From smart phones to smart homes, technology is changing the
way we live and work. It offers more convenience, increased accuracy and
efficiency in many of our daily tasks, including our oral health. Like most industries, advancement in
technology is changing dentistry and how dentist treat patients.
Here are five ways technology is revolutionizing oral
health:
1. Same Day Crowns
CEREC
is a device that uses CAD/CAM technology along with 3D photography to take
pictures and make impressions of teeth for crown fittings. One of the major
benefits of CEREC is the efficiency it provides. Dentists can now fit patients with
crown for a chipped or damaged tooth during a single visit. In the past,
patients in need of a crown could expect to visit the dentist two to three
times simply because the crowns had to be made in a lab, which took at least a
week or two to produce. This required patients to be fitted with a temporary
crown and then return for an appointment for the new crown. With CEREC the dentist can take an image and
have a permanent crown made that matches their teeth perfectly within an hour.
2. DIAGNOdent
This high-tech laser is one of the
biggest breakthroughs in tooth decay diagnosis since the dental x-ray. DIAGNOdent
uses a Class 1 laser that emits a pulse of light through the tooth to locate
hidden decay. It does this by detecting fluorescence in the tooth. Fluorescence
is radiation emitted from a tooth when there is decay present. The amount of fluorescence
emitted is proportional to the degree of decay. The laser itself is painless and non-intrusive
meaning there’s no scraping scratching or poking of the teeth.
3. NV Microlaser
Anyone who has suffered from
canker sores or cold sores knows how painful they can be. Thanks to NV Microlaser
those soft tissue sores can be cleared up during one treatment. This technology
uses a diode laser that delivers laser energy to the soft tissue in a
continuous wave or a pulse mode. This laser can also be used to treat gum
disease and for cosmetic dentistry, to get rid of a “gummy” smile.
4. Solea
Approximately 15% of Americans
avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety or fear of pain. Some neuroscientists
believe the fear could stem from an effect the brain has when it hears the
sound of a drill. With Solea
Laser Technology, dentists can now remove cavities without the needle for Novocain
or a drill and pain. Solea uses a pulsing laser that vaporizes hydroxyapatite,
a mineral that makes up 90% of the tooth’s enamel. This laser effectively cuts
out the decayed part of the tooth and prepares it to be filled. Solea is
revolutionizing the way people feel about visiting the dentist by eliminating
pain and saving the patient time considering they won’t have to wait for the
Novocain to wear off after their visit. All
5. Oral-B Genius
This smart toothbrush is
cutting-edge when it comes to how people can now brushing their teeth and
taking care of their oral health at home. The toothbrush system connects to
your smartphone through Bluetooth and uses position detection and pressure
sensor to let you know if you are missing a spot or brushing too hard. In
addition, the Oral-B
Genius has a built-in timer that alerts you when you’ve brushed for the
right amount of time. It also tracks your brushing through an app that your dentist
and hygienist can review during your next appointment.
All of these dentistry advancements make taking care of oral
health easier on both the patient and dentist side. With increased accuracy and
efficiency patients don’t have to worry about pain, fear and inconvenience, ultimately
changing the dental field as a whole. At Artistic Dental we integrate
technology and state-of-the-art equipment in order to provide patients with the
best treatment options and quality care. To learn more about the technology we
use or to schedule a complimentary consultation, visit our website
artisticd.com.
