Advanced
Dental Technology
At Hlavaty Dental Arts, every treatment begins with precision — and precision starts with the right dental technology. Dr. Shawn Hlavaty has invested in a carefully selected suite of advanced diagnostic and treatment tools designed to deliver more accurate results, greater comfort, and faster healing.
New patients are always welcome, and our in-house Hlavaty Dental Arts Membership Plan helps make this level of care accessible to those without traditional insurance. When artistry and clinical expertise are supported by the best available dental technology, the difference shows in every outcome.
How Advanced Technology Improves Your Care
Advanced dental technologies are not about complexity for its own sake — they exist to make your experience better. Digital tools help Dr. Hlavaty see more clearly, plan more precisely, and treat more gently. From the moment you sit down for diagnostic imaging to the final stages of a cosmetic or restorative procedure, each instrument in our Santa Barbara practice is chosen because it directly benefits you: less time in the chair, more predictable results, and a calmer, more comfortable visit.
Cone Beam CT Scan — 3D Diagnostic Imaging
Our cone beam CT scanner captures a full three-dimensional view of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, and surrounding structures in a single, low-radiation scan. Unlike traditional two-dimensional X-rays, this imaging reveals depth and spatial relationships that are essential for complex treatment planning.
How Cone Beam CT Supports Implant Planning
A cone beam ct scan dental image gives Dr. Hlavaty the detailed anatomical map he needs to plan dental implant placement with confidence. By visualizing bone density, nerve pathways, and sinus proximity before treatment begins, he can identify the optimal position for each implant — helping reduce surgical time and support long-term success. This same imaging is critical for All-on-4 full-arch restoration cases where precision is paramount.
Digital Dental Impressions with 3Shape TRIOS
Our 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scanner replaces traditional putty molds with a comfortable, wand-style device that captures thousands of data points per second. The result is a highly accurate 3D model of your teeth and soft tissue — ready in minutes, not days.
Why Digital Impressions Replace Traditional Molds
Digital dental impressions eliminate the mess, gagging, and waiting associated with conventional molds. The scanner is gentle, fast, and designed to produce restorations and aligners that fit with exceptional accuracy. For patients receiving crowns, veneers, or clear aligners, this means fewer adjustments and a smoother path to their final result.
Laser Dentistry — DenMat SOL Laser
Our practice features an advanced laser system: the DenMat SOL laser. This instrument uses concentrated light energy to perform soft-tissue procedures with remarkable precision. Many laser treatments require little to no anesthesia, produce minimal bleeding, and may promote faster healing compared to traditional methods — making them an excellent option for patients who value comfort.
Digital X-Rays & Panoramic Imaging
High-resolution digital X-rays produce clear diagnostic images instantly while exposing you to significantly less radiation than conventional film X-rays. Our panoramic imaging system captures a complete view of your upper and lower jaws in a single sweep, helping Dr. Hlavaty evaluate overall oral health, monitor developing concerns, and plan treatment with a full picture of your anatomy.
Computer-Guided Implant Planning
By combining cone beam CT data with specialized planning software, Dr. Hlavaty creates a virtual surgical guide before your implant procedure begins. This computer-guided approach helps determine the precise angle, depth, and position of each implant — translating the digital plan into predictable, efficient placement. The result is designed to support optimal function, natural aesthetics, and long-term stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few things patients often ask. Don't see your question? We'd love to hear from you.
Ask a QuestionWhat is a cone beam ct scan dental appointment like?+
A cone beam CT scan is quick, quiet, and completely non-invasive. You stand or sit while the scanner rotates around your head for approximately 20 to 40 seconds — no enclosed spaces and no discomfort. The 3D images are available immediately, allowing Dr. Hlavaty to review your anatomy with you during the same visit.
Are digital dental impressions more accurate than traditional molds?+
Yes. Digital dental impressions captured with the 3Shape TRIOS scanner are designed to produce highly detailed 3D models that may reduce the fit adjustments sometimes needed with traditional putty molds. The process is also faster and eliminates the gagging sensation many patients associate with conventional impressions.
How does dental technology make treatment more comfortable?+
Advanced tools like laser systems, digital scanners, and low-radiation digital X-rays help minimize physical discomfort, reduce procedure time, and support faster healing. Combined with the sedation options available at Hlavaty Dental Arts, these technologies are designed to make every visit as calm and efficient as possible.
Your smile, considered.
Let's start with a quiet conversation. Tell us what you're hoping for — we'll handle the rest.