Technology

Digital imaging lets us see what a visual exam alone cannot. When it’s appropriate for your child, we use these images to check tooth development, spot decay hiding between teeth, evaluate injuries, and examine the structures that support your child’s teeth, all with very low radiation exposure.

Modern digital dental x-rays benefit patients in a number of ways:

• Digital x-rays expose patients to considerably less radiation than conventional film x-rays
• Digital x-rays require almost no time for development, reducing time spent waiting in the dental chair
• Digital x-rays allow for incredibly precise and accurate images for timely diagnoses
• Digital x-rays are securely stored in your digital file and can be securely sent to your insurance company or specialists, when necessary
• Because no chemicals are needed for developing and no space is needed for film storage, digital x-rays are better for the environment

What if you could see exactly what your dentist sees? You’d probably find it simpler to make informed decisions about your oral health!

Intraoral cameras allow you to do precisely that. Using a small digital camera embedded in a wand, the dentist can move it around your mouth and transmit the images instantly to a chairside monitor. This allows you to clearly see everything the dentist describes.

Individual x-rays are valuable for identifying decay, infection, and many other dental conditions. As your child grows, Dr. Reed may recommend a full-picture view called a panoramic image.

Panoramic x-rays help us evaluate tooth development, alignment as new teeth come in, and allow us to scan the jaws for any signs of pathology that other images can’t detect. These x-rays are especially helpful when planning the timing of orthodontic referrals and oral surgery, such as wisdom teeth extractions.

At Frontenac Pediatric Dentistry of St. Louis, your child’s comfort is our top priority, so we’re always seeking out technology that makes dental visits easier and calmer. That’s why we’re proud to offer the Sleeper One, an advanced electronic numbing system that’s changing the way children experience dental care.

This innovative technology can comfortably numb a single tooth in seconds, without the big, intimidating needles or the lingering “fat lip” feeling that can last for hours. Here’s how it helps make visits smoother, gentler, and virtually pain-free for kids of all ages.

What Makes the Sleeper One Different?

Traditional local anesthesia relies on a large needle and a good amount of anesthetic, which can leave a child’s lips, cheeks, and tongue numb long after the appointment is over. The Sleeper One works differently. This electronic injection system delivers anesthesia precisely, one drop at a time, using an intraosseous technique that places the medicine gently right where it’s needed, directly into the bone around the tooth. That means:

• No large needles — the tip is tiny and gentle
• Instant onset — your child is numb and ready within seconds
• No drooling or widespread numbness — only the tooth being treated feels numb
• Less anesthetic — about one-fourth of what was previously needed

The result is less medicine, less fear, and more smiles.

Why Kids (and Parents) Love It

For children, the Sleeper One makes treatment feel easier and far less intimidating, and for parents, that means fewer tears and a smoother visit overall. Kids can eat, talk, and smile comfortably soon after their appointment, without that awkward feeling of having half their face asleep. And because the numbing starts right away, we can often treat multiple teeth in a single visit, saving you time and trips.

Thoughtful, Case-by-Case Comfort

While the Sleeper One is a wonderful fit for many children, every child is different. In some cases, traditional methods may be the better choice. As with every treatment decision at Frontenac Pediatric Dentistry of St. Louis, your child’s comfort, safety, and care always come first, and Dr. Reed will recommend the approach that gives your child the best possible experience.

Our Commitment to Modern, Fear-Free Care

We’re always looking for ways to make your child’s care gentler, safer, and smarter. Investing in technology like the Sleeper One reflects our commitment to modern, fear-free dentistry, because when it comes to your child’s comfort, every detail matters.