Good dental hygiene is incredibly important, not only for your physical well-being, but also for your mental health and quality of life. Whilst the practices of good dentistry have been developed and continuously improved upon over many years, digital technology is a relatively recent addition to the dental practice, and one that has already made its mark in a major way, altering the patient experience from the moment you check in to the delivery of the diagnosis and the post-appointment follow-up.
Below, we explore a number of ways in which digital technology has improved modern dentistry, and what you can expect the next time you take a seat and say “Ah”.
The role of artificial intelligence in dentistry
Even in the hands of the best dentists, patient challenges and diagnoses can be complex and subject to occasional human error. That’s where the latest AI technology can help to find the best treatment modalities. Smart algorithms analyse health data and research, enabling dentists to make the most appropriate recommendations for their patients.
From smart toothbrushes (detailed below) to the latest dental handpieces, these AI-designed tools are integral to ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care in the dentist’s chair. For example, some machines have been programmed via machine learning to detect and quantify oral cancer cells, while others help to detect periodontal disease and dental decay in radiographs. This all helps to decrease treatment times and increase precision and effectiveness.
Digital imaging and diagnostics
Accurate, high-quality imagery is an essential tool for effective dentistry, and modern technology makes it far more accessible than traditional X-ray methods – in fact, digital tools can make these images available for instantaneous viewing and, where necessary, distribution to other specialists. Plus, in case the efficiency of this new method isn’t enough to warrant a switch, recent studies conducted have found that digital radiology reduces exposure to radiation, making it safer for patients.
Laser equipment
Lasers are a perfect example of a technology that has revolutionised the surgical process, making things much quicker and easier for dentists and more comfortable for patients. No longer limited to drills, dentists now have access to an array of tools for different treatment needs, including soft- and hard-tissue lasers. These minimise pain and recovery time, making for a better experience all around.
Teledentistry and the use of smart toothbrushes
Effective dental treatment relies upon consistent maintenance, and yet, many patients will only see their dentist a couple of times per year (or less frequently). For the in-between times, when you need professional advice or reassurance, teledentistry offers an ideal solution. The practice ramped up at the height of COVID-19 and has since become an ongoing offering, appealing to those who want convenient access to a professional without travelling or wasting time in waiting rooms. For these patients, the ability to access dental advice via a mobile app is truly priceless.
Having access to the latest at-home technology in the form of smart toothbrushes further streamlines the process of maintaining your oral health. These toothbrushes have a wide range of features designed to deliver a better clean; for example, many have sensors built into the handle for real-time feedback on brushing effectiveness, from pressure to mouth coverage. Plus, although they’re designed for patients of all ages, smart toothbrushes have the added ability to engage younger users with games.
Computer-assisted design and 3D printing
Dentistry often involves the design and creation of “parts” such as crowns, fillings and other fixtures individually fitted to a patient’s tooth. Computer-assisted design simplifies the process of making these fixtures by first photographing the tooth in question and then translating the image to a machine that produces a perfect-fit crown. 3D printers are ideal for this, as well as a range of orthodontic treatments requiring pinpoint precision, including aligners and retainers – and they can do it all at speed and for a fraction of the cost.
There’s no doubt about it – digital dentistry has progressed in leaps and bounds in recent years, and the future is looking bright – one might even say brighter than a set of teeth fresh out of the dentist’s office. If your dentist is still operating in analogue, it might be time to consider modern digital alternatives and the benefits they could bring to your oral health.
