The dentist’s office is usually not the most exciting place for most people. The sound of dental drills is just one of the many things that may trigger anxiety in children and adults during dental appointments. The good news is that Beverly Hills digital dentistry has transformed patients’ dental experience, improving the procedures’ comfort, speed and accuracy. Digital dentistry has numerous benefits, including more reliable and accurate scans and the ability to spot dental issues before they happen. If you are wondering what digital dentistry is, here is a breakdown.
What is digital dentistry?
Digital dentistry refers to computer-based technology that carries out dental procedures, including restorative, diagnostic, and treatment procedures. It makes carrying out dental procedures more efficient than using mechanical tools. Although digital dentistry may not entirely replace traditional dentistry, specialists use it as a way to facilitate dental treatments and meet rising patient demands. Here are some digital dentistry tools you may encounter from the moment you check in to your appointment to when your dentist assesses your oral health.
Intraoral scanning and computer-aided design
Computer-aided design technology involves using scanners to make 3D images of your mouth to facilitate designing various prostheses, including veneers, crowns, Onlays, inlays, bridges, dentures, and implant-supported restorations. The design is usually accurate, meaning the final products fit well and are aesthetically pleasing. Previously, dental professionals would put a gooey substance in a mouth guard, place it in your mouth, and have you bite down until it solidifies. They would use that form to make mold impressions of your teeth and send it to the lab to create whatever device you need. Thanks to computer-aided design, you don’t require impression material in your mouth.
Digital radiography
Dental x-rays or radiographs have been used in dentistry for years. The traditional x-rays took time due to processes such as film processing. It was also inconvenient since the prints needed to be stored and delivered to other specialists if required. Fortunately, digital radiography is faster since no photos are needed. The images are immediately displayed on the screen; they can be stored on a server and easily shared with specialists. Digital radiographs also have less exposure to radiation than traditional x-rays.
Intraoral cameras
These are small cameras that dentists use to examine the inside of your mouth. Intraoral cameras are fast replacing round mirrors, which dental professionals would use. They have a higher magnification power, making it easier for dentists to identify any potential issues. Intraoral cameras also allow the dentist to share images of your teeth with you, allowing you to understand your problem better and improve your oral hygiene. Dentists can share these images with lab technicians to match prosthetics to the shade of your natural teeth.
Cancer screening tools
Non-invasive imaging techniques such as fluorescence imaging allows dental professionals to detect abnormalities and cancer signs that are not noticeable to the naked eye. Early diagnosis improves the success of treatment and makes the recovery time shorter.
Thanks to digital dentistry, dental visits are now comfortable and fast. Schedule an appointment with your dentist at Sean S Pierce, DDS, for a dental checkup to improve your oral health.