People have always avoided going to the dentist. There are several reasons for this trepidation. Some people have had an unpleasant, even painful experience. Others simply don’t like the idea of having strangers probing and prodding in their mouths. Some think that dental work will be too expensive. Many are worried about what they will hear when the dentist finally takes a look.
We also live in an increasingly demanding world, and it can be difficult for your patients to take the time and effort out of their busy schedules to go to a dentist. Whatever the reason, your practice needs to understand this and help alleviate your patient’s concerns.
Helping patients make dental visits a priority by emphasizing points such as early intervention can help ensure a quicker and less costly resolution to a dental problem.
Another great resource to market is dental technology.
“Advances in dental technology have helped make trips to the dentist faster and a more pleasant experience for your patients.” – according to a dentist in Phoenix.
Just as technology has modified our homes, workplaces, and even relationships, modern developments have revolutionized the way people feel about going to the dentist.
Technology is changing some of the more arduous tasks of dentistry, streamlining the process for the benefit of all involved.
Digital Dentures
Historically dentures were created over some time, and people who needed them had to make several trips to the dentist to get impressions. This was a bit of an arduous process and often took trial and error to get the perfect fit.
Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are new technologies that allow dental technicians to create new dentures out of material discs in a fraction of the time. A complete prosthesis can be manufactured in just a few steps.
Augmented Reality
While the majority of us think of video games when we think of virtual reality, we are just beginning to discover the incredible implications of this technology in modern medicine.
Augmented reality allows you to explore a computer-generated image of a patient’s mouth.
This will be particularly useful in the training of future dentists.
Robotic Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants are one of the leading ways dentists help patients restore teeth that would otherwise be lost to decay.
Modern dentistry relies heavily on plastic drill guides when placing a dental implant, but that is all changing.
With this new technology, a computerized navigational program provides sensory information and holds the drill in position.
You remain in control but get assistance through feedback given by this robotic technology.
Robotic dental implant surgery can aid in both preoperative and surgical stages.
3D Printing
By enabling its users to create any physical shape on-demand, the invention of 3D printing completely changed the world. This technology allows dental professionals to create prostheses and dentures with laser precision without having to leave their practice.
With the invention of multi-nozzle 3D printing, scientists can print with multiple materials in a fraction of the time.
Continuous Liquid Interface Production
3D printing is a slow process, but CLIP could make the process much faster for dentists.
The amount of time 3D printing takes is largely due to the steps a 3D printer must take to replenish materials, cure those materials, and reposition itself. Continuous Liquid Interface Production allows a solid object to grow out of a liquid bath.
Intra-Oral Camera
As a dentist in Surprise said: This technology enables you to explore the inside of a patient’s mouth using a mirror with a small camera in it. This allows for a much more comfortable experience for your patients.
You or your staff no longer need to stretch lips back or ask patients to keep their jaws open for long periods. This tool also allows you to see problem areas much more clearly.
Smart Toothbrush
As a dentist, you can also advise your patients about dental technology he or they can use at home.
There are several new inventions on the market to assist patients in practicing good oral care at home.
The newest invention is the development of smart toothbrushes. These can ensure your patients correctly measure the amount of time spent brushing.
Newer models can even play games to keep the interest of children and help them learn good habits.
Final Thoughts
With the help of advancements in dental technology, patients have much less reason to dread trips to your practice.
Your job is to educate them on how the latest technology can help assuage their fears.
Dentists can now quickly assess what issues patients are facing and accurately determine a course of treatment.
Before long, those treatments will become more efficient and be performed with technical precision. Advancements in robotics will make the human error less likely. With 3D printing technology, dental prosthetics can be made quickly and at a lower cost.
