To get an idea about how tech is changing the dental industry, you don’t have to look too far. In truth, advanced technology is revolutionizing all aspects of the dental scene, and there are no signs of progress slowing down.
As more and more dentists and dental practitioners become aware of how technology can transform a dental practice, we'll see exponential growth in new technology in dental practices across the nation. For instance, technically advanced software and hardware is being used for digitizing procedures, diagnostics, and treatments. This significantly benefits dental practices - often making service and treatment more efficient and lucrative. Moreover, these tech-based improvements enable dentists to provide better care to patients with more comprehensive care and cutting-edge treatment.
As someone in the profession, it's your responsibility to stay on top of the latest developments--not just for yourself but also for your employees and patients. Dentists in nearly every field can benefit from utilizing new technology, whether it's general dentistry or more complicated restorative dentistry. To prove this point, here are a few ways tech can transform your dental practice for the better.
CAD or CNC
CAD/CAM technology, which is also known as the combination of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, has been growing in the field of dentistry. It allows for complete customization of prosthetic dental work using exact images created by intraoral scanners. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor School of Dentistry has reported that CAD/CAM technology facilitates exact and accurate diagnostics in order for dental health professionals to plan treatment for better dental health and precise prosthetic design, and it can also reduce costly laboratory time.
3D Printing
3D printing is becoming a boon to the dental industry, particularly considering 3D printers are more affordable and more available today than in the past. As it relates to dentistry, there are a lot of benefits that come from 3D printing technology. A dentist can scan the mouth and then design a custom restorative piece for them with CAD/CAM technology. The design can be printed with a 3D printer, making the final product unique to the patient. Examples of end-result 3D printing are complete renderings of digital dentures and clear aligners.
Basically, 3D printing can potentially be used with intraoral scanning and computer-aided design and manufacturing to create temporary same-day restorations. This means a patient can get aligners, dentures, or a prosthetic on the same day as his or her dental appointment.
Intraoral Scanning
An intraoral scanner is a technological device used to directly create digital impression data of the oral cavity. A light source such as a laser is projected and then scans objects in the mouth in order to create a 3D model which is processed by scanning software. Compared to physical molds, intraoral scanning reduces patient discomfort and allows for better communication between patients and their dentists. It also simplifies clinical procedures for the dentist, making them more efficient. According to the American Dental Association, intraoral scanning should become a tech standard for all dental practices today.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) for business is expanding rapidly, and the dental industry is starting to jump on board. Dentists are utilizing AI in surprising yet brilliant ways in order to boost business as well as assist their patients. One simple yet highly effective use of AI is the ability to detect cavities based on bitewing radiographs. The use of AI at a dentist's office, where there can be hundreds of bitewing radiographs a day, can be an invaluable tool in both reducing errors and increasing the rate that patients will accept treatment.
The Last Word on How Tech is Changing Dentistry Today
Established dentists know that the benefits of adopting new technology outweigh the negatives. It might feel overwhelming to stay on top of dental innovations, but the payoff is worth the effort. One way to facilitate transitions is to delegate technical tasks to staff and focus on the aspects of practice management.
Infuse one new technology at a time, being sure to have your staff members trained in how to use it before adding the next. The best technologies are those that will assist you and your staff with their jobs, so you're less stressed and more organized while also improving patient treatment and boosting your practice’s bottom line.
