The current digital revolution is transforming every facet of our world and dentistry is no exception. Dentistry is constantly evolving and changing to better suit patient needs. If you haven’t visited the dentist for a while, you will be shocked to see the tech-enabled options your oral-healthcare specialists have at their disposal to treat your problem. Here is the present and future of dentistry and oral health explained.

There is no doubt that our life will be different in the future than what it is now. If you’re 30 or above, then you’ve probably already seen a lot of tech and other revolutions throughout your lifespan. But, these revolutions won’t stop now instead they will keep on coming. If there is one technology that should get most of the credit for all the revolutions that we’ve seen in our lifespan, then it is the internet.

The internet has changed the world, and continues to do so, by enabling real-time connectivity. Today, people can get information from the web, other people, and even sensors built into devices in real-time due to the technology enabling the internet and real-time connectivity. The same technology as well as technology such as artificial intelligence and a few others are helping to change the face of dentistry and oral-healthcare forever.

Advancements in dental technology can offer modern solutions to traditional dental problems.Dental technologies are constantly changing, upgrading, and improving. Today’s dental office provides the benefits of digital x-rays, electronic record-keeping, intraoral cameras, new diagnostic tools, invisible braces, and revolutionary treatment and prevention options.

The main purpose of such technological advancement in the field of dentistry and oral-health care is providing patients with leading-edge dental treatment that can be performed in a more efficient, effective and comfortable manner.

The Tech that is Changing Dentistry and Oral Health Care—Forever

The field on dentistry and oral-healthcare has come a long way since people first became concerned with their teeth. Dentistry is not a 20^th century invention instead it’s been practiced for many centuries, dating back to the Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Greeks. What is new though is the methods used to perform dentistry. Modern technology has made oral healthcare easier than ever and it is helping people requiring the following dental care:

• Comprehensive exams
• Dental cleanings
• Oral cancer screening
• Tooth extractions
• Laser cavity detection
• Periodontal treatment
• Dental sealant and filings
• Sleep apnea therapy
• Digital X-rays
• Dentures
• Cosmetic bonding
• Teeth whitening
• Porcelain crowns and veneers
• Root canal therapy

Following are some technologies with the potential to change dentistry and oral healthcare forever.

Dental Lasers

A high-tech option for detecting tooth decay, a diode laser can be used to place fillings and dental implants. Often, these lasers eliminate the need for traditional dental tools, such as drills and scalpels, which lower pain and sometimes eliminate the need for an anesthetic.

Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays are one of the most basic services provided today to dental patients during a comprehensive exam. Digital X-rays eliminate the need for using chemicals to develop conventional x-rays. Moreover, the use of digital technology means that you are exposed to less radiation. Dental practices that use digital X-rays emit up to 90% less radiation than other practices. If you want to get dental results quicker and help the environment in the process, then going digital is the best option you have.

Air Abrasion

A sound-free method of removing tooth decay and tooth stains, air abrasion uses tiny particles of aluminum oxide or silica to gently wear away material.With the help of compressed air, the technology sprays the particles in the affected tooth. Who stands to benefit the most from air abrasion? It is the patients with dental anxiety that stems from the noise of the traditional dental drill.

Intraoral Cameras

We’ve all been in situation where we wondered what the dentist was doing in your mouth. Well, no need to wonder anymore as intraoral cameras can tell you everything that’s happening in your mouth when your dentist is tending to you. Tools available in the dentist’s office, intraoral cameras are connected to the dental tools we use.

The cameras allow patients to view on screen what the dentist is doing inside their mouth. Additionally, your dentist can easily show you their finding using an intraoral camera if they spot signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer lesions or other abnormalities.The technology is extremely useful in explaining dental services and terms to children.

CAD/CAM Technology

In the past, patients had to make at least two visits to their dentist when they needed a crown. With the advent of the computer-aided-design (CAD) and computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) technology, the dentists can now drill the tooth to prepare it for the crown and take a picture using CAD technology and a computer. This image is then sent to a CAM machine that makes the crown right in the office—all in a single visit.

Invisible Braces

Many dental practices today offer their patients invisible braces through Invisalign. A revolutionary option for straightening your teeth, Invisalign does not let others know that you are wearing braces. These braces are a series of transparent aligners that are custom-made for your teeth. Aligners that you switch out every 1 to 2 weeks are provided to you until your teeth straighten. Just like metal braces, invisible have proven to be effective, the only difference is that they are invisible.Consider investing in Invisalign if you haven’t yet received orthodontic treatment.

In addition to the above, there are some other technologies changing the field of dentistry and oral healthcare. These include CariVu technology, cone-beam imaging, and cancer-detecting ultraviolet lights, among others.

Contact Us

Percento is a Professional IT Consulting, Implementation and Management firm.  To find out how we can help your organization, please contact one of our friendly sales representatives for a review of your system and a comprehensive (No Obligation) proposal of services. Call today toll-free at 800.614-7886 [Austin | Dallas | Houston | League City | Sugar Land | The Woodlands  | San Antonio] or email us at sales@percentotech.com.