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Dental Technology | South Barrington Dental Care
CEREC same-day crowns, 3D Cone Beam imaging, 3D Scanning for Digital Impressions, computer-guided implants, and low-radiation digital X-rays. Modern technology for better outcomes and more comfortable visits.
See the difference technology makes.
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Modern Tools for Faster, More Comfortable Care
South Barrington Dental Care is built around the belief that the right technology, applied thoughtfully, makes dentistry faster, more precise, and more comfortable. The tools below are not about novelty. Each one is in our office because it demonstrably improves patient outcomes, reduces chair time, or replaces an older process that was uncomfortable or imprecise.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is an in-office CAD/CAM system that designs, fabricates, and places a custom ceramic crown in a single visit. No traditional impression, no temporary crown, no second appointment two weeks later. We digitally scan the prepared tooth, design the crown on a monitor (often with your input on shape and contour), mill it from a solid block of ceramic in about 15-20 minutes, and bond it in place.
CEREC crowns are made from high-strength ceramic, color-matched to your natural teeth, and function indistinguishably from traditional lab-made crowns in most cases.
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3D Cone Beam CT Imaging
A Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scanner produces a three-dimensional image of the teeth, jaws, nerves, and sinuses in under 30 seconds. Compared to traditional 2D X-rays, CBCT shows us exactly where nerves run, how thick the jaw bone is, and what lies beneath the surface. We use CBCT for:
- Planning dental implants safely around nerves and sinuses
- Evaluating teeth with suspected fractures invisible on regular X-rays
- Diagnosing complex endodontic (root canal) cases
- Assessing bone volume before bone grafting
- Planning wisdom tooth extractions
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Computer-Guided Implant Surgery
For implant cases, CBCT imaging is combined with planning software to digitally position the implant before any surgery happens. A custom surgical guide is then fabricated to ensure the implant is placed exactly as planned. This significantly improves precision, reduces surgical time, and leads to better long-term outcomes.
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3D Scanning and Digital Impressions
The 3D scanner creates a 3D digital model of your teeth in about two minutes, eliminating the need for messy putty impression trays. Benefits include:
- No gag reflex from impression material
- More accurate than traditional impressions
- Better-fitting restorations, aligners, and appliances
- Digital files sent directly to labs and aligner manufacturers
- You can see your own teeth in 3D on a monitor during the appointment
3D scans are used for crowns, bridges, clear aligners, digital dentures, and monitoring changes over time.
Digital X-Rays
Our digital X-ray system exposes patients to up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays while producing sharper, higher-contrast images. Images appear on our monitor within seconds, which means:
- Less radiation per image
- Faster diagnosis and treatment decisions
- Easier patient education (we can show you what we see)
- Digital records that can be shared with specialists if needed
Panoramic X-Rays
A panoramic X-ray captures all of your teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures in a single image. Used for comprehensive exams, wisdom tooth evaluation, and treatment planning. The exposure takes about 15 seconds and is painless.
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Intraoral Cameras
Small high-resolution cameras let us show you exactly what is happening inside your mouth on a monitor. This makes it easier to understand why we are recommending a specific treatment and gives you a clear visual record of your oral health. Intraoral photos are especially useful for cracked teeth, suspicious spots, and tracking changes over time.
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Sterilization and Safety
Our sterilization procedures meet or exceed CDC guidelines. Every instrument is steam sterilized between patients, and our treatment rooms are cleaned and disinfected per protocol. Single-use disposables are used wherever appropriate.
Why Technology Matters for Your Care
Technology by itself does not make a practice good. A skilled clinician using basic tools will always outperform an unskilled clinician with state-of-the-art equipment. But the combination of excellent clinical judgment and modern technology gives patients the best outcomes: faster visits, more comfortable procedures, and more predictable results.Dr. Allison Bartley has built the practice around this philosophy. Read more about Dr. Bartley and her approach to technology-assisted dentistry.
Serving the Northwest Suburbs
Our in-office technology is a major reason patients travel from across the region for our care.
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Common Questions
Is the imaging safe?
Yes. Modern digital dental imaging uses very low doses of radiation. A full series of digital X-rays exposes you to less radiation than a cross-country airline flight. CBCT imaging uses more radiation than a 2D X-ray but still less than a medical CT scan, and we only use it when clinically justified.
Do I have to pay extra for CEREC crowns?
No. Same-day CEREC crowns are priced the same as traditional lab-made crowns at our practice. The benefit to you is fewer appointments and no temporary crown, not a higher bill.
Can you reuse X-rays from another dentist?
Often yes, if they are recent (within 6 months) and good quality. Bring them on a USB drive, CD, or email to save time and avoid duplicate exposure.
Will 3D Scanning for Digital Impressions work if I have a strong gag reflex?
Yes. This is one of the most common reasons patients prefer 3D Scanning for Digital Impressions. There is no material in the mouth, no tray, and scanning can be paused whenever you need a break.
Is all this technology necessary for a basic cleaning?
No. For routine cleanings and exams, we use digital X-rays and intraoral cameras. The more advanced systems (CEREC, CBCT, 3D Scanning for Digital Impressions) come into play when you need specific treatments that benefit from them.
South Barrington Dental Care has been serving patients in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago for years and has built a strong local reputation for comprehensive, patient-centered care. Dr. Allison Bartley leads the practice and the all-female clinical team.
Schedule A Visit at South Barrington Dental Care
Serving patients across South Barrington, Inverness, Streamwood, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Arlington Heights.
Office Hours: Monday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Friday closed, Saturday by appointment only, Sunday closed.
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