Digital Dentistry; 3 Ways Technology Is Improving Dentistry

The fourth industrial revolution has led to innovations within the dental industry, and patients now have the most efficient and effective treatment options available to them, which is due in large part to the advancements of digital dentistry. This review highlights key ways that technology has improved the dental industry in the past decade. 

Innovative benefits of digital dentistry

Digital dentistry is the use of technology or computer-assisted technology to improve dental services. There are different types of digital dentistry, and there are common benefits among them. Understanding how digital dentistry has improved the way that dentists operate can help you have confidence if your dentist utilizes digital dentistry technology. 

Different types of digital dentistry

There are aspects of digital technology in every part of dentistry. Notable types of digital dentistry include:

• Digital radiography
• Intra-oral cameras
• CAD/CAM
• 3D printing
• CBCT imaging

Each type serves a unique purpose. In general, the goal and broader purpose of digital dentistry is to provide more accurate and efficient dental processes so dentists and their staff can have easier jobs and improve the overall patient experience. 

More accurate diagnoses and treatment

Perhaps the most notable way that digital dentistry is improving dentistry is by allowing for more accurate diagnoses and improving the treatment processes. For example, digital radiography and intra-oral cameras are easier ways for dentists to take an impression of a patient’s teeth, and they are more comfortable and convenient for patients as well. There is also less concern for human error when digital dentistry is implemented properly. 

Reduced dental visits and treatment times 

Digital dentistry has also made the treatment processes faster on average. All information is stored digitally and allows dentists to communicate faster. For example, when a dental impression is taken digitally, the impression is quickly sent from the computer to the lab digitally, rather than having to mail the impression to a lab, allowing for much faster treatment. This is, of course, just one of many ways that digital dentistry has improved the patient experience. 

A more comfortable and less invasive process

With digital dentistry, the days of gooey impression molds are over. Instead, digital impressions (and other types of technology used for diagnostic and treatment purposes) are far more comfortable. Patients who may have a higher level of dental anxiety can get the treatments that they may have been putting off. Technology has also led to faster treatment times, which further reduces the anxiety for the patient by allowing them to get through a treatment more quickly. 

Schedule a visit to learn more about digital dentistry

Here at our dental practice, we take advantage of the modern advancements that digital dentistry has provided in order to give our patients the best experience possible. If you are in need of dental work or have gone more than six months without a visit, contact us today to set up an appointment with our office.

Request an appointment here: https://www.drelloway.com or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at (530) 527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.

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