As a dentist, I’m always looking for ways to improve the patient experience. To make treatments more effective and speed up the process. With the rapid pace of technological developments, there are always new tools and techniques to explore, and that’s pretty cool. So, today, I’m going to talk about technology in dentistry.
Digital X-rays
First of all, there are a couple of technologies we take for granted. It valuable to consider how they help compared to traditional techniques.
One of the most significant advancements in recent years has been a shift to digital X-rays. Traditional film X-rays had their limitations. But with digital, we can capture high-quality images with up to 90% less radiation exposure in less time. We can also manipulate the images (in a good way) to get a better view of the teeth and gums. It’s really a win-win for everyone.
Intraoral cameras
Another technology in dentistry is intraoral cameras. They’ve been around for quite a while, but the capabilities keep getting better. The costs have also come down dramatically. These little, tiny cameras can be put in the mouth to capture images of the teeth and gums in real-time. So, they’re really useful for helping patients understand what’s going on, and helping dentists diagnose and see things a little bit more in detail. You can put these images up on a computer screen and really walk through them. Maybe some of you have had those done before.
New technology in dentistry: 3D printing
A very exciting new technology in dentistry is 3D printing. With 3D printing, we can create highly precise models of teeth and gums and even entire jaws. We can also create custom implants, dentures, and other prosthetics. It’s much faster. It’s more accurate than traditional methods. Often, the precision allows for better outcomes for patients. As technology continues to advance, I see more exciting developments coming up. This is just one of those areas where I think we’ll see significant progress in the years to come.
Artificial intelligence
AI is everywhere around, right. It’s just another technology in dentistry that’s starting to make its mark. These tools could help us analyze X-rays and images more quickly and more accurately, leading to more efficient diagnosis and treatment. AI can also help us identify areas where you may have more risk so that we can provide more proactive care. Read about more applications of AI in dentistry.
VR and AR technology in dentistry
VR (virtual reality) and augmented reality (AR) – these technologies could really revolutionize the way we approach dental procedures. A patient could put on a headset and actually see the outcomes of certain cosmetic treatments and really experience that in more real-time. That would really help them understand the procedure.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is another area. Nano-particles have already shown promise in several areas such as remineralizing or repairing tooth enamel and delivering targeted drug therapies. As the technology improves, we will probably see more applications like for cavity prevention and pain relief.
Robotics technology in dentistry
Robotics are already being used in some procedures such as implant placement. As that improves, we could see automated tools that make dental procedures faster, more accurate, and less invasive. Pretty exciting!
Tele-dentistry
Not really brand new, but the pandemic really brought that on. Tele-dentistry allows patients to consult with their dentist remotely. It’s especially good for people who live in remote areas, are closed in, can’t travel for whatever reasons. I think as this technology improves, we are going to see more advanced tools for diagnosis and maybe even some treatment, believe it or not.
Smart toothbrush technology in dentistry
These are a home-care device. There are several smart toothbrushes on the market that use sensors and technology to monitor brushing habits and give feedback to users. As that technology in dentistry comes along, we will see more sophisticated home-care devices that will really help us maintain oral health and catch problems early. In the meantime, here are some tips on brushing teeth.
Wrapping up
Overall, I think the future of dental technology is bright. I am excited to see what happens in the next few years. As dentists, we are going to stay up to date with all these developments and embrace new tools and techniques to really provide the best possible care for our patients. At Express Dentist, we have a trusted network of dentists around the country that we can connect you with. So, if you need a dentist for a problem or it’s just time for a checkup, feel free to reach out and we will connect you with a dentist in your area. We are here to help you discover better oral and overall health. If you’ve been putting off going to the dentist because of anxiety, here are some tips to help you cope with dental fears.
About the author
Dr. Greg Grillo
Dr. Greg Grillo DDS studied at the University of Washington where he received a bachelors degree with Honors and later attended dental school on the same campus. Following school Dr. Greg served in the United States Navy as a dental officer. During this time he received advanced training in specialty areas of dentistry while also treating families of members of the military.
As well as sharing valuable information on dentistry and oral health, Dr. Greg remains a practicing dentist to this day. He works with families in the Okanogan Valley where he lives with his wife and three children.
