Disruptive innovations in dentistry will bring forward the revolutionary technological age. It can impact dental practice and the way patients will take care of themselves.
-by Dr Rimsha Qasim
Most importantly, some of the technological innovations which practitioners should look into are:
The innovative technology of laser
Meanwhile, lasers are all the talk these days. They are noninvasive, painless, and work more quickly. Diode lasers are a good option to detect caries. Above all, dentists use soft-tissue and hard tissue lasers for procedures like minor gum surgeries and cavity preparation. Moreover, dental professionals opt for laser teeth whitening due to its efficiency and painless nature.
High tech X-Rays and imaging
Consequently, digital x-rays are faster and more efficient than traditional radiographs. To lessen errors in diagnosing and choosing the correct treatment modality, dentist use CBCT. It allows the creation of a three-dimensional image at a lower radiation dose. Intra-oral cameras are foolproof and can document the clinical condition of the patient’s mouth; the images appear instantly and can be kept for future reference.
3-D printing and CAD-CAM
Similarly, dentists have officially incorporated this into modern dentistry. 3D printers can produce orthodontic models, surgical guides, aligners, and retainers, etc. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are new technologies. They allow dental technicians to create new dentures in just a fraction of time. That is to say, dentists should opt for these technologies for enhanced patient experience.
Digital records and management software
Similarly, paper records are old school, and they never translate easily into the database. By transforming records into digital patient files, it is possible to utilize the platform to create the appropriate treatment plan. In other words, Practice-management software helps to share information almost immediately among multiple team members. Any team member can easily access updates and records. Instant sharing to laboratories is possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate. Likewise, dentists are expected to use modern tools to maximize treatment options for patients. In the future, Artificial Intelligence will open up new pathways in dental care. As the following quote reads,
The future is coming, and it will be amazing!
Emmott
So, if you haven’t transitioned to digital technology yet, what are you waiting for?
-The author is contributing writer at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at rimsha.qasim@duhs.edu.pk
