Nowadays, the digital equipment available to dentists has, over the years, increased significantly. These advancements in dental technology allow patients to receive more modern solutions to traditional dental problems.

Among those digital dental technologies available are electronic prescriptions, digital radiography, CAD/CAM restorations, computerized case presentations, digitally based surgical guides, as well as imaging for digital impressions and implant placement. More and more dental professionals are now more eager to incorporate such proven digital technologies into their practices for them to be able to provide excellent dental treatments that can be performed in a more effective and comfortable manner – for both professionals and patients.

These digital dental technologies enable collaborations with other dental professionals and consultations with patients to be conducted quicker and with more detailed and immediate information as compared to before. In addition, the quality of care has improved through enhanced diagnosis and precise restorations.

Here are some of the digital dental technologies that might be used in dental offices:

CAD/CAM

Computer-assisted design or computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology allows for dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, inlays, and onlays to be fabricated with the use of computerized milling technology. Dental professionals may work with in-office CAD/CAM in order to complete same-day tooth restorations that would otherwise take two or more visits to complete. If the case is more extensive, dentists may work with a dental laboratory that uses CAD/CAM technology to create the needed restorations.

Digital X-rays

Digital radiographs or digital X-rays capture dental images through a sensor that processes an image onto a computer screen. These provide greater comfort in comparison to traditional X-rays and they also reduce a patient’s radiation exposure. In addition, digital radiographs let dentists magnify images for greater diagnostic accuracy, providing more timely and appropriate dental treatments.

Internet

Dentists today can make it easier for patients to make appointments via the Internet. Communication programs are being utilized to make it easy for dental professionals to securely share information about a certain patient’s case with their laboratories and fellow dental specialists to ensure proper care and to eliminate unnecessary dental office visits by the patients. There are also real-time computer consultations that can be done while patients are in the chair, so any functional or aesthetic issues can be discussed and resolved.

Intraoral Cameras

These dental cameras are used to produce accurate images of the teeth and its supporting structures. This enables patients, dentists, and dental technicians involved in a treatment to see any tooth defect. It also allows for better understanding of the needed treatment.

Optical Scanners

These dental scanners are used to provide a digital map of the teeth, as well as to create an accurate digital impression of the tooth’s anatomy. In addition, digital impressions also provide patients with the convenience of not having to go through traditional impressions that use unpleasant-tasting materials, bulky trays, and the possible gagging.

Remember to reach out to us today here at Backer Dental Lab if you have any inquiries on dental technologies or simply visit our website to know what we have to offer.