Dental Technology at Our Santa Monica Practice

Digital x-rays give us a clearer, more detailed look at your teeth, roots, and supporting bone, all while using significantly less radiation than traditional film x-rays. The sensor captures images in seconds, so Dr. Ochoco can review your results with you right there in the chair and walk you through exactly what he sees.

That real-time access to diagnostic information makes a real difference. When concerns are identified early, treatment options tend to be simpler, less invasive, and more affordable. It also means fewer surprises; you leave your appointment with a full picture of your oral health and a clear path forward.

An intraoral camera is a small, handheld device that captures detailed images of the inside of your mouth. Dr. Ochoco uses it to show you exactly what he sees, such as a crack, an area of wear, or a restoration that may need attention, rather than simply describing it. When you can see what he sees, it's easier to understand your oral health and feel confident in the care he recommends.

Think of it as a guided tour of your own smile. The camera displays real-time images on a screen during your visit, giving you a front-row view of your teeth and gums. This kind of transparency helps turn a routine checkup into a meaningful conversation about your dental health, one where you're an informed, involved participant.

Traditional impressions require trays filled with a messy putty that you hold in your mouth while it sets. It's an experience many find uncomfortable or even triggering for those with a strong gag reflex. Digital impressions replace that process with a small scanning wand that captures precise, three-dimensional images of your teeth in just minutes. The result is a more accurate representation of your tooth structure, which translates directly to better-fitting restorations and fewer adjustments at delivery.

We use digital impression technology across a number of our services, including crowns, bridges, veneers, and nightguards.

Feeling a little anxious about your dental visit is completely normal. Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a safe, well-established option that helps you feel calm and comfortable throughout your appointment. We simply place a small mask over your nose, and within minutes, you'll notice a pleasant sensation that makes it easier to settle in and relax while we do our work. 

One benefit of nitrous oxide that our busy patients appreciate is how quickly the effects fade. Once we remove the mask, you will feel like yourself again in just a few minutes, with no lingering grogginess or the need for a ride home. Whether you experience dental anxiety or simply prefer a more comfortable experience, we're happy to offer nitrous oxide to patients who want it. Just let us know when you schedule your visit or when you arrive.

Sedation Dentistry with a Dental Anesthesiologist

For patients who need more than nitrous oxide to feel at ease, we offer sedation dentistry with an experienced anesthesiologist who comes to our Santa Monica office as needed. This option can be helpful for patients with significant dental anxiety or for longer treatment visits, such as a full smile makeover. You’ll be monitored throughout your appointment, and you’ll stay in the same comfortable setting you already know. Let us know when you schedule your visit if you’d like to discuss sedation, and we’ll coordinate the details with you.

At Schuster and Ochoco Dental, we want every visit to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. That's why each of our treatment rooms is equipped with a television. Whether you prefer a favorite show, a nature documentary, or something lighthearted, having something to watch gives you a welcome distraction during your appointment and helps the time pass more quickly.

It's a small touch, but it makes a real difference. By giving you something enjoyable to focus on, we help take your mind off your procedure and create an atmosphere that feels more like home than a dental office. Your comfort matters to us, and details like this reflect our commitment to making every visit a positive one.

We know that the sounds of a dental office aren't everyone's favorite part of the experience. That's why we offer noise-canceling headphones at every appointment—so you can tune out the background noise and tune into something you actually enjoy. Pair them with the in-room television or your own device, and listen to whatever helps you feel at ease.

No special request required. Just let us know you'd like them, and we'll have them ready for you. It's one small way we make your visit a little more comfortable.

Before any cosmetic treatment begins, Dr. Ochoco can show you a preview of your new smile using digital smile design technology. Photos of your face and teeth are used to map out proposed changes, from subtle refinements to a full smile makeover, so you can see the intended result before any work is done.

This kind of preview takes the guesswork out of cosmetic treatment. Rather than relying on a verbal description of what's possible, you get a visual reference to discuss with Dr. Ochoco, adjust if needed, and approve before moving forward. It's one more way we make sure you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.