Technologies

At St. Catherine Dental Centre, we place great importance on using top-quality equipment that, in the hands of our experts, ensures the best possible results. 

Dental microscope 

The dental microscope is an essential tool that significantly increases the success rate of various procedures in dental surgery (implants), periodontology (gum inflammation), and endodontics (root canal treatment). After all, it is difficult to treat what cannot be seen — and dental structures are often very small and anatomically complex.

A dental microscope provides clinicians with exceptional magnification (up to 25x), allowing a detailed view of even the tiniest structures of the tooth and surrounding tissue (Figure 1). For instance, in periodontal surgery (gum grafting, recession coverage, advanced implantology, etc.), the surgeon can precisely see what they are doing: the incision is minimally invasive, sutures are optimal, and implants are placed with maximum accuracy. This leads to faster wound healing and minimal scarring.

During root canal treatment, only a skilled clinician using a microscope can detect a broken instrument deep within the canal or locate additional accessory canals that are often missed, leading to repeated infections and, ultimately, tooth loss. The microscope also enables minimally invasive tooth preparation, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible when preparing crowns, veneers, or other restorations. 

Figure 1: Example of magnification seen with the naked eye, dental loupes, and a dental microscope. The microscope provides a clear view of the smallest tooth structures. Source: aae.org

In addition to the dental microscope, dental loupes (2.5x–3.5x magnification) are a valuable aid in daily work. Our clinic in Zagreb is among the few equipped with a modern Karl Kaps (Germany) dental microscope and custom-made loupes for each dentist. We also organize professional training sessions for colleagues in microscope-assisted dentistry (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Modern Karl Kaps dental microscope with Nikon digital camera. Source: kaps-optik.de

Advantages of using the dental microscope 

• Three times higher incidence of chronic inflammatory lesions (granuloma) when teeth are treated without a microscope*
• Significantly better outcomes in teeth with complex anatomy when treated with a microscope*
• Additional root canals — undetected in up to 42% of cases — are a common cause of inflammation and tooth loss; the microscope allows precise identification and treatment*
• Ten-year survival rates of teeth treated under a microscope are significantly higher than without*

* Khalighinejad et al., Journal of Endodontics, 2017

* Burry et al., Journal of Endodontics, 2016

* Wolcott et al., Journal of Endodontics, 2005

* Tabassum et al., European Journal of Dentistry, 2016

CBCT 3D X-Ray Diagnostics 

Our CBCT X-ray unit uses an ultra-low radiation dose — up to 90% lower than conventional devices — making it exceptionally safe. The Ortophos SL 3D system by the renowned German manufacturer Dentsply Sirona is one of the most advanced and precise diagnostic devices available in Croatia (Figure 3).

It provides our clinicians with a 3D view of hidden tooth and jaw structures, essential for accurate planning of surgical and implant procedures. CBCT is also used in cases such as tooth extraction, bone grafting, sinus lift, endodontic treatment, and periodontal disease diagnostics.

With this in-house device, there’s no need to visit external radiology centers, the 3D image is available immediately, allowing our dentists to create a personalized treatment plan during your very first visit.

Figures 3: Ortophos SL 3D unit. Source: dentsplysirona.com

Figures 4: The innovative 3D Endo Software enables precise visualization of the internal tooth structures and treatment planning before the actual endodontic procedure, greatly enhancing the success rate and predictability of the treatment. Source: dentsplysirona.com

Figures 5: Example of a 3D image used in implant procedure planning. The 3D scan is indispensable for selecting the correct implant size and optimal placement. Source: dentsplysirona.com

Dental Diode Laser 

Dental diode lasers are a relatively new technology in dentistry, present for about two decades. A laser is a focused beam of light of a single wavelength, carrying high energy due to its concentration. Numerous scientific studies confirm its strong antibacterial effect, making it a valuable adjunct for disinfection in endodontic and periodontal treatments (gum inflammation, peri-implantitis, root canal therapy, implant decontamination).

Laser light selectively destroys bacteria, fungi, and viruses and — unlike chemical disinfectants — penetrates deeply into dental tissues where bacteria often hide. Diode lasers can also precisely cut soft tissue (gingivectomy, frenectomy, gum contouring) and perform laser teeth whitening.

Laser-treated tissue heals much faster than tissue cut with a scalpel. There is no bleeding or need for sutures, as the laser coagulates blood vessels, disinfects the surgical site, and biostimulates deeper tissues, accelerating healing and reducing postoperative pain and swelling.

At St. Catherine Dental Centre, we use the advanced SiroLaser Blue diode laser by Dentsply Sirona (Figure 6).

Figure 6: SiroLaser Blue diode laser

CAD/CAM and 3D printing - crowns and bridges 

Unlike large clinics that run their own in-house labs and employ less experienced technicians, we take an individualized approach. Our prosthetic restorations are crafted by experienced, specialized dental technicians in exclusive partner laboratories in Zagreb.

Although this approach is more complex and costly, it guarantees precision, aesthetics, and quality — with a warranty on every restoration.

Piezosurgery 

Piezosurgery is a modern bone surgery technique used in implantology, periodontology, and oral surgery. The device operates at a specific ultrasonic frequency (22,000–35,000 Hz), allowing micrometric bone cutting with exceptional precision and safety.

It minimizes bleeding during and after the procedure and shortens healing time. Piezosurgery is used in a variety of surgical procedures such as tooth extractions, sinus lifts, ridge expansion, apicoectomy, and corticotomy.

PRF – Platelet-Rich Fibrin 

Known as “smart blood derivatives,” Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is the most potent autologous regenerative material obtained by centrifuging the patient’s own blood. The result can be a fibrin clot or liquid fibrin, both rich in growth factors, leukocytes, and stem cells.

PRF is the only blood derivative containing stem cells. Unlike PRGF (which contains only growth factors) and PRP (which contains minimal leukocytes and no stem cells), PRF tubes contain no anticoagulants, allowing fibrin formation.

Fibrin acts as a scaffold that traps platelets and leukocytes, gradually releasing growth factors over 10–15 days — providing long-term tissue stimulation and faster healing.

PRF-based tissue regeneration is one of the safest and most effective methods for bone and soft tissue recovery. Leukocytes play an essential role by promoting new blood vessel formation, which is crucial for tissue regeneration, and by serving as a niche for mesenchymal stem cells.