Not long ago, visiting a dentist was considered an unpleasant experience. Kids and adults alike do not like the idea of someone checking their teeth and all the uncomfortable things that come with it. Dental visits typically involve sitting on a chair under a very bright light. It causes discomfort for many because the dentist needs to invade the patient’s mouth using various dental tools.
So despite the importance of dental visits to our dental health and smile, most people are still trying to avoid dental visits because the experience causes them discomfort. But you shouldn’t feel this way anymore.
Luckily, dental health practitioners utilize advanced technologies to keep their patients more comfortable. Many people prefer the tools they use nowadays because they are easy to use, reliable, and less painful.
And because of these significant advancements, the dental industry is undoubtedly growing bigger year by year, looking incredibly different than it used to be. Dental tech these days put a great emphasis on prevention and treatment, which results in fewer dental visits and lowers the risk of periodontal disease. Similar to how other health industries use technology to innovate their practices, the impact of modern technology on dental health practices will only grow further in the years to come.
Going Paperless
More and more industries are becoming more aware of how their practices affect the environment. That’s why going paperless has become more crucial. If your dental office isn’t practicing paperless transactions yet, now is the time to do so.
There are many ways to go paperless, such as:
- Electronic prescriptions
- Digital documentation
- Digital X-rays
CAM/CAD Technology
CAM/CAD technology is the abbreviation for computer-aided manufacturing and computer-aided design. This technology is becoming more popular in the dental industry, especially in restoration and prosthodontics.
Dental practitioners utilize CAM/CAD technology to customize prostheses, such as porcelain veneers, dentures, implants, crowns, and bridges. The Texas A&M University’s College of Dentistry states that this kind of technology promotes more precise treatment planning and dental design, reducing laboratory time.
Intraoral Scanning
Intraoral scanning is the latest method of capturing dental impressions. Dentists no longer need to create a physical mold of their patient’s mouths for restoration purposes. They are now using intraoral scanning to capture a digital impression of the mouth.
According to an interview conducted by BMC Oral Health, patients find this procedure more comfortable than the traditional method. The technology also allows better communication between dental professionals and patients while simplifying clinical practices at the same time.
3D Printing
3D printing is a modern solution used in various practices and industries. But in dentistry, 3D printing plays a critical role in revolutionizing CAM/CAD technology and intraoral scanning. First, the dentist will scan the patient’s mouth to create a digital model of the mouth. Next, they will use CAM/CAD tech to create a customized restorative piece using a 3D printer.
Combining these technologies allows dental practitioners to create restoration in a day that can be completed in a single appointment.
Artificial Intelligence
Like other industries, the dental industry is revolutionizing itself by using artificial intelligence in various applications. For example, dentists use AI to help identify cavities in various radiographs to prevent errors of manual detection. Dentists also use this for patient education. As a result, the rate of treatment acceptance increases.
Smart Toothbrush
We are now living in an era where smart devices are a must-have! We can see people using smart technology in restrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. One particular smart device that many people use nowadays is the smart toothbrush. This smart device can detect if you have an unusual brushing habit that may be harmful to your teeth. Plus, it helps you brush your teeth properly for better results.
Smart toothbrushes are also recommended for kids, especially those who are still learning how to do it properly. What’s great about this is it offers kid-friendly games that you can link in apps, making tooth brushing a fun activity fun for children.
Teledentistry
Some people have valid reasons for not visiting the dentist. Going to the dentists for checkups can be especially hard for people with disabilities and special needs, and the elderly. This is where teledentistry comes in. It helps dental professionals offer dental services through the internet, so patients no longer need to get out of their houses.
But this is a case to cases basis. If the dentist really needs to see the patient’s mouth in person, they can set up an appointment where the doctor will visit the patient’s house.
Technology has indeed made our lives easier. From communication to dental treatments, technology has allowed dentists to do their jobs better without compromising their patients’ comfort. Similarly, patients benefit from these technologies as well because they offer better treatment options and reduced dental visits.