Importance of Dental Laboratory in Clinical Practice

Importance of Dental Laboratory in Clinical Practice
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The laboratory contains materials and machines necessary for repairing and polishing dental prostheses, and those otherwise cannot be adjusted while on chairside.


The historical value of dental laboratory

Dental laboratory technicians play a pivotal and primary role in every dental practice. Communication between dentists and dental technicians is necessary to treat major restorative procedures in dentistry successfully. Historically, dental technicians were hired by dentists in clinics; however, the practice was later discontinued due to the formation of commercial labs which hired technicians.

Role of the laboratory in patient's treatment

Fabrication of crowns, bridges, removable prostheses and orthodontic appliances is carried out in the laboratory. Dentist addresses functional and aesthetic requirements of patients to technicians. The satisfactory clinical outcome of restorative treatment is ultimately reflective of meticulous planning in laboratory work. 

The laboratory contains materials and machines necessary for repairing and polishing dental prostheses, and those otherwise cannot be adjusted while on chairside.

Advancements in dental technology

In recent years trends of conventional dental technology have declined in modern societies with the advent of CAD/CAM technology. The majority of this shift is due to the high demand for aesthetics. The use of scanners, mills, printers and other contemporary equipment has increased, and these technology platforms are vital to dental labs. Technicians need to be well acquainted with IT and have a conventional skill set. 

Importance of dental lab

In today's highly demanding world of aesthetics, the role of the dental lab is more than ever. Records given to lab technicians in photos or impressions must be accurate to create a successful restoration. Therefore, having an on-site lab will eliminate transportation or communicational errors regularly faced when impressions are sent to commercial labs.

 The dentist will have better control of patient treatment from the beginning to the end. Also, procedures like prosthesis repair can be carried out properly with lab equipment. All customized restorations can be prepared in a minimal period.

A beautiful smile and a functional dentition are of core value in dental treatment. An on-site dental lab will provide the most customized dental treatments to clients. It will be beneficial for technicians and dentists to resume the practice for hiring dental technicians on-site lab.

               

The author is contributing writer at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at anis.rehman4991@gmail.com