Technological advances are all around us: even when we visit the dentist. In fact, dental technology has made trips to the dentist easier, faster, less painful and even less expensive.
In this issue, we will discuss some new innovations in dentistry that should enhance your dental experience and advance the quality of your care.
Technological innovations have given dentists the tools they need to perform common practices and procedures more quickly, safely, and efficiently. Here are some of the advances you might experience when you visit your dentist next:
Digital X-Rays–
As dentists, we cannot treat what we cannot see. Good-quality x-rays make a world of difference in the diagnosis and management of diseases. Digital x-rays are now the gold standard in dentistry. When compared to traditional film x-rays, digital x-rays expose patients to less radiation and the images go directly to a computer where they are viewed instantly. Digital x-rays can also be emailed, enlarged and archived- all important features to our patient’s benefits. There’s no chemical development necessary which means there’s no waiting involved!
CBCT 3D Scan-
The Cone Beam CT-Scan has been another “game changer” in dentistry. It is a series of computer-generated images that gives 3 dimensional views of a specific area or the entire mouth. This technology has changed dental radiographic imaging, allowing dentists to treat their patients more effectively.
Laser Dentistry-
Dental lasers have many benefits. At Center for Specialized Dentistry, we have been using lasers since 1993. Lasers have proven to be a great asset because of its many applications. Lasers offer some pretty unique and amazing advantages over more traditional approaches. The goal of lasers is to provide patients with a comfortable treatment. Here are some of the benefits of laser dentistry:
- Faster healing time
- Less post-surgical bleeding
- Less pain
- Anesthesia may not be necessary
- Lasers are sterile, which means there is less chance for an infection
- Lasers are extremely precise, so less healthy tissue has to be removed
- Less likely to need stitches with laser treatment
Intraoral Scanners-
Pictures are worth a thousand words. In dentistry, photographs are a very important part of a patient’s dental history and their treatment progress. At some point in your dental experience, you’ve probably had an impression taken of your teeth by biting into a tray filled with gooey material. The material is usually less than pleasant. An Intraoral Scanner makes those gag-inducing impressions a thing of the past. This device is used to scan the patient’s mouth and teeth creating a digital image and impression. It is quick and painless. This new dental technology will likely become the gold standard leading to improved patient experiences and more accurate results.
Technological innovations have given dentists the tools we need to perform common procedures and services more quickly, safely, and efficiently. Together, these advanced tools allow for more precise assessments of a patient’s dental health, which can result in earlier diagnosis and more effective overall treatment.
Dr. Kendal V. O. Major is Founder and CEO of Center for Specialized Dentistry which is a comprehensive family dental practice operating in Nassau and Freeport. He is the first Bahamian Specialist in gum diseases and dental implants since 1989. He also is a certified Fast braces provider. His practice is located at 89 Collins Avenue, Nassau at (242)325-5165 or [email protected]
Digital X-rays seen instantly on a computer
