Just like everything else, dentistry is starting to improve and turn into something straight from the science fiction genre. These advancements happen because of the new technologies which are constantly reshaping the world we live in today. And fortunately, it seems that most of the improvements lead to the painful and less scary dental solutions.
Some innovations are already in use and are making the work of dentists and the experience of patients much easier. But above all else, they offer better diagnostics and approach for fighting and treating conditions that used to be complicated. So here is some of that technology that is without a doubt shaping the dentistry of today.
You already know how the ultrasound works and how much it has improved over the years when it comes to medical science. The same applies to the dentistry since this radiation-free procedure offers 2D and 3D imaging of the teeth. There is still a lot to be done when it comes to the ultrasound technology since the quality of images is not like the one obtained from the X-rays or CT scans. Just like in gynecology, ultrasound in dentistry will create a detailed image of the patient's mouth with a possibility to detect early on some critical conditions.
3D printing is a technology that changed the model-making process in the dentistry. However, the most fascinating thing is printing of materials which is going to change the dentistry forever. Namely, implants used today are made of artificial materials which tissue rejects in some cases.
In the future, 3D printing will use biocompatible materials which won’t require much processing and complex implementation. Just as stem cells are used to create certain tissues and organs, so it will be possible for 3D printing of teeth.
Virtual reality is not impossible to develop to fit the purposes of the dentist procedures and diagnostics. This technology is already in use to present products like travel destinations in many countries, as well as in the gaming industry. So it's only a matter of time before it becomes a normal way to examine patient's oral cavity and diagnose the conditions.
This technology also offers a unique approach to the teaching methods that will allow better presentation during lectures, as well as training. In a way, it could create a virtual practice where students and graduates can apply their knowledge without needing an actual patient to do so.
In 2017, FDA approved Yomi – the first robotic system for the dental surgery made by the Miami based company Neocis. This revolutionary robotic advancement will improve precision during oral surgery especially when it comes to implanting procedures.
Robots are nothing new to the medical science, so it was only a matter of time before they had their big break in the dentistry. However, the robots don’t offer hands-free surgery, although that is in the works as well, but offer less invasive choices and thus faster healing.
One of the signs of advanced technology is digital dentistry which allows professionals like Oceanic Dental Lab to create a better image of the patients' teeth and jaw. This is a painless method that speeds up the diagnostic procedure and offers much better insight into the problems and underlying conditions. Digital dentistry also offers an efficient solution for restoration with predictable results and lower cost of the whole process.
The technology uses digital X-rays to create the image of the patient's teeth with all the issues and details it included. With a CT scan, the dentists will obtain a 3D imaging of the teeth and detect conditions that traditional X-ray couldn't. Dental lasers provide an improved precision and less bleeding during procedures, while the Wand is an anesthesia tool which administers an anesthetic in a less painful way.
Digital dentistry has certainly created room for implementing artificial intelligenc in the diagnostic process although that is still far from possible. Since dental practices possess a considerable amount of data on the patient’s condition, that will be a useful input for the future AI systems.
Artificial intelligence is planned to be a massive data collection and processing unit that will then offer solutions based on the analysis is performed. This could improve the detection process for certain conditions like caries and prevent further deterioration of the patient's teeth. Also, AI could offer appropriate treatments based on the dental history and advancement of certain conditions, thus speeding up the whole process.
We live in exciting times when the technology of today is only just the glimpse of what people hoped it will become decades ago. Dentistry will like every scientific activity thrive due to the technological advancements and become a more comfortable experience for the patients. And in the future after that, maybe all dental problems will be resolved in just a few minutes at the dentist office.
Growing up on a village helped me become what I am today. Constantly surrounded by nature and animals my curiosity was satisfied. In my teen years I moved to a city and started helping out at my dad's construction company. This is how I got the idea to become a civil engineer.
Since then constantly studying and finding new projects to work on has taken almost all of my time. Buy hey that’s what I love doing so it’s not hard!