Good dental care starts with the right tools, and at Maplewood Family Dental, that standard is taken seriously. Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD combines advanced dental technology with years of specialized training to deliver care that is precise, comfortable, and built around your needs. Modern dental equipment, digital imaging, and minimally invasive treatment options work together here to give you a higher level of care at every visit. The result is a practice where clinical excellence and patient comfort go hand in hand.
Our Technology
Why the Tools Your Dentist Uses Matter
Not all dental practices operate with the same equipment, and that difference has a direct impact on your care. Older tools often rely on guesswork, limited visibility, and techniques that can feel uncomfortable. Newer dental technology closes those gaps by catching decay sooner, producing clearer diagnostic images, and allowing for more targeted, less invasive treatment. The equipment in your dentist’s hands shapes everything from how accurately a problem is identified to how smoothly a procedure goes.
For patients, this means fewer missed diagnoses, shorter appointments, and less time spent managing problems that could have been caught earlier. Digital diagnostics, laser-assisted treatments, and 3D imaging each serve a specific clinical purpose. They are not extras but core parts of delivering accurate, patient-focused care. Knowing what these tools do and why they matter helps you ask better questions and feel more confident about the treatment you receive.
Advanced Tools Built Around Your Care
The tools used at this practice span diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, giving you access to comprehensive care under one roof. Here is a closer look at the dental technology available to you.
How Dental Technology Guides Every Step of Your Treatment
Starting With a Full Picture of Your Oral Health
Before any treatment is recommended, Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD uses advanced imaging tools, including digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and Dexis CariVu, to build a complete picture of your oral health. These diagnostic tools reveal what a visual exam alone can miss, such as early-stage cavities, hairline cracks, or subtle bone changes. Starting with accurate data means your care is grounded in facts, not assumptions.
Diagnosis-Driven Treatment Planning
Once diagnostic imaging is complete, the findings directly shape your treatment plan. Dr. Chidester reviews the data with you on screen, including cone beam 3D scans when needed, so you can see exactly what is being addressed and why. Every recommendation is tied to a specific clinical finding, giving you a clear, logical path forward rather than a generic plan.
Targeted Treatment With Minimal Disruption
When it is time for treatment, the technology used is matched precisely to what your condition requires. Laser therapy targets gum tissue with pinpoint accuracy, ultrasonic scalers remove buildup more gently than manual tools, and bioceramic sealers provide a long-lasting seal during root canal procedures. This approach minimizes healthy tissue disruption and typically shortens recovery time.
Protecting Your Results Between Appointments
After your procedure, you will receive specific guidance on how to maintain your results at home using the right products and habits. For whitening treatments with Zoom! or Opalescence Go, this includes practical tips on what to eat, drink, and avoid in the days that follow. Clear, technology-informed aftercare recommendations help protect the work that has been done and extend your results.
Monitoring Progress With Continued Imaging
Follow-up visits give Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD the opportunity to use imaging tools to track your healing and verify treatment outcomes. Digital X-rays and intraoral camera images from earlier visits serve as a baseline for comparison, making it easier to spot any changes over time. This ongoing visual record ensures nothing goes unnoticed between appointments.
Why Choose Us
Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD has built his practice around a simple idea: great dental care requires both clinical skill and the right tools. His background, from biomedical science training to his dental degree at Tufts, gives him a strong foundation for understanding how technology integrates with clinical decision-making. He is also an active member of several professional associations, including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, which keeps him engaged with the latest research and best practices.
What sets this practice apart is not just the equipment but how that equipment is used. At Maplewood Family Dental, technology serves your care, not the other way around. You will never feel rushed, and every recommendation comes with a clear explanation. You can expect consistent, high-quality care that reflects both professional excellence and genuine concern for your well-being.
FAQs
What is a digital x-ray?
A digital X-ray is a modern imaging method that captures detailed pictures of your teeth and jawbone using a small electronic sensor instead of traditional film. It produces images almost instantly and uses significantly less radiation than older X-ray systems. The images can be enlarged and adjusted on screen, making it easier for your dentist to spot problems early and explain findings directly to you.
What is an intraoral camera?
An intraoral camera is a small, handheld device about the size of a pen that captures high-resolution images inside your mouth. It lets both you and your dentist see areas that are difficult to view with the naked eye, such as the back teeth or the spaces between teeth. This technology is especially helpful for identifying cracked teeth, worn fillings, and early signs of decay.
What is a cone beam CT scan?
A cone beam CT scan is a type of 3D imaging that creates a detailed, three-dimensional picture of your teeth, jawbone, nerves, and surrounding tissue in a single scan. Unlike traditional dental X-rays, which provide flat images, cone beam imaging gives your dentist a full spatial view of your oral anatomy. It is commonly used to plan implant placement, evaluate wisdom teeth, and diagnose complex dental or jaw conditions.
How much does Zoom! teeth whitening cost?
The cost of Zoom! teeth whitening varies depending on your location, the dental practice, and any additional treatments recommended alongside whitening. In general, professional in-office whitening tends to cost more than take-home options but delivers faster, more dramatic results. It is best to schedule a consultation to get an accurate quote and determine whether Zoom! is the right fit for your whitening goals.
How long does Opalescence Go teeth whitening last?
The results of Opalescence Go teeth whitening typically last anywhere from several months to a couple of years, depending on your diet, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle factors like coffee or tobacco use. Regular brushing, limiting staining foods and drinks, and touch-up treatments can help extend your results. Your dentist can recommend a maintenance routine to keep your smile looking its brightest.
What is laser dental treatment?
Laser dental treatment uses focused light energy to perform a variety of dental procedures with greater precision and less discomfort than traditional tools. It is commonly used for treating gum disease, removing excess gum tissue, treating canker sores, and aiding in cavity detection and preparation. Because lasers are so precise, they typically cause less bleeding and swelling, which can mean a shorter and more comfortable recovery.
Better Technology Means Better Care for You!
Accurate diagnoses, comfortable procedures, and lasting results do not happen by chance. They happen when the right technology is in the right hands. Dr. Kevin Chidester, DMD has built Maplewood Family Dental around that standard, and every patient who walks through the door benefits from it. If your current dental care feels outdated, rushed, or unclear, it may be time to see what a technology-driven practice actually looks like.
Give us a call at 919.438.3933, and our team is ready to answer your questions and get you scheduled. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram, where we share practice updates, patient education, and a closer look at the tools and treatments that set this practice apart.
