Advanced Dental Technologies: An Overview

Technological advances in medicine are widely known, but have you stopped to consider the benefits we gain as patients with the advances in dental technology? In earlier days, our visits to the dentists most often included fairly invasive procedures that included a lot of probing, cutting, packing, stretching, needles, drills, and yes, even pain. The technologies that have been presented in recent years include much less invasive techniques and non-surgical therapies that are very beneficial to the patient. As a result, at least in the U.S. our natural teeth are lasting much longer and our gums are much healthier.

Some of the new technologies include:

• Non-surgical periodontal therapies
• Digital radiography
• Non-invasive laser techniques
• New chair designs that are in essence computers that remember the health needs of each patient
• New advances in reducing bacteria in water lines
• Advances in infection control
• Software and hardware

One of the most insidious elements of tooth and gum care is the constant presence of plaque. The common treatment to identify plaque present in the mouth is to use tablet to identify tooth decay and plaque. A new probe has now been developed that uses a blue light tip to identify early plaque build up before the plaque becomes thicker. This is very beneficial in treatment of not only potential tooth decay but also for gingivitis that causes bleeding gums and other gum complications. Designed for home use, this new tool can be used by individuals to better identify plaque build-up in the early stages and to assist with more complete dental hygiene efforts.

Until recently, in order to make an impression so that your teeth could be evaluated, metal trays and putty were used. Recently, new digital dental impression hardware and software has been introduced so that your teeth can be seen digitally and possibly even more precisely than the impressions left via the old method. The patient is able to see on the monitor the actual images of their teeth. Additionally, with the new method, the patient is exposed to less radiation.

In some cases, air abrasion technology can be used in place of drilling. Although not recommended for more deep cavities, air abrasion can often be readily used for children and for cavities that are more on the surface. A special tool is used that essentially blasts particles at the tooth. The advantages are that you don’t hear any noise or feel much of a vibration. Discomfort can also be present though as the abrasion and the rushing air can cause some sensitivity.

Many of the technological advances in dental care include the use of lasers. Lasers can eliminate or reduce the need for sutures, scalpels, and in many cases can be much less invasive than traditional approaches. Lasers, when used by trained professionals, can be much more specific and precise and in the case of gum recontouring, the tissue is self-cauterizing.

For the past several years, a lot of focus has been on how white our teeth are as evidenced by the large numbers of tooth whitening products on the market as well as the increase in the porcelain veneers that have been requested by dental clients. One of the newer technologies in porcelain veneers include a new micro-thin veneer. The micro-thin veneers can significantly reduce or eliminate the invasive and excessive tooth preparation that is required for most veneers.

Advances in dental technology aren’t the only benefits that dental patients can experience these days. In conjunction with the new technologies, the patient focus has extended to other ways of extending patient care. Today, many dental offices include monitors on the ceiling or in wrap-around goggles so that the patient can watch TV or DVDs during longer procedures and/or mp3 players so the patient can select music to hear during treatment. In fact, several dental offices have begun to market themselves as dental spas to increase the benefits of their patients and reduce the anxiety about coming to the dentist.

Dental spas include a variety of treatments, from foot and hand massages to hypnosis or sedation to make the experience comfortable for the patients. Some dental spas include lavender-scented headrests, welcome areas that feature rolls and nicely displayed drinks, and even therapists to assist with anxiety.

To be certain, drills, sutures, needles and standard equipment that has been used in the past still is necessary for some tooth and gum situations and conditions. There are limitations to the use of lasers and many of the technological advances discussed here. The newer technologies also bear a cost, to patients who are seeking dental offices which offer advanced technologies can expect to pay a premium for those services in order to help pay for the technological benefits. However, whether the advances come from technology itself or through the industry’s increased focus on patient care and comfort, dental patients are sure to benefit. As always, be sure to do your research prior to obtaining a new health provider or treatment.