Traditional dental care has evolved over the years, transforming the experience for both dentists and the people they see. Modern advancements in the field of dentistry have given dentists better tools that they can use to deliver quality care while treating their patients.
Advancements in Dentistry: DIAGNOdent
One of the most recent advancements in dentistry, the DIAGNOdent is a desktop device that can help to find tooth decay in its earliest stages, enabling dentists to treat the tooth before the cavity becomes too large for restorative treatment. The DIAGNOdent shines a blue light into the mouth, causing decay to fluoresce in response, making it easy for the dentist to find cavities. The entire process only takes a few moments, and it is entirely painless.
Advancements in Dentistry: CEREC
Shortening the time patients have to wait to receive their dental restorations, CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is a modern procedure that can be completed in the dental office rather than at a laboratory. Some dentists prefer to use CEREC rather than porcelain crowns because they are bonded to the teeth rather than glued onto them. As one of the more recent advancements in dentistry, CEREC is still an expensive procedure, but the benefits outweigh the cost.
Advancements in Dentistry: Intraoral Cameras
Becoming one of the more popular advancements in dentistry, the intraoral camera makes it easier for dentists to explain complicated treatment plans and dental procedures. Through the use of the cameras, dentists make it possible for patients to see what it is going on inside of their mouth. The cameras also make it easier for dentists to view areas that are difficult to see with the naked eye.
Advancements in Dentistry: The VELscope
Identifying oral cancer is important. The dentist is usually the first one to notice that a problem exists. Now, one of the latest advancements in dentistry can be used to assist him with this task. The VELscope makes use of a special light to identify mucosal abnormalities within the oral cavity. A biopsy is needed to determine whether or not the irregularity is cancer or some other type of disease.