Technology & Safety FAQs
Have questions about dental technology, X-ray safety, or how we keep you safe? Find answers below.
Your Technology & Safety Questions Answered
Modern dentistry uses advanced technology to provide better, safer, more comfortable care. We understand you may have questions about the safety of X-rays, how we sterilize instruments, and what our technology can do for you.
Browse our frequently asked questions below, or contact us if you don't see your question answered.
X-Ray & Imaging Questions
Yes. Digital X-rays use 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. A full set of dental X-rays exposes you to about the same radiation as:
• A few hours of natural background radiation
• A short airplane flight
• Eating 50 bananas (yes, bananas are slightly radioactive!)
We also use lead aprons and thyroid collars for additional protection.
It depends on your individual needs:
• New patients: Full set to establish baseline
• Routine checkups: Bitewings every 6-18 months
• Specific concerns: As needed for diagnosis
We follow guidelines that minimize radiation while ensuring proper diagnosis.
You have the right to decline any procedure. However, X-rays reveal problems invisible to the eye (decay between teeth, bone loss, etc.). Without them, some conditions can't be diagnosed or may be missed until advanced.
We generally avoid elective X-rays during pregnancy. However, if you have a dental emergency, X-rays can be taken safely with proper shielding. The radiation from dental X-rays is very low and doesn't reach the abdomen.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) creates 3D images of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures. It's used for implant planning, complex extractions, root canal diagnosis, and TMJ evaluation. CBCT uses more radiation than regular X-rays but far less than medical CT scans.
Available at Holland Cross and McCarthy locations.
Sterilization & Infection Control
Every reusable instrument goes through a rigorous process:
1. Cleaning (ultrasonic bath + manual)
2. Inspection
3. Packaging in sterilization pouches
4. Autoclave sterilization (high-pressure steam)
5. Storage until use
6. Biological verification testing
Absolutely. Items marked single-use (needles, suction tips, gloves, etc.) are never reused. They're disposed of properly after each patient.
Between every patient:
• All surfaces disinfected with hospital-grade disinfectants
• Barrier covers replaced
• Chair and equipment wiped down
• Fresh instrument setups opened
• New gloves, masks, and barriers used
We adhere to guidelines from:
• Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario
• Public Health Ontario
• Provincial and federal health regulations
Our protocols meet or exceed all requirements.
Learn more about Safety & Sterilization →
Technology Questions
CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) allows us to create dental restorations (crowns, inlays) in a single visit:
• Digital scan replaces goopy impressions
• Crown designed on computer
• Milled in-office from ceramic
• Fitted same day—no temporary, no second visit
Learn more about CAD/CAM →
AIRFLOW® uses a gentle spray of air, water, and fine powder to clean teeth. It's more comfortable than traditional scaling, effective at removing stains and biofilm, and great for sensitive patients.
Learn more about AIRFLOW® →
Dental microscopes magnify the treatment area up to 25x, allowing detection of tiny cracks, finding hidden root canals, more precise treatment, and better outcomes.
Available at Holland Cross and McCarthy locations.
Learn more about Microscope Dentistry →
For most patients, yes:
• No goopy material in your mouth
• More comfortable (no gagging)
• More accurate
• Faster process
• Instant results on screen
We use digital impressions for most procedures.
General Safety Questions
Tell us about all allergies. We use latex-free gloves (if latex allergy), metal-free restorations (if metal sensitivity), and alternative materials as needed. Most common dental materials are well-tolerated, but alternatives exist for those with sensitivities.
Yes. We maintain our dental unit waterlines with independent water bottle systems, regular treatment protocols, and periodic water quality testing. This ensures water meets safety standards.
We have emergency protocols and battery backup for essential equipment. Your safety is maintained, and we can complete or safely pause procedures as needed.
Our team is trained in CPR and basic life support, emergency response protocols, and use of emergency medications and equipment. We maintain emergency equipment including oxygen, AED, and emergency medications.
More Questions?
Don't see your question? Contact us!
Call: Centrepointe (613) 224-8600 | Holland Cross (613) 728-1511 | McCarthy (613) 526-9876
At BluSky we BEElieve in bringing life to your smile. 🐝