Technology is all around us, from smartphones to TVs that run channels on apps to entire electric systems that power our homes from one central app. But what about tech in the medical industry? Advances in equipment and procedures have sprung up everywhere in recent years. Robots can perform surgical procedures and machines can take our blood pressure – and the field of dentistry has had its own innovations, too.
A recent article in the Arizona Jewish Post about technology in dentistry highlighted some dental tech you may not have heard about!
Lasers
Lasers are being used more and more to do procedures like gum restoration. Gum restoration is sometimes required if gum recession exposes too much of the tooth. While in the past gum restoration required grafting procedures to repair; today the same procedure can be done with lasers. It’s less painful, less invasive and a lot less time consuming.
Resin Fillings
Better for the environment and more natural looking, the resin composite filling is now frequently used instead of metal fillings. They look and behave just like your regular teeth, and because the color can be matched to existing teeth, most people can’t tell you even have them. Resin composite fillings are inserted into the tooth and hardened via a small, painless light device that goes into the mouth. This light is another example of dentistry tech!
Panoramic X-Rays
Panoramic X-rays use a robotic arm that slowly circles the patient’s head and takes a full 360-degree photo of the teeth and bones. This allows the dentist to have a fuller view of the teeth and spot any problems that may be lurking in your mouth.
Clear Aligners
Braces have come a long way with the invention of clear aligners. These trays fit right over the teeth and are virtually undetectable, reducing that awkward feeling many people – especially adults – have about wearing braces. They also work really well and many times work faster than traditional wire braces.
Neuromuscular Dentistry
Neuromuscular dentistry is a form of dentistry that aims to treat temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Neuromuscular dentistry works to align the temporomandibular joint of the jaw with the jaw bone using oral appliances that are custom fit to your individual mouth.
These are just a few of the technological advances we have made in dentistry over the years. There are many more we use every day, and more coming down the pike for the future. Dental technology helps all of us, simplifying procedures for the dentist and hopefully for the patient, too.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Abelar, please contact the office at 858-523-1400.
