Dental Care Technology

Dr. Adkins and our team at Byrd Adkins D.D.S. Smile Company make every effort to ensure that our patients get the best care possible by using the latest technology. We invite you to learn more about the technology we use at our practice.

Precision Dentistry

Dentistry is considered a type of micro-surgery. To ensure that our patients get the most accurate work, we use high-powered microscopes to see what we are doing clearly. These microscopes allow us to deliver a precise fit and finish that would be impossible with the naked eye. Furthermore, they shine a beam of light directly into the patient’s mouth (not their entire face) for optimal comfort.

We also use electric hand-pieces (drills) for our precise restoration work. Many other dentists use air-driven hand-pieces instead. Air-driven hand-pieces are noisier and do not rotate as smoothly. While this is acceptable for many kinds of dental work, only an electric hand-piece will produce the most precise results for many types of crowns, veneers, fittings, and other general dentistry services. Because of this, we use electric hand-pieces when appropriate.

Digital Imaging

Many patients are nervous about radiographs (X-rays), so Dr. Adkins is cautious about deciding when to use radiographs. We follow many guidelines so that we can balance our patients’ hesitation about being exposed to radiation with our ability to diagnose and/or examine the following:

  • Cavities
  • Bone level/bone health
  • Roots & nerves of teeth
  • Lesions (cysts or tumors)
  • Trauma damage

Along with radiographs, we also use digital imaging technology at our practice. This technology requires an exposure time that is 50% less than that of traditional radiography. It can also produce a more precise image that is viewed on a computer monitor, not a film held up to the light. Finally, digital imaging and digital X-rays allow us to easily store your images and quickly transfer them to other specialists or your insurance company.

Laser Dentistry

Safe and effective for both children and adults, laser dentistry can be an excellent option for patients who are nervous about numbness, needles, and drilling. As one of dentistry’s latest advances, laser dentistry allows Dr. Adkins to precisely target an area that needs treatment (enamel, tooth decay, gum tissue, or whitening enhancers). By carefully calibrating the light wavelengths of the laser, Dr. Adkins can achieve precise results.


Laser dentistry tends to be more comfortable for patients. Unlike traditional dentistry, there is no heat or vibration, and local anesthesia is often unnecessary. Finally, no suturing is needed for soft tissue (surgical) procedures, which can help patients heal more quickly.


Lastly, laser dentistry can diagnose cavities at a very early stage. Sometimes, it’s possible to reverse cavity development at this stage using proper hygiene and fluoride treatment, which can help make further treatment unnecessary.


Here are just a few of the areas where laser dentistry can assist patients:

  • Canker sore (aphthous ulcer) treatment
  • Curing (hardening) bonding materials
  • Diagnosis and removal of cavities
  • Gum corrections such as crown lengthening, gingivectomy, and more
  • Gum-related (periodontal) care
  • Pediatric procedures
  • Root canals and apicoectomies
  • Teeth whitening
  • Tongue-tie release (frenectomy) without anesthesia or sutures

Intraoral Camera

Our intraoral camera is designed to help you see and understand your diagnosis. Especially for younger patients who are used to interacting with screens, the image produced by the intraoral camera is easily understood. The cameras we use are very small (often only a few millimeters long) but produce clear and precise images of your mouth, teeth, and gums. We can easily see details we might miss during a typical mirror examination. This allows us to make a diagnosis more quickly and move on to treatment.


The intraoral camera also allows us to store images to provide a permanent record of your treatment. We can print these images out for you, other specialists, dental labs, and your insurance company. This allows us to share information more quickly and provide you with the best possible treatment plan.


At Byrd Adkins D.D.S. Smile Company, we take great pride in offering the most advanced treatments and technology to our patients here in Amarillo. If you have questions about the technology we will use at your appointment, please contact our office or call us at (806) 372-4012.