We use digital impressions for same-day crowns, clear aligners, and restorative work.
We built our practice around the idea that technology should make your visit easier, not more complicated. New patients are always welcome. Learn more about what to expect at your first appointment.