The Latest Technologies in Dentistry Increase Patient Comfort

Patient comfort and care are the emphasis of modern dentistry. Dental technology is constantly being developed to meet consumers’ demands. High-tech dental equipment has led to virtually pain-free dentistry, making everyone’s life simpler. Dentists have the tools today to practice fast, high quality dentistry.

Many cavities hide in places that conventional dental x-rays can’t see. However, they are no match for the latest in cavity detection: DIAGNOdent. It can locate even minute amounts of tooth decay at its earliest stages. The dentist can use this laser to look at spots where decay most commonly evades detection. Upon detection it fluoresces or emits visible light and beeps, providing immediate feedback. This allows treatment of the cavity before it becomes painful. Early detection of cavities means a smaller filling, and lower cost treatments. DIAGNOdent has a 90% accuracy rate and saves dentists unnecessary exploration of suspected teeth.

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For decades going to the dentist has meant the sound of the dental drill. A newer option has recently taken over these procedures: air abrasion. Air abrasion works like a targeted mini-sandblaster. Air abrasion provides an excellent alternative for children and otherwise fearful patients. It produces no heat or friction and eliminates the sound of a drill that so many people dislike.

Less of the tooth needs to be removed with air abrasion which also reduces discomfort and lessens the need for anesthesia. Multiple procedures can be treated in one appointment saving the patient time. Air abrasion can only be used when the patient receives a composite resin filling due to the smooth surface it leaves. Amalgam fillings need the rough surface created by a drill to properly adhere. Air abrasion may also cost more than traditional drilling.

Today laser dentistry removes tooth decay, prepares for root canals, and whitens teeth. Patients tend to know little about this “futuristic” treatment and its benefits. “Laser” stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The instrument produces a tiny, exact beam of concentrated energy for the treatment of dental problems. The laser sterilizes and coagulates blood vessels while it is vaporizing the dentin. This reduces possible infection and excessive bleeding which may cause unnecessary complications. In dentistry the laser can perform surgical procedures (like past cutting instruments) or vaporize tissue.

This treatment causes much less pain than standard dental methods. Anesthesia may be unnecessary in patients with some pain tolerance. The disadvantage to laser drills is that they can’t perform many common procedures. They’re not able to remove old silver fillings, dental onlays, or a crown; and can’t fill cavities between teeth or large cavities. These procedures still require traditional drills to shape the tooth properly.

Digital radiography has become a high-tech replacement for traditional x-rays making the process safer and more convenient. Every precaution is taken to ensure the patient’s safety with conventional x-rays, but they do emit low amounts of radiation causing some patients to put off having them done. Digital radiography sends higher quality images to the computer. Additional software programs (subtraction radiography) allow dentists to compare current to previous images of the same tooth. The dentist can see even minute changes in the tooth’s structure. Dental x-rays are necessary to diagnose problems not visible to the naked eye.

CEREC® is a computer that assists with dental restoration of decayed teeth, placing dental crowns, removing defective amalgam fillings, or placing porcelain veneers in only one appointment. CEREC® fillings and restorations are made of tooth-colored porcelain, so they look like the natural tooth. The procedure takes less time, drilling, and fewer injections. CEREC® begins with the exam and preparation: removing the tooth decay. Then an optical impression of the prepared tooth (picture) is taken. The CEREC® machine then designs and creates your filling, crown or veneer, right in the office. Procedures can be completed in a single visit. The restoration is computer generated for greater accuracy of fit. CEREC® is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic.