Although dental technologies have greatly developed in the 21^st century, not many clinics in Costa Rica or around the world have adopted them. Dental equipment tends to be very expensive, and thus few clinics are willing to invest in the latest technology. Small dental practices that are just starting up are often not able to afford the initial investment, and others that have been established for a while prefer to keep as much money as possible by maintaining a low overhead.

In Costa Rica, the Flikier Dental Institute has been able to invest in all the latest dental care technologies thanks to its longstanding privileged position of being a clinic equally preferred by medical tourists and local patients. The use of these technologies has resulted in attracting more patients to this clinic, which is located in an upscale suburb of San Jose. Here’s a brief look at the advanced technology used by the dental care professionals at the Flikier Dental Institute:

Digital Radiography

A visit to the dentist starts with accurate diagnostics, which are conducted by means of digital radiography at the Flikier Denta Institute. With this technology, the dentist and patient can watch advanced images displayed on a computer screen seconds after the device is inserted in to the patient’s mouth. The images are a higher resolution than film images and are stored in a computer memory, from which they can be easily retrieved combined and manipulated to supply more information. Most significantly patients are exposed to 1/10th the x-ray dosage typically delivered today.

SCANORA 3D Imaging

Dental implantology and oral reconstruction requires advanced imaging for the purpose of planning the procedures and following up on the treatments performed. The Flikier Dental Institute uses SCANORA 3D imaging, which offers superior versatility by combining Cone Beam 3D imaging, with three selectable and one optional fields of view, and dedicated panoramic imaging. After scanning and image reconstruction, a full range of diagnostic options can be exploited. The diagnostic information can be thoroughly examined with the many powerful software tools and features. For instance, a complete set of cross-sectional views of the jaw can be automatically generated by drawing a center line along the axial slice.

Ultrasonic Cleaning

A deep cleaning at a dental office every few months is exactly what your teeth need in addition to regular brushing and flossing. Ultrasonic cleaning is a thorough and gentle way of removing tartar and plaque above and below the gum line. This mechanical device vibrates a small water- cooled metal tip that gently removes the unwanted deposits that build up on your teeth. This method is faster so more can be accomplished in an appointment. Hand instruments are a good follow-up to this treatment.

Beyond Whitening (“Laser”) Accelerator

In just 60 minutes you can have beautiful white teeth. Our Accelerator cleans both the surface and the internal structure of the teeth. The cool-light tooth-whitening machine uses a narrow beam of high-intensity blue light with a wavelength of between 480 and 520 nanometers. A special optical process removes harmful infrared and ultraviolet light. A whitening fluid containing hydrogen peroxide and 20 nanometers silicon dioxide rapidly oxidizes the entire surface of all teeth in one short treatment, restoring them to a beautiful white. Using low temperature, cold light avoids irritation of the nerves of the teeth; it is a one-time treatment with no side effects, whitening the teeth for up to two years.

Zirconia Crowns

The Flikier Dental Institute of Costa Rica prefers using Zirconia Crowns in restoration procedures. Zirconia is the result of a chemical process: the basis is Zirconia sand, partially stabilized with Yttrium, and made into Zirconia blanks through a mechanical process. Zirconia dioxide is, among the today available dental ceramics, without any doubt the material with the highest stability and fracture toughness. In the field of implant dentistry, in cases of limited available space or restorations with tissue flanges, Prettau Zirconia comes into a world of its own. One of the many advantages is the complete elimination of posterior occlusal chipping because only the labial or buccal surfaces are porcelain veneered; all functional areas are solidly maintained with Prettau Zirconia.