Digital Dentistry on the Central Coast
Central Coast Digital Dentistry
More than ever before, dental technology advancements are allowing dentists to efficiently identify and diagnose diseases and plan treatments during your visit.
We utilise digital or computer-based technology to examine, diagnose, and treat any conditions you may have, and assist our dental clinicians in your follow-ups and interactions with you.
This includes the use of:
- Intra-oral cameras - These are small cameras that we use in place of the tiny round mouth mirrors that were traditionally used by dentists to examine inside your mouth. The advantage is the magnification of what we see, which you as a patient can also see on the screen. This helps you to understand what’s going on and help you to improve your oral hygiene. The intra-oral cameras can also take photos which form part of our records.
- Digital radiography including OPG (Orthopantomagram) - This takes a panoramic scan dental x-ray of the upper and lower jaw.
- CBCT (Cone Beam Computer Tomography) - 3D imaging that captures dentition, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and facial bones in one scan, thus improving the visibility needed by our dentists to diagnose, evaluate, and plan treatments.
- Intra-oral scanners and CAD/CAM technology - The days of the dreaded impression material (the putty-like substance used to make moulds of your teeth) are numbered, thanks to Intra-oral scanners. The scanner allows for a faster and more comfortable experience for our patients, especially those who have a tendency to gag with the traditional impression material. The scanners enable us to take a 3D digital image of your mouth (teeth and gums), which we use to design a prosthesis such as crowns, veneers, onlays, inlays, bridges, implant-supported restorations, or dentures. Depending on each case, we either send these to our trusted dental laboratory, or we mill it inhouse using our milling machine and furnace for a same-day turnaround.

Digital Implant Solutions
Replacing missing teeth is a significant decision, and advancements in dental technology have transformed the implant process. Digital implants use 3D imaging and computer-guided technology to enhance accuracy and improve treatment planning. Traditional methods rely on manual placement, but digital dentistry allows for greater precision, which may help reduce discomfort and improve recovery times.
At New Leaf Dentists, we provide digital implant solutions for individuals in Erina, Gosford and Central Coast looking for a modern approach to tooth replacement. The process begins with detailed digital scans to map the jaw and determine the optimal implant position. This technology helps create a customised treatment plan, improving predictability and long-term results.
Digital Implants
Traditional dental implants require physical impressions and manual adjustments to determine implant placement. Digital implants, however, utilise 3D scanning, digital mapping, and guided surgery techniques to streamline the process. By using advanced imaging, the exact position, angle, and depth of the implant can be planned before surgery.
This approach offers several benefits, including:
- Enhanced accuracy through 3D-guided implant placement
- More efficient treatment planning with digital scanning
- Potentially faster recovery compared to traditional methods
- Reduced need for manual adjustments during implant placement
Every implant case is unique, and digital technology allows for personalised treatment solutions tailored to the patient’s bone structure and dental needs. Digital tools help improve consistency in results while offering a more efficient and predictable experience.
Same Day Crowns
New Leaf Dentists utilises Digital Dentistry to bring technology, convenience, and uncompromised quality all in one appointment day.
CAD/CAM Technology
Depending on each case, by utilising digital technology to scan, design, create, our dentists are able to prepare, mill and issue crowns, inlays and onlays on the same day using our CAD/CAM milling machine, thus saving our patients the need to come back on another day. The crown is made in our in-house laboratory here in Erina, Central Coast, so you can be assured there is not overseas outsourcing involved.
The process involves:
- Digital scanning of the tooth to create an exact 3D model
- Computer-assisted design (CAD) technology to customise the crown
- In-house milling to fabricate the crown on the same day
- Immediate fitting & bonding of the final restoration
Same day crowns may be an option for individuals who need a fast, durable solution for damaged or weakened teeth. Using digital technology, crowns are custom-fitted and designed to blend with the surrounding teeth, creating a natural look while restoring functionality.
A consultation can help determine whether digital implants or same day crowns are suitable for your individual needs.
Please note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do digital implants differ from traditional implants?
Digital implants use 3D imaging and computer-guided technology to enhance precision during implant placement. Unlike traditional methods, which rely on manual impressions and placement, digital implants allow dentists to pre-plan the exact position, angle, and depth before surgery. This can help improve accuracy, reduce the risk of errors, and create a more efficient treatment process.
Another key difference is the minimally invasive approach of digital implants. Advanced imaging helps identify the ideal implant location with less reliance on surgical adjustments, potentially leading to shorter procedure times and improved recovery. Digital scanning also eliminates the need for traditional moulds, which can make the experience more comfortable.
What are some other things to consider when deciding between same day crowns and traditional crowns?
Same day crowns eliminate the need for multiple appointments, allowing patients to receive a permanent crown in a single visit. Traditional crowns require physical impressions, temporary crowns, and a waiting period while the final crown is fabricated at an external lab. With digital technology, same day crowns are designed, created, and placed using an in-house system.
This digital process means no messy impressions, no temporary restorations, and a faster turnaround time. Additionally, same day crowns are custom-milled from high-quality ceramic, ensuring a precise fit tailored to the patient's bite and natural tooth colour.
How long does it take to place a digital implant?
The length of the digital implant process varies depending on individual cases. The planning phase involves detailed 3D scans and digital mapping, which improves accuracy and efficiency. The surgical placement of the implant itself may take as little as an hour, though this depends on the number of implants and the complexity of the case.
Healing time is still required before the final crown, bridge, or denture can be attached. Most patients undergo a 3 to 6-month healing period, during which the implant integrates with the jawbone. In some cases, immediate restorations may be an option, allowing a temporary crown to be placed on the same day as the implant.
