When was the last time that you actually visited your dentist?
For all we know, visiting your dentist today would surely make you feel completely different from how it did just a couple of decades ago. Rest assured that those painful procedures are no longer in these days. That means no more lengthy wait times. Well, thanks to the rapid advancements in our dental technology today, modern dentistry is faster and more precise.
To put it in simple terms, modern dental technology actually refers to the wide range of digital tools, innovations, and machines that are now used in dental clinics. They all help to improve patients’ diagnosis, treatment, comfort, and, of course, results. There’s actually a lot to look at, like these digital X-rays and also 3D imaging. There’s also AI-powered diagnostics and laser dentistry and they are all designed to enhance both the patients’ and the dentists’ experience. They may also help these treatments be more personalised and less invasive. So it’s a much quicker process.
Better Imaging and Smarter Diagnoses
Digital imaging is one of the biggest game-changers. They would now offer sharper images with up to 90% less radiation exposure. And since now with less radiation, it makes it both safer and even more accurate. It also allows our dentists to see the full structure of our teeth. And not just teeth but also gums, and bones, so it’s truly helpful. Especially if you have complex procedures like implants or orthodontics, where precision is key.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can also now assist in reading those X-rays. They may also be able to spot issues that could be invisible to the human eye. And by analysing these patterns and comparing them from past cases, AI can then aid our dentists to make faster and even more reliable decisions..
Digital scans
Having dental impressions taken with a gooey tray is not really much of a pleasant experience. But now, digital dentistry has developed intraoral scanners. They can now create accurate 3D models of your teeth in just a few minutes, definitely no mess and no gag reflex. These scans are also being used for creating crowns and veneers and even designing orthodontic aligners.
There’s technologies like CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing) that now allow our dentists to design and build custom restorations like crowns, and surprisingly even in the same appointment. You no longer have to wait for weeks with a temporary crown. Just walk into your appointment and then leave with a perfect fit, all at the same day.
Lasers, Lights, and Less Pain
Lasers can now be used to treat cavities and reshape your gums. It can also be used to perform root canals if you need one. Laser dentistry now serves its patients with less bleeding, reduced swelling, and also minimal discomfort. And for many procedures, you won’t really even need anaesthetics. Pretty much everything you wanted to lessen your dental anxiety.
But when you need a little help relaxing, today’s sedation options are more comfortable than before. There are now mild sedatives and also new pain-reducing technologies like TENS therapy. This uses gentle electrical pulses to block out pain signals and also make your treatments feel like a breeze.
Dental Care at Your Fingertips
Ever since the pandemic, we have now welcomed online consultations. Imagine being able to speak to your dentist from your living room. With teledentistry, you can now deal with unexpected toothaches with a quick consultation. Remote dental care also brings you professional advice straight to your screen. And this is truly important if you’re a busy parent, a senior, or probably living in rural areas.
3D Printing and the Future of Custom Smiles
3D printing technology is also now used to create dental crowns. It can also be used to create dentures, and even clear aligners. It’s pretty cool with its speed and accuracy. It can totally cut down on the production time and costs, so it’s much faster and even more affordable for patients. And it’s also precise and comfortable.
Some clinics even experiment with futuristic ideas like augmented reality (AR) for patient education and also robotics. This is to assist them, of course, with complex surgeries, as it is aimed at improving only it’s patients’ care.
Technology Meets Preventive Care
Modern dental technology is not just about fixing the current problem but also about preventing them. Smart toothbrushes are also part of modern dental technology. With it, you can now track your brushing habits as it can also offer you with real-time feedback through your mobile apps. These tools can surely help you improve your oral hygiene.
Some dentists are also now beginning to use saliva tests. With this, they can detect possible early signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and even systemic issues like diabetes. Such wonders with modern tech. Clinics like Canterbury Dental are embracing these modern tools to deliver you top-notch and patient-friendly care. So what are you waiting for? Visit your local dentist this weekend and enquire for your needs.
##
