The Future of Dentistry and the Advancements to Watch Out For
- Jun 25 2024
Dentistry is always evolving via advancements in technology, techniques, and materials. When you think it can’t grow any further, another incredible product that simplifies patient care gets released.
Even as a patient, it’s important to understand how beneficial these new technologies and treatments are. Although your office may not use them today, many of these ideas are growing in popularity and being implemented across the United States.
Innovations Impacting the Future of Dentistry
These cutting-edge tools and technologies make achieving healthy, radiant smiles easier for patients.
Smart Toothbrush
Many smart devices on the market make life easier. Why should improving your oral health be any different? The smart electric toothbrush enhances oral hygiene one stroke at a time by ensuring you brush your teeth the right way through an app.
These toothbrushes provide feedback to users through sensors throughout the handle or head. The sensors analyze brushing duration, pressure on the teeth, and other valuable information in real-time. You can learn from the data collected and improve your teeth-brushing habits, leading to better oral health.
Teledentistry
The demand for telehealth erupted in 2020. These services continue to connect patients with their healthcare providers, including dental offices. Teledentistry creates more opportunities for patients to receive oral care from their dentists through virtual consultation.
Instead of waiting for an in-office appointment, you can speak with a dental professional via a smartphone or webcam. Some dental services you can receive through teledentistry include:
- Video consultations and checkups
- Diagnosis for mild-to-moderate toothaches and tooth sensitivity
- Consultations before extensive dental treatment
- Follow-up appointments after in-office care
- Treatment planning
- Second opinions
Teledentistry eases dental anxiety by reducing the need for an in-person visit.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) usage is on the rise. Dentists can now use AI-powered software that analyzes dental images to detect abnormalities and formulate a more accurate diagnosis. A more precise diagnosis leads to more efficient treatment and improved patient outcomes.
AI-guided 3D simulations of a patient’s mouth help an orthodontist transition between braces and retainers more quickly. This technology can also show patients how their teeth and face will look after completing orthodontics or other dental work.
Augmented Reality
If you’ve ever used social media filters, like the dog face on Snapchat, you’ve used augmented reality (AR) technology. This invention has made its way into dentistry, too.
One way AR helps in dentistry is by providing a 3D model in front of the dentist while treating a patient. This visual minimizes errors when the dentist must refer back to a screen during a procedure. AR technology also helps with dental education. Students can experience what it’s like to treat a patient, which can improve their skills.
Regenerative Dentistry
One of the most innovative fields of study is regenerative dentistry. This branch researches how to produce biological therapies for lost dental tissues and damaged teeth. Essentially, they are trying to create “self-healing” teeth.
Regenerative dentistry uses advanced techniques and materials that stimulate your natural healing process. Instead of managing symptoms, like many traditional treatments, regenerative dentistry focuses on the root cause.
Some regenerative dental treatments include:
- Bone grafting
- Guided tissue regeneration
- Platelet-rich plasma
Most of these therapies use biocompatible materials, such as your own tissues and blood. Natural treatments minimize the risk of rejection or allergic reactions.
CRISPR
CRISPR stands for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. That’s a lot of words to say that it is a programmable protein that can alter genes.
This technology is still in its very early stages. Still, it has many potential benefits in dentistry, including as a treatment for oral cancer, a technique for preventing plaque accumulation, and a method for reducing tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Advanced Dental Care at Forest Hills Dentistry
Do you want to learn more about the technology used at your local dental practice? Contact Payam Cohen DDS, PC in Forest Hills at (718) 793-6669 for guidance on general dentistry, periodontics, and Invisalign.
Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry