If you look back at dentistry over the past few decades, it is evident that there have been many changes. From same-day crowns to digital scans, you can see how advancements in technology have changed the possibilities of treatment in the dental world. While these changes help us as practitioners they really help you as a patient.
At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Rath and our dental team are committed to staying on the leading edge of technology. We know that technology is important in the dental world. Keep reading to see the many ways as to how modern dentistry is benefiting you and your dental health!
Same-day Dental Crowns
Same-day dental crowns have changed the way we do crowns. Crowns used to involve two appointments, a tooth prep appointment followed by the crown seat appointment. This process took at least two weeks from start to finish. Much of the two week wait time was waiting on the dental crown to be custom made in a dental lab.
Today, technology is allowing us to perform same-day dental crowns. You come in for your appointment in which we are able to take pictures and impressions, prep your tooth, and fabricate a crown the same day. No need for additional appointments and you go home with an esthetically pleasing crown the same day!
Digital Scans
We are seeing how much digital scanners are improving our workflow but also improving your experience. Traditional impressions are one of the least liked things by patients in the dental chair. These bulky trays filled with sticky impression material are being replaced by a virtual scan that maps out your teeth and dental anatomy. It’s like a 3D impression that is created via taking pictures with a camera.
Laser Treatment Options
The world of lasers is quickly changing medical and dental history. From surgeries, to decay removal, to dental cleanings, lasers are becoming a part of dental treatment. Did you know lasers are involved in all these dental services?
- Removing decay and tooth structure to prep a tooth
- Treating gum disease
- Treating cancer and tumors
- Whitening
- Frenectomies
- Removing or recontouring tissue
The benefit of choosing laser treatment for your dental services is that it can provide treatment that is less invasive. Usually this means quicker healing times too!
Digital Radiographs
Digital x-rays have eliminated the wait time for developing x-rays. They are almost instantaneous and they contain less radiation than traditional x-rays. Since the image appears on our computers, we are able to use digital software to enlarge the image for better assessment. It allows us to show our patients what we are noticing as well.
Invisalign
Invisalign is clear aligners that can aid in straightening your teeth and providing you with an esthetic smile. They provide a more comfortable option than braces and they are also more discreet as you get to avoid brackets and wires.
Intraoral Camera
The intraoral camera allows us to take 2D images of your teeth. This has proved to be beneficial in many ways but especially if there is a hard to see area. The camera has a light on it that helps illuminate areas as we take a picture. Once we have the picture, we can enlarge it on our monitor to gain precise details. We can save these images to compare back to and we can also share these images with you.
By staying up to date on the newest technology and advancements, we can make sure that your dental visit is the most comfortable, thorough, and efficient! At Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we are committed to staying on top of the latest advancements and we do this by making continuing education courses a priority.