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Prehn Dental Office constantly seeks new technology advances at an extremely rapid rate. We have seen advances in non-surgical periodontal therapy, lasers, computers in the operatories, digital imaging and x-rays, along with chemical and dental material advancements. Dr. Prehn constantly evaluates each of these technological advancements and applies them in his practice for the benefit of patient care.

"To stay on top of the technological advances in dentistry requires a commitment to continuing education on a regular basis. Both myself and my staff attend courses and conventions on a regular basis to make sure that how we offer dentistry to our patients is on the cutting edge."

Frederick C. Prehn, D.D.S.

3-D Virtual Implant Placement Software
Dr. Prehn and his colleague, Dr. John Stilp, a Wausau implant surgeon, have been utilizing the latest in computer technology for the virtual placement of implants. Until now, the definite surgical site the implant was placed into was not really known until the actual surgery. With today's technology and the use of CAT Scans, Dr. Prehn and Dr. Stilp are now able to visualize the actual implant site prior to the actual surgery; thus preventing the "guesswork" as to whether a bone graft is necessary and if an implant can even be placed. In some cases, this also speeds up the placement of the final prosthesis (crowns or dentures). If you would like to know more about the Virtual Implant Placement, please contact Dr. Prehn for an appointment to discuss if this technology is right for your dental situation.

3-D Virtual Implant Placement Software

Digital X-RAYS (I-CAD Imaging)
Dr. Prehn utilizes the I-CAD imaging; which allows us to review the head and neck in three dimensional formats. An I-CAD is taken at Dr. Stilp's office and allows us to basically do what hospitals have done with CAT scans for years—at a fraction of the cost. When it comes to diagnosing TMJ, fractures, future implant sites, etc… I-CAD imaging is an advent for imaging in the dental office.

Digital Imaging (I-CAD Imaging)

Steam Sterilization

The latest in sterilization techniques are utilized at Prehn Dental for all dental instruments. When available, sterile disposable instrumentation is used to better protect his patients.

Computers in the Treatment Rooms

Computers in the treatment rooms have been around for almost a decade. Most offices utilize computer technology for processing dental claims, accounting, and general clerical tasks. In June 2002, Dr. Prehn placed computers in the operatories to allow staff to chart, diagnose, and develop a treatment plan for your condition.

Digital X-rays (I-CAD Imaging)

Dr. Prehn utilizes the I-CAD imaging; which allows us to review the head and neck in three dimensional formats. An I-CAD is taken at Dr. Stilp's office and allows us to basically do what hospitals have done with CAT scans for years at a fraction of the cost. When it comes to diagnosing TMJ, fractures, future implant sites, etc., I-CAD imaging is an advent for imaging in the dental office.

Laser Detection Device/Diagnodent

Dr. Prehn uses laser technology to detect hidden decay that many times cannot be viewed with x-rays or an explorer. This allows him to eliminate decay in the early stages. This is one area that Dr. Prehn uses lasers in his practice.

"Early detection is the key to small restorations."

Frederick C. Prehn, D.D.S.

High Speed Fiber Optic Handpiece

This handpiece is the latest technology used in the preparation of tooth structure today. It has a light source inside the handpiece to give Dr. Prehn the utmost visualization of your teeth during preparation.

Air Abrasion

Dr. Prehn uses air abrasion technology in the dental lab.

Pulp-Vitality Testing

This is an electronic instrument that tests the health of the nerve in your tooth. Dr. Prehn can then diagnose the pulp death of a tooth.

Cavitron

This is an instrument that uses ultrasonic properties to remove debris your teeth and flush out the pockets around the teeth. This can reduce the amount of hand scaling of the teeth.

Prophy Jet

The Prophy Jet uses a special polishing compound in combination with air and water for removal of stains. Think of it as a pressure washer for your teeth.

Bonding

Bonding is a technique that allows Dr. Prehn to chemically attach restorative materials such as veneers, fillings, or crowns to the teeth. Previously he had to mechanically lock the filling material into place. With bonding, there are many choices available to patients.

Intra-Oral Camera

The Intra-Oral Camera is a new technology that utilizes fiber optics video imaging to visualize oral conditions. It helps Dr. Prehn to better explain dental conditions to the patients in a visual manner and it allows the patient to see on the computer screen what their mouth looks like.

Dental Materials

Dental materials is an area that is ever changing in the dental profession. Dr. Prehn prides himself in keeping up with the latest and bringing the best that technology offers to his patients.

Dental Drilling Lasers

The FDA recently approved the Premier Laser, a drilling laser for soft and hard tooth structure. Seminars that Dr. Prehn has attended demonstrate the limited usage this has on his patients. Although lasers have been used on soft tissue in the dental field for over 15 years, Dr. Prehn feels the proven techniques, along with electro-surgery, remain the foundation for quality care. He continues to investigate this technology by attending seminars and, if he feels it would be cost effective and be in the best interest of his patients, he will introduce the Premier Laser into his practice.

TENS Unit

This is an electronic stimulus for pain control during routine fillings without the need for injections or anesthetics. It is also used by physical therapists for use in TMJ. Seminars that Dr. Prehn has attended demonstrates the use of the TENS unit and its limited success with invasive dental procedures. Until it can be proven to totally eliminate the need for local anesthetic, he feels this technology is in its infant stage for dental pain relief during a procedure.