Dentistry in the Modern Age: 6 New Technologies Improving Your Dental Care Experience
- Oct 13 2022
Everyone needs regular visits to the dentist, but many people skip these vital health appointments. Many adults haven’t seen a dentist in several years, whether because they can’t find a convenient time or out of fear.
Fortunately, with the development of new dental technology, dentists can deliver better, faster, and more comfortable dental care to each patient. There are many dental technologies available and hundreds more in development. Here are just six ways some of them are improving your dental care experience.
1. Digital X-Rays
Although digital radiography has been around since the mid-1980s, it took a while to gain popularity. Many offices have made the switch because of the numerous benefits of using this technology, including:
- Faster image capture
- Reduced radiation, keeping patients safer
- Computer images within seconds
- Environmental friendliness
With digital X-rays, your dentist can also zoom in for a closer look at your tooth and surrounding structures, improving diagnostic accuracy.
2. Dental Implants
A dental implant is a replacement for missing teeth that is screwed into the bone to restore your smile. This vital piece of technology allows the replacement of one or several teeth and gives you the feel and appearance of a natural tooth.
3. CEREC Crowns
Traditional dental crowns took two appointments and weeks of waiting as the permanent crown was made in a lab. Dental offices can now offer same-day crowns using the Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC) machine and a single appointment.
Restorations, like a crown or bridge, are made in the office using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. A digital image of the tooth is captured, and the restoration is made from there. You are no longer forced to deal with uncomfortable impressions or wear temporary crowns for weeks.
This advanced technology saves you and your dentist time because there’s no need for two appointments.
4. Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is increasingly popular because it is efficient and reduces patient discomfort after dental procedures. Some of the procedures for which your dentist may use a laser include:
- Filling cavities
- Treating hypersensitivity
- Oral surgery
- Removing tumors
- Gum surgery
Many patients describe their experience with laser dentistry as less painful, with less swelling and less bleeding after treatment. Another benefit to using lasers in dentistry is that it decreases the chances of a post-procedure infection because the laser kills bacteria during treatment.
5. VELscope
Most dentists perform an oral cancer screening during their exams, but with the VELscope, they can detect cancer in earlier stages. The VELscope shines a bright blue light into your mouth to reveal changes and lesions that can’t be seen by the naked eye.
As healthy tissues of the mouth absorb the blue light from the VELscope, the healthy areas underneath your gum tissue appear green, with problematic areas appearing much darker. Any precancerous or cancerous tissue is revealed, allowing you to begin treatment sooner.
6. Clear Aligner Technology
Compared to traditional braces, clear aligners, like Invisalign, are one of the most popular choices for orthodontic treatment. Clear aligner treatment continues to gain popularity, and more dentists are offering it.
Adults and teens can benefit from this treatment because it can correct:
- Crowded teeth
- Unevenness
- Gaps
- Bite issues
Clear aligner technology allows you nearly invisible treatment and significantly faster treatment time than traditional braces.
Technology will continue to impact how dental care is delivered to patients worldwide. Teledentistry, virtual reality, and smart toothbrushes are on the rise and will be a part of routine dentistry before you know it.
Ask Us About Our Technology
Are you interested in learning more about the technology Payam Cohen D.D.S., P.C. uses for his wide range of restorative and cosmetic dental procedures in Queens, NY? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Categories: General Dentistry