Digital X-rays that emit less radiation, surgical guides for dental implants and patient outcomes improve significantly and may even allow some people to forego surgery entirely. These innovations have the power to revolutionize healthcare delivery.
Regenerative dentistry is another remarkable innovation, encouraging natural tooth repair and growth through non-invasive therapies that boost regeneration. Additionally, this non-invasive method reduces gum disease, tooth decay and oral lesions.
Intraoral Cameras
Until recently, dentists relied solely on mirrors or x-rays – both of which can be difficult to use around your entire oral cavity – to diagnose oral health conditions. Now there is another solution – intraoral cameras which offer real-time video and photo footage of teeth and gums for better understanding of oral health status.
Intraoral camera images are also extremely beneficial in documenting treatment, tracking progress and communicating with insurance providers regarding coverage. Because intraoral camera photos are so precise, it makes it nearly impossible for insurers to deny coverage due to vague dental records.
CAD/CAM Technology
CAD/CAM technology is used to design and fabricate restorations such as dental crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, bridges, and dental implant abutments. Using CAD/CAM removes the need for messy dental impressions while shortening fabrication time significantly.
Process starts with taking digital impressions with intraoral scanners and manipulating them using CAD software to design the restoration desired. Next, this design is sent off to a milling machine for production using resin blocks as raw material.
Technology also facilitates training of new technicians while offering improved aesthetics, fit and function for better aesthetics, fit and function. Unfortunately, investing in an extensive CAD/CAM system for office or lab environments can be expensive.
3D Printing
Medical and dental 3D printing has become one of the fastest-growing fields for 3D printing. Thanks to AM’s geometric freedom, companies in these sectors can design more efficiently and bring products faster to market.
This technique also allows for more precise fitting, which is crucial in dentistry and other fields such as medicine. A 3D-printed mold allows labs to make clear aligners tailored specifically for each patient.
With its vast selection of certified biocompatible materials, 3D printing can produce strong and long-lasting custom prosthetics and orthopaedic devices for patients. Furthermore, it’s even used to manufacture cranial implants and procedure-specific surgical instruments.
Digital Impressions
Digital impressions use lasers and optical scanning devices to generate a virtual replica of hard and soft tissues in the mouth, producing accurate impression data within minutes without the use of traditional impression materials that many patients find cumbersome and messy.
Digital impressions provide more precise models and bite registration, helping labs produce quality restorations with less redos. Plus, without needing to stock your office with dental trays, putty materials or mixing bowls – digital saves both money and time!
Air Abrasive
Air abrasion is a drill-less technique that uses a handheld tool similar to a mini sandblaster to spray away discoloration and decay from tooth surfaces. Tiny particles of silica, aluminum oxide or baking soda mixture shoot at them to help combat early decay or discoloration on teeth surfaces; any debris is then suctioned away for disposal.
Air abrasion is a safe, quick, and often non-necessary treatment that leaves more healthy teeth intact, often eliminating the need for anesthesia altogether. Air abrasion can also be used to prepare teeth for bonding and sealant treatments and remove stains on front teeth as well.
Artificial Intelligence
Dental technicians are the unsung heroes behind the curtain who work tirelessly to restore people’s teeth. After receiving an impression and prescription from a dentist, these artisans create prosthetics which enhance patients’ looks, health, and function of their mouth.
They rely on their design skills to develop digital models which they then convert into instructions for milling machines to craft restorations that fit seamlessly and boast natural aesthetics. Furthermore, quality assurance personnel ensure the finished product meets high standards; additionally, they stay current on any emerging techniques or technologies by attending continuing education courses.
Teledentistry
With more attention being paid to integrating oral health into primary care, many patients may elect virtual dental visits – particularly in rural areas that struggle to attract and retain dentists.
Teledentistry falls under the larger umbrella of telehealth, which encompasses all forms of technology-driven remote health care delivery. Teledentistry uses modern information technology like phone calls, videos, texts and secure data transmission to remotely connect with, evaluate and monitor dental patients remotely.
Teledentistry appointments typically utilize HIPAA compliant video and text communication systems to establish real-time connections with providers. Furthermore, store-and-forward capabilities allow radiographs, photographs, videos and digital impressions to be transmitted directly to a practitioner who then evaluates or provides services accordingly.