The Latest Trends in Dental Technology

Everyone seems to have their own opinions about the dentistry profession. Dental services are something we need, yet many people don’t actually take the time to set up teeth cleanings and checkups until something is seriously wrong. This trepidation and procrastination is generally rooted in the idea that visits to the dentist are painful and costly, but is this an outdated notion?

Be Aware of These 4 Trends

A visit to the dentist in 2017 is quite different from a visit 5, 10, or 15 years ago. Technology is evolving, which is resulting in safer, more comfortable, and more cost-effective services. Here are a few of the top trends:

1. More Strategic Dental Implants

There is always a need for dental implants. Not only do they provide aesthetic symmetry for individuals who have experienced tooth loss, but dental implants also help stabilize adjacent teeth and ensure muscle and tissues in the jaw and face are properly supported.

In the past, the dental implant procedure was painful, prolonged, and not always 100 percent reliable. Today, advances in technology allow for a single tooth implant procedure to be performed in just an hour, with most patients returning to normal activities immediately after. And because of the way modern implants integrate into the bone, there are rarely any issues down the road.

2. Sedation Dentistry

One of the more exciting developments in dental technology is sedation. With such a large portion of the population fearful of dental procedures, oral sedation dentistry is being used more and more. Not only is it effective, but it’s also quite safe.

Unlike traditional IV-based sedation, oral sedation doesn’t require any needles and the patient is conscious and able to respond to dentist commands at all times. It essentially puts the patient at ease and allows them to overcome their fear of being worked on.

3. Laser Dentistry

Nobody wants invasive cutting done on their mouth, which is why laser dentistry has become more popular in the dental industry over the last couple of years. Using light energy emitted from laser devices, this form of dentistry can be used to treat things like decay removal, dental fillings, cold sores, crown lengthening, nerve regeneration, and a whole host of other issues.

4. Digital Impressions

If you’ve had your share of dental and orthodontic appointments in the past, then you’re probably familiar with dental impressions. Traditionally, dentists mix up a powder-based formula, stick it in a tray, and then ask the patient to bite down for a few minutes. The result is an impression of the teeth that can be used to make things like retainers and other oral devices.

Pretty soon, these old-school impressions will be a thing of the past. Today, digital impressions are garnering significant attention and providing dentists with faster and more comprehensive results. Digital impressions are also more accurate and don’t require as much effort to perfect. The result is an easier experience for both patient and doctor.

Another key benefit of digital impressions is that they can be viewed on a computer, which allows the dentist to point out issues and clearly discuss procedures before actually performing any action in the mouth. This creates more confidence and enhances the overall patient experience.

The Future of Dentistry

Dentists will always be around. As long as there are people with oral health needs, dentists will be able to leverage their skills. However, one thing is clear: Today’s patients have an expectation that a trip to the dentist will be easier, quicker, and less painful than it was in the past.

Thankfully new technologies, like the ones highlighted in this article, are making these outcomes possible