Like almost any other field, dentistry has largely gone digital. While cleanings and assessments are performed in a dentist‘s office, the tools available allow these professionals to get a better idea of your oral health and needs. Optimizing the field of dentistry allows people to get the best possible care for their teeth and gums.
What exactly are the benefits that technology provides when it comes to dentistry? There are a few areas where you’ll often notice the advantage of digital dentistry.
Digital Dental X-Rays
This is a new tool that the dentist office is using. It provides 3D imaging of the teeth, jaws, neck, and face. The x-rays that it delivers are then used to create 3D images using specialized software. This allows the dentist to see a person’s teeth and the surrounding bones from almost any angle. The advantage of having this tool is that your dentist gets a much better image which then leads to improved diagnostic ability and faster treatment.
Another advantage of this technology is that it uses a lower X-ray dose. Most people have been to the dentist office and been concerned about the radiation dose that they receive. While the typical radiation dose in a dental x-ray is fairly low, this can still be an area of concern. This new technology allows dentists to get a quality image with a significantly lower dose of radiation. Due to the clearer image, there are also not as many retakes required.
Additionally, the images can be viewed immediately and don’t require any wait, allowing for prompt treatment. The images can be stored electronically, meaning that if you transfer dentists or your results need to be shared with other health provides, it’s simple and won’t delay any communication. Finally, this technology is better for the environment. Unlike traditional x-rays that require development with large amounts of chemicals, digital x-rays have a low carbon footprint.
This is a type of camera that is small enough to fit into a person’s mouth. An intra-oral camera allows patients to see what their dentist is seeing as well. Although your dentist can always explain what’s happening in your mouth, this doesn’t mean that you always understand it well. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words and your health is always better when you take charge. By using this camera, you’ll have a visual of what’s happening in your mouth and be able to take better charge of your dental health.
This is a great advantage if you often feel as though you’ve been left behind when it comes to medical care. The lingo and jargon dentists use may not translate very well. With the intra-oral images, the dentist can explain any problems or concerns while you’re looking directly at the area. This will help you understand the importance of seeking out treatment and will help motivate people to take action.
This is especially handy for people who may struggle to keep up with basic dental care. As many parents know, encouraging their teenager to brush and floss is a struggle. When teenagers or anyone sees the effects of gum disease and decay, they may be more motivated to keep up with their oral hygiene.
This is also a huge advantage for dentists as well. The average dentist is skilled at seeking out problems but the camera allows them to review images even after the exam has ended. If they have an area of concern, they don’t have to re-complete an oral exam. Instead, they’ll have the images readily available to review.
Imaging Apps and Design
In addition to solving current problems, new technologies also allow people to explore what they could do with their teeth. For example, veneers and other changes to your smile are possible. Many people struggle to make these upgrades, even when they’re unhappy with the state of their teeth. The advantage of technology is that it no longer leaves people in the dark. The average person might think that he or she goes into a consult blindly. However, new technology has created multiple apps for dentists that allow for better patient mockups.
After taking a photo of your mouth, a dentist can create veneer designs, for example, and digitally mock up your perfect smile. This allows patients to get a better idea of what they can expect. They’ll be able to make an informed decision on whether or not they want to make this change. Not only is this a huge advantage for the average person, but it also allows people to spend money wisely on their dental health.
These apps also leave less room for error when precision is needed. Many of the fillings, crowns, and other dental tools are made in a lab. They often require taking moulds of your mouth that are difficult to take accurately. The end result is often a poorly fitting filling that won’t last over time. With new technology, a dentist can take a picture of a patient’s mouth and send the dimensions to the lab. The lab will then be able to create provisionals or temporary restorations that are much more precise. This reduces the need to have work re-done and saves both time and money.
The Future of Dentistry
These technologies offer significant advantages to patients and dentists. However, there are still more advances coming. One technology that people can expect in the coming years is 3D printing. This technology will allow for dentists to create structures like crowns and implants and print them from a digital file. With improved fabrication, the results will be precise and predictable. This technology has huge implications for the dental field.
When it comes to digital dentistry, the overall benefit is that it is both more precise and more efficient. Reducing errors and allowing patients to make an informed decision is a huge benefit. For anyone who wants to maintain or improve their oral health, seeing a dentist who offers digital dentistry makes a difference. These are just a few advantages and the anticipated future of dentistry.