Our Technological Leadership

Our Technological Leadership

Welcome visitors:

We have been in practice for a very long time. Our family name is well known in the Norwalk area. My father started this practice over 50 years ago. I have been here since 1983.

In 1999 we began a technological revolution which gives you access to better dentistry, and saves you time.

On this page I explain some of our most advanced dental technology. Very few practices, nationwide, offer all that we do, along with over 20 years of experience. Click on the colored links for more detail on any of these subjects. Some of these links take you to sites from manufacturers and other organizations. Use your browser's “back” button to navigate back to here.

The advances have been in several different areas:

Most recently, we have added LASER dentistry. The laser allows filling without drilling, surgery without bleeding, and sterilization of gum infections. Filling without drilling means kids need no shots!

We were leaders in the introduction of the most revolutionary technology I have ever seen in this profession. It is called Cerec ® , for CERamic rEConstuction. What is it?

If you have ever had a dental crown, porcelain laminate, inlay, or onlay, you know the process.. Extensive drilling, impressions, temporary restorations, and then waiting for the lab to make something that we hope fits.

The classic technology is over 100 years old, and while it works pretty well, it is full of trouble spots, and at the very least, is time consuming, requiring at least 2 visits, a couple of weeks apart.

CEREC ® is a digital technology. Instead of making uncomfortable impressions of the teeth, we take pictures with a digital camera, and then design the restoration with a computer. The computer then guides a microscopic milling machine, which makes the restoration out of strong ceramic, on the spot. The whole process usually takes less than 2 hours, and it is the closest thing we have to being able to replace natural enamel. We can often do things with it that are impossible with “normal” dentistry, ranging from dramatic reconstructions, to making fillings that are unusually durable. The system has been in use in Europe for about 20 years, so there is extensive clinical data on the durability and biocompatibility of these restorations.

I have studied about Cerec® all over the world, and am now one of a very few Trainers in Cerec® certified by the International Society of Computerized Dentistry. In 2006, I was named a Fellow of the Academy of Computerized Dentistry of North America, signifying great achievement in education in advanced technology dentistry.

Added benefits: The restorations are totally tooth colored, metal free, and allow us to preserve more of your natural tooth than conventional methods.

Is that not enough? We did not stop there. We use computer technology extensively to enhance our dentistry, including computerized record keeping (this also allows the doctor access to your files anytime, anywhere, and after hours, calls are forwarded to his cell phone, where he can use this information to help you, anytime, anywhere. It also helps us speed your insurance processing, without you haviing to fill in forms over and over.

We use the Diagnodent® system, which is a laser for early detection of cavities, when they are tiny, and can be fixed using Laser, or Air Abrasion, both conservative methods that require no shots, especially in childern! Frequently, this breaks the old cycle of cavities forming, fillings being placed, and failing over and over again, leading to major problems later in life.

We introduced digital radiography (x-rays) which gives us instant access to high quality images, when needed, with about one fourth of the radiation that conventional x-rays required. Of course, they don't need developing, so we have instant access, and no chemical waste for the environment, either.

The images have more diagnostic value to us, too, because they are the size of a computer screen, not the size of a postage stamp, and we can email them to specialists for instant evaluation.

We are also pioneering the routine use of oral photography, to provide an ongoing record and help detect issues, just as has been done for years with xr-ays and visual exams.

Of course, we are a full service dental practice, providing for all of your family's usual needs: preventive care, cleanings, restorations of all types, endodontic therapy (root canals), oral surgery (including removal of wisdom teeth), periodontic (gum) care (link courtesy Dr. Richard Mao), and we also offer sedation with nitrous oxide (sweet air), for the anxious.

I hope that you will learn more about what we offer, and choose to give us a try. We have developed a terrific approach, which, if followed, can lead to a lifetime of great smiles.

I know that I speak for all of us here when I say that we would like to tell you more about it. Please give us a call at 203.849.1776. Speak to us, and arrange to come in for a visit.

We all look forward to meeting you,

Michael Hodish, DMD Previous Page Next Page Home Page

CEREC is a registered trademark of Sirona Dental Systems.