The world of technology is constantly changing. Ask anyone who went out last month and spent a fortune on the newest computer on the market, and he’ll probably tell you that his machine is already outdated. Of course, one of the greatest things about technology is that it is often used as a means of making significant improvements to the healthcare field. Thanks to digital imaging and laser techniques, people can benefit from a variety of treatments that are minimally invasive and, most importantly, far less painful than the procedures of old.
When it comes to dental care, new technology can often translate into better options and treatment for patients. Given the often squeamish nature of patients stuck in the dental chair, the fact that so many dental procedures have become less invasive and unpleasant means that more people are able to get the oral care that they need without letting fear or discomfort get in the way. As a cosmetic dentist who is constantly keeping tabs on the latest advances in oral technology, Dr. Jack Elder of Benicia, California often finds himself singing the praises of the digital developments in his field.
So how is technology working to improve dental care? For starters, it’s making things go a whole lot faster. Instead of sending materials off to laboratories and waiting for a courier system or mail service to get them there, dentists can now email x-rays and photographs and communicate with laboratories at a much more rapid pace. For patients, this can translate into less waiting time for corrective dental devices and fewer lags in multi-step treatment programs.
On the aesthetic end of things, advances in technology have made the world of cosmetic dentistry a lot more high tech. From specialized cameras to instruments that can record and analyze tooth shading, technology is taking some of the guess work out of cosmetic dentistry and allowing dentists to provide patients with accurate, top-notch services. Technology is also driving more and more people to seek out cosmetic dental procedures. Whereas patients might have shied away from formerly-unpleasant treatments considered to be simply elective, nowadays, they’re more likely to view cosmetic dental work as a relatively painless means to an end. Even the simply “irritating” aspects of cosmetic dentistry are, as a whole, quickly becoming a non-issue. For example, technology now enables dentists to create virtual models of patients’ teeth instead of subjecting them to those gunk-filled mouth impression plates; a vast improvement in the minds of those who don’t enjoy the sensation of gagging intermittently while their dentists take a mold. Finally, technology in the world of oral care is allowing dentists to perform procedures more effectively. From clearer x-rays to 3D imaging, techniques such as implant placement and tooth extraction are becoming easier and safer for dentists to perform.
While some people seem to simply repel technology, a good dentist should be willing and able to embrace technology in order to use it to better serve his patients. After all, we live in a digital age, with cell phones and email and web access on the go. We might as well use whatever we can to our teeth’s advantage.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
