Medicine has advanced through the years, and dentistry has been no exception. In the last five years, dentistry has become more patient-focused with a warm and welcoming environment. Gone are the days when people would tell stories of excruciating pain after a dentist’s appointment. Dental equipment has become technologically advanced and easily accessible to fellow dentists.
With these developments, dentists are now able to focus on preventive care rather than making good what is lost. Technology has made diagnostic facilities more accurate. Many procedures have become quicker and efficient, such as tooth alignment, implant-supported dentures, etc. Be it any kind of medical field; it will keep evolving. Let’s look at few significant changes in dentistry that made the field innovative in the last five years.
Focused on Preventive care
Earlier, a dentist would treat and fix the problem that has already been there. With the help of technology and understanding of the root cause, dentistry has embraced preventive care rather than restorative care. Hence, it’s time to see a dentist regularly to help them in taking corrective action on time without any complications later.
Smart Toothbrushes
Technology has invaded our personal hygiene with smart devices that can track early signals of any irregularities. For instance, in dentistry, smart toothbrushes have come up. These electric toothbrushes have sensors on them that send your dental hygiene report to your smartphone. Information such as duration of brushing, pressure, angles of brushing is sent automatically.
Diode Lasers
Earlier dentists used to find cavities by poking a stick-like tool into teeth. With technology, they have been replaced by diode lasers for finding cavities. It can find a weakness or detect a cavity in the tooth without any hassles. Now dentists can find out early on any cavity formation and provide medical care beforehand.
Electronic Anesthesia
Many people are still afraid of needles poking their skin. It could be stressful when going for a procedure to your dentist that requires anesthesia. But electronic anesthesia has come to the rescue, and a lot of dentists are embracing it with open arms. Electronic anesthesia does not cause any slurring or biting of the tongue.
Same-Day Crowns
Computer-assisted design (CAD) and computer-assisted manufacture (CAM) are two of the significant changes in dentistry. These are advanced technologies that are used for fitting bridges and crowns in a single day. Dentists do not need to send samples for making to a dental laboratory.
3D Digital Imaging
3D imaging is another exciting innovation that is getting popular in dentistry. It allows dentists to catch any issue in your teeth, muscles, bones, nerves, and tissue. Another fantastic feature of 3D imaging is the accuracy of diagnosis. There is no money and time spent in multiple testing and trying different treatments.
Clear Aligners
Gone are the days of metal braces that poked your gums with pain and looked embarrassing. Clear aligners function in the same way as braces by aligning crooked teeth and closing gaps without any metal wiring. Many adults choose clear aligners in place of braces for their invisibility and comfort.
Composite Restorations
In the last five years, composite fillings have increased more than ever. Dentists used amalgam fillings earlier, which showed through the teeth. But composite fillings are available in different shades that match the color of your teeth to near perfection naturally. Another benefit of composite fillings is they do not cause any cracking and are durable.
Conclusion
Dentistry has gone through some massive changes in these few years. A dentist’s place has become more welcoming and patient-friendly. Also, dentists have been equipped with technology such as cloud dental software that makes patients as well as dentists life easy.
