If you've gone to the dentist a number of times, you're probably already familiar with the normal processes and procedures that most patients go through. From biting down on a small, thick X-ray plate to listening to the hum of dental tools buzzing in your ear, these dental practices have been in place for many years. New technology is opening the door to make dental visits easier, less painful, and faster for both patient and the dental practitioner.
CAD Technology
If you've been told you need to have a tooth rebuilt or replaced, the standard process involves taking an imprint of your tooth and sending the mold off to a laboratory. This can result in weeks or even months of waiting for the replacement tooth to be completed. Using a CAD program, dentists can now take three-dimensional images of your tooth and reconstruct it right on site. This technology can be used for crowns, bridges, and inlays as well as implants. It helps the dental technicians get a clearer, more accurate view of your tooth without needing a lab's assistance.
Lasers
Much like other forms of laser-based surgery, this technology can be excellent in dental applications. There's less invasion, less pain, and more accuracy for the oral surgeon. Lasers can work with pinpoint precision to cut gums or even whiten teeth. And most procedures involving lasers can be performed without the need for anesthesia. In many instances, the laser can also cauterize wounds, eliminating the use of stitches. Since no surgical tools will ever come in direct contact with your mouth, the risk of infection is also a lot lower. Laser dental surgery can be faster, safer, and much more effective.
Sedation Dentistry
Laughing gas was once the standard practice for most dentists performing surgery to help calm a patient's nerves. Today, full sedation is offered at many practices, which involves the patient being put completely to sleep throughout the procedure. This is ideal for patients who are nervous or worried about going to the dentist and who are concerned about pain. Sedation must be administered by a licensed anesthesiologist, and not all offices offer this option, but for those who do, it's a popular choice among patients. Even mild sedatives that will just calm your nerves can be given to help you relax, and they're more effective than laughing gas.
If you're due for a dental procedure, find out what new options and technologies are available to make your experience more pleasant. For more information, contact a dentist such as Jeffrey S. Thaller DMD.
Share22 June 2016
Do you have "bad teeth"? I do. Ever since I was a kid, every checkup turns up a number of issues ranging from cavities to dental fractures. It has always been frustrating to keep my smile in decent shape, which is one of the reasons I started focusing on understanding different dental problems. I wanted to know what I was getting into when I visited the doctor, so I began focusing on learning as much as I could. I wanted to create this blog all about dentistry so that other people could find out what to expect when they head to the dentist. Check it out!
