Dentistry is a field where technical advances happen continuously. This makes dentistry a challenging, exciting and a rewarding profession. Advancements and new technologies in dental field make dental procedures more comfortable, efficient and durable. In this article, we will discuss in this article the recent developments in dental technology.
Recent advancements in Dental Technology
Dental lasers/Diagnodent
Diagnodent is a new technology for detecting cavities early. It makes use of laser technology for identifying and detecting early signs of cavities/tooth decay. Some of the hidden cavities can be detected with the help of this tool, which sometimes x-rays might not show up in results clearly. Diagnodent enables dentists to perform treatment in its early stage.
Intra oral camera
Using intra oral camera, a clear picture of inside of the mouth is made visible to the patient. These cameras create high quality images. The images are used to give a clear state of oral health. It helps in building trust through visual communication.
Air abrasion
Air abrasion helps in removing the decayed tooth without anesthesia. Moreover, it can help remove old filling in the tooth but metallic restorations like amalgam fillings can’t be removed with the help of air abrasion.
Digital x-rays
This is one of the latest developments in dentistry. Many dentists are switching to digital x-rays, as these x-ray instruments give more accurate image and better results than traditional x-rays instruments do. Digital x-ray machines make use of digital technology rather than a film. Then the images are directly sent to the computer instead getting it developed in a dark room.
CT scans
CT scans are now used in modern dentistry. Dentists use this scan when performing implant surgery to view jawbone. This scan helps the dentists give the exact image when placing restorative devices. Sometimes, CT scans are used for the patients having impacted tooth, thus help in determining appropriate course of treatment.
Sedative dentistry
In modern dentistry, oral sedation is replacing traditional method of numbing the mouth. In this type of sedation, no needles are used. There are three types of sedation used:
- Oral sedation
- Inhalation sedation
- Intra venous (IV) sedation
Oral sedation is easily administered. It requires swallowing a pill. In inhalation sedative method, a small mask that supplies oxygen and nitrous gas is placed on the nose throughout the treatment. After the treatment is completed, nitrous oxide is turned off and just oxygen will be supplied till the patient feels completely normal.
IV sedation is given through veins. As IV sedation has quick effects, many patients prefer for this kind of sedation.
Field of dentistry has come a long way from the use of traditional and manual dental instruments to more advanced and computerized equipment. These advancements are likely to help dentists do their job more efficiently, and are equally likely to benefit people with dental issues.