Five New Technologies in Dentistry
Gone are the days when dental offices were just boring, drab spaces with over sized machines. With new innovations and technology within the field, dentistry is constantly evolving and changing to best suit patient needs.
If you’re wondering what dental technologies you’ll find in dentist offices in the coming year, check out these five innovations.
Cavity detection through lasers
Normally, your hygienist pokes around your mouth with an exploration tool to search for cavities. While this has been a regular element of checkups for a century or more, lasers can now do the job. A diode laser improve efficiency and eliminate discomfort in a number dental procedures, including filling cavities, reducing tooth sensitivity, getting rid of tumors, and whitening. Each time you visit, they can check for further decay, recommend fillings without having to do so much “exploring” and can effectively eliminate any form of bacteria during the procedure to avoid any further complications or problems.
High-tech x-rays
While digital x-rays are not too new to the dental industry (it’s been around in the 80s) they’ve become the preferred choice from radiography based x-rays. The benefits to clinicians is that the radiation levels are 90 percent lower with the new technology and x-rays can arrive on screens in a second making the whole review process more efficient. The information is stored on computers and you can access it within a few clicks. It’s also and it’s a much cheaper than radiography; x-rays can be taken quickly and reviewed quickly, expediting your time in the office.
Shorter visits with Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technology
Older technology meant that if you needed a crown, your dentist would take a mould and build a temporary replacement. In the meantime, the lab would create a new and permanent crown to fit over your prepared tooth. Using CAD technology, your tooth will be photographed and then prepared for a crown. The machine can create the crown in the office without all of the complicated work of hand molding and sculpting.
Thinner Veneers
Veneers are moldings that cover the front part of a crooked or unattractive tooth. Before this technology advanced, they were very thick to be able to withstand wear and tear. However, advancements in technology allows for the creation of thinner veneers. Teeth will remain just as well protected while keeping the original tooth intact.
Fillings and Bond Material
Bonding and filling materials are to be made of high-quality, medical-grade, industrial-strength adhesives and fillers. With technological improvements, your tooth colour can be easily matched, making the repaired tooth fit with the rest of your teeth as well as the plastic resin used today lasts longer than previously used materials and comes in a wide range of shades.
If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.