One national agency estimates that advances in dental research save Americans more than $4 billion a year. Dentistry today has the most sophisticated, high-tech equipment ever available, allowing the dentist to treat and diagnose with remarkable precision. Such technology also vastly reduces, and in some cases eliminates, much of the pain and discomfort for you. Some of the more exciting advances coming out in dental research include new genetic therapies, tissue repair methods and improved materials that are biocompatible.
Here's a look at some of the newer technologies:
Air Abrasion
Air Abrasion is a technique using high-pressure stream of aluminum oxide to remove dental enamel; dentin; and restorative materials from teeth. In contrast to using dental high-speed equipment, this method usually requires no dental anesthesia, and reduces risks of tooth chipping and microfracturing. It is used primarily for routine dental cavity preparation
So, what are the benefits to the patient?
- Less anxiety. A pain free experience in most cases, without the need for patients to experience a tooth preparation by use of a bur
- Anesthesia-free - in approximately eighty percent of cases, removing the need to experience a needle
- Little or no post-operative discomfort
- Faster healing time
- Ideal for children and adults, comforting for both patient and parent
Digital X-rays and Imaging
- Digital imaging - Allows almost instantaneous views of images inside the patients' mouth. Examples include intra-oral cameras, extra-oral digital cameras (images from outside the mouth looking in), and digital X-rays on a PC screen.
- Digital radiography - like traditional X-rays, digital radiography allows your dentist to easily spot deep tooth problems such as bone loss, deep decay and root canals.
- Using the ScanX PSP, and Accent intraoral sensor from Air Techniques x-rays have never been easier.
- Lasers - Lasers may one day replace drills, with more precision and less pain. Some teeth whitening, gum, and decay removal therapies employ the use of lasers today.
- If you hate even the thought of a dental shot, or the sound of a dental drill, here's some pleasant news to make you smile! Dr. Comer can now remove decay without the need for anesthesia, meaning there are NO SHOTS and NO DRILL in most cases. With our DELight Dental Laser. The Delight Dental Laser combines laser energy, water and air to remove a wide range of human tissue including tooth enamel (the hardest substance in the body), and soft tissue (gum tissue) with no heat and no pain in most cases.
Introducing Picasso
The Picasso represents a dramatic breakthrough in laser technology. The new multi-functional soft tissue diode laser offers comprehensive clinical results in surgical, periodontal therapy, endodontic procedures, and bleaching, the Picasso's innovative design, 7 watts of power, 8 programmable presets, color touch screen.
Cavity Detection
- Diagnodent Cavity detecting laser
Accurate, reliable caries detection aid
More and more patients place value on healthy and attractive teeth. In order to maintain them, the earliest possible care is essential. DIAGNOdent aids in the detections of caries. Even very small lesions are detected at the earliest stage, enabling you to protect and preserve the tooth substance.
Virtual Implant Surgery and Diagnosis
- Implant Surgery treatment and Planning using InVivo
- Visually impressive implant planning that's easy to accomplish makes Invivo5 the most popular implant planning 3D software. Invivo5 allows the placement of implants directly. Treatment plan in full 3D anatomy with restorative outcomes in mind. Immediate implant planning makes Invivo5 a very powerful patient consultation and communication tool that can be used chair-side. Anatomage's own surgical guide will then take your virtual treatment and make it reality.
- InVivo allows us to see the mouth and structures in the mouth in 3D. We can identify and anatomy measure bone and structures and even virtually place bone grafts, implants, before ever doing any surgery. This makes surgery faster, safer, easier and the healing time a lot shorter. We can diagnose and treat a lot more people with the avent of CT guided dentistry.
A Future without Drills and Fillings?
Some health experts believe that a future without drills and fillings is not that far off.
From regenerated teeth using your own DNA, to such futuristic techniques called "bio solutions" that treat disease on a molecular level, incredible advances are being explored every day. For example, bacteria that cause decay may one day be able to be modified before they cause damage.
