For over five thousand years, dentists have been practicing their craft and trying to fix their patients' teeth. Thankfully, we’re long past the days of pliers and hammers, where the only painkiller solution was a shot of whiskey before operation.
Today, digital dentistry helps both dentists and patients by providing more accurate diagnoses, more efficient treatments, and less time in the chair for everyone involved. By supplementing or replacing older mechanical or electrical tools with new digital technologies, dentistry can be quicker and more comfortable.
What Is Digital Dentistry?
Historically, dentistry has relied on mechanical and, later, electrical tools to perform operations and conduct treatments. Digital dentistry, however, uses more modern technology and computer-based tools to achieve the same results at quicker speeds and with less hassle involved.
Let’s use an easy example: a common procedure in dentistry is creating an impression of the patient’s mouth, which can then be referred to during treatment or for creating prosthetics. The traditional method for creating an impression is to use a putty-like substance and make a cast around the patient’s mouth. Once the cast is set, however, it has to be sent to another facility to be used to make prosthetics from the mold. The patient would then need to schedule yet another appointment to have the new prosthetic installed.
Digital techniques and technology can radically shorten this timespan The same outcome can be accomplished by using digital dental impressions created by using intraoral scanners with cameras that capture 3D images of the patient’s teeth, jaw, or even their entire mouth. These impressions can then be used by an in-office 3D printer to create required prosthetics. Depending on the complexity of the prosthetics, they can even be ready to be fitted before a patient’s visit ends.
Technology Used in Digital Dentistry
Some of the most popular tools used in digital dentistry include:
Digital Tools and Modeling
As previously described, creating a digital 3D model of a patient’s mouth is far less invasive than traditional tools. This method is particularly relieving for patients who have severe gag reflexes or sensitive teeth. 3D models also collaborate naturally with the following technology, which is…
3D Printing
3D printing can be used to quickly and easily print custom prosthetics, surgical guides, and more without requiring a dedicated manufacturing setup. This means less reliance on off-site labs to produce these tools and faster results as well.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
CAD and CAM are the process of using modern computers to create and then manufacture real-world products. In digital dentistry, this is most often used to create complicated dental restorations, ensure that artificial replacements match the patient’s natural teeth color, and perform other tasks that previously had to be performed manually.
Electronic Health Records
Much like the rest of the healthcare industry, dentists have upgraded to electronic health records (EHRs) as a replacement for the old paper filing systems. These EHRs are far easier to store, update, and share than traditional records. They also help maintain HIPAA compliance, which is a critical concern for any healthcare provider.
Digital Radiography
Rather than relying on old-school X-ray machines, which record X-ray images on developed film, digital radiography records images on digital files. This saves considerable time otherwise spent on mailing film to a processing service, having it developed, and then sending it back to the dentist’s office. Digital radiography is also safer (as it involves less radiation exposure than traditional X-ray machines) and easier to store on an office’s servers or cloud service.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is making waves throughout the healthcare sector, and dentistry is no exception. By training dental AI on images of radiographs and intraoral scans, the AI can then be used to help dentists detect visual signs of issues such as cavities and fractures. It can also be used to help develop treatment plans by analyzing a patient’s medical records and prior treatment outcomes, comparing them to similar cases, and considering the treatment options currently available.
Benefits of Digital Dentistry
There are three primary benefits to digital dentistry. First and foremost is the improvement in diagnostics, which lends a multiplicative effect later on in the treatment process. Digital X-rays and intraoral scans make it easier for dentists to detect issues like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer early on before they spiral out of control. 3D imaging also gives a more comprehensive view of dental structures than a typical 2D representation, which makes it easier for dentists to plan their treatment.
This leads to better treatment planning and execution, as dentists have better insight into their patient’s condition and what they need to do. With CAD/CAM technology, prosthetics that fit the patient’s mouth better can be quickly manufactured and installed, sparing them weeks or even months of discomfort.
This leads to the final main benefit, which is a more comfortable experience for patients. A trip to the dentist’s office is a source of stress and anxiety for many, so anything that reduces this discomfort and reduces the amount of time they spend in the chair is a benefit to everyone involved.
Embrace Digital Transformation with the Right Medical Computers
Of course, a massive part of digital dentistry relies on medical computers to perform its many functions. Medical-grade computers and tablets are built from the ground up to serve in healthcare environments, including dentistry, and come with features such as:
- Touchscreen controls: Touchscreens are naturally more intuitive and easier to support in a medical environment that may not have space for a dedicated mouse and keyboard.
- Legacy compatibility: While digital technology may be the current status quo, dentists still rely on a wide range of older tools that still require support. Computers and tablets with multiple I/O ports, both legacy and modern designs, are easier to implement and use.
- IP65 Ratings: Water and other fluids are extremely common in dentist offices, so protecting devices from errant splashes is extremely important. A computer with an IP65-rated front bezel is more than enough to protect its internal components.
If you’re ready to upgrade your dental practice with new medical tablets and computers, get in touch with the team at Cybernet Manufacturing. We’d be happy to explore how our devices can help you embrace new digital technologies and practices.
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