Nobody likes going to the dentist. Whether you’re 8 or 38, the menacing tools, drills, and injections are enough to scare even the toughest of us. Luckily, technological advances have transformed the dentistry world for the better, making our visits to the dentist a little less scary and a lot less painful. Besides making our dental appointments easier and quicker, innovative technologies have also revolutionized the way we treat and prevent oral diseases. Here are some examples of how newer technology is taking the world of dentistry by a storm.
Digital dentistry
Modern dentistry has been incorporating mechanical and electrical tools and devices for quite some time now, but with the introduction of computer-controlled digital technology, the advances in technology have taken the world of dentistry to a completely different level. Rather than rely completely on electrical and mechanical components, many devices now operate digitally with minimal human intervention. Now, such innovative approaches can only exist in cities where technology is booming, and one of these places is Seattle. Known for housing some of the world’s most prominent digital companies, Seattle is also home to some of the most prestigious dental clinics in the US. Pretty much, any Seattle dentist will have at least one digital dental tool at hand. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are common examples of advanced digital technology. With the help of CAD and CAM, along with advanced software, devices, and materials, dentures can now be digitally made in just a few steps and a short amount of time.
Dental technology preventing oral diseases
Numerous dental care innovations focus on preventing oral diseases, and since the toothbrush is the most common and effective way to keep our teeth clean and healthy, it’s only normal that these innovations extend to our toothbrushes as well. Manufacturers are now designing smart toothbrushes with all kinds of advanced attachments. Most smart toothbrush models have pressure sensors that warn you when you’re brushing too hard and can monitor and report your brushing habits to specifically linked apps.
Other models are equipped with cameras and location tracking technology to give you an even more detailed report that shows you the parts of your mouth that you’re not brushing enough. Some toothbrushes have a timer that keeps track of how long you brush and can also sync with the mobile apps you use for entertainment such as the music app on your phone to keep you occupied for the 2 minutes you’re supposed to brush.
Some manufacturers are taking technological advancements even further by developing sensors that can detect various oral diseases from saliva or mouth tissue. These sensors can also monitor heart rate, measure blood alcohol levels, or detect bad breath. Other researchers are developing mouthpieces outfitted with a pH sensor for the main purpose of detecting acidic saliva, which is a big risk factor that indicates tooth decay and gum disease. Besides detecting and possibly even preventing oral diseases, by testing the chemicals in your breath, the pH sensor can also diagnose diabetes, which in addition to being a serious illness on its own, can also aggravate already-existing gum disease.
Innovating dental diagnosis and treatment
A significant part of this technological revolution is dedicated to the ongoing development of diagnostic tools that can analyze our health status with great precision. This includes advanced digital imaging devices, some of which can detect cracks that are typically too small to show up on a regular X-ray, all in a 3-second scan. Other devices can create 3D ultrasonic maps of both teeth and gums, effectively detecting cavities and other oral diseases.
Additionally, lasers are now being used in both the diagnosis and treatment of various oral diseases. Soft tissue lasers are currently used for minor gum surgeries, but down the road, these procedures may be handed down to computers with the help of hard tissue dental lasers. Ultimately, hard tissue lasers combined with digitally-controlled mirrors could be used to remove tooth decay, replacing high-speed dental drills entirely.
Some research institutes are working on bioprinting, a higher level of 3D printing. Currently, 3D printing uses CAD and CAM technologies to mill a tooth from a 3D scan if a patient needs a crown, cap, or bridge. In the near future, dentists and periodontists are hoping to use bioprinting to build jawbones, which can greatly benefit those suffering from oral cancer.
New biomaterials that can fill cavities and allow them to heal themselves by injecting tooth decay-fighting chemicals to 3D printed teeth are currently in the works. Upon its development, this technology has the potential to greatly reduce tooth decay, which almost always leads to painful and expensive root canals.
Developments in diagnostic technology have also made it possible to detect oral cancer — one of the top 10 deadliest forms of cancer — in its early stages. By using special lights that can detect tissue changes and pick up on potential problems that may call for a biopsy, some devices can highlight early signs of oral cancer that otherwise can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Easy access to dental care
Last but certainly not least, some technological advances now allow you to do the initial dental scanning with your smartphone at home. Using your phone, you can easily upload your medical information and scans online and receive a detailed analysis of them from a highly qualified doctor. Technologies like these help make dental care more accessible to a wider population, making it possible for anyone, including those staying in remote places, to get a quick diagnosis of the most common dental problems.
In this era of major technological advancement, the dental care process has witnessed many drastic improvements. Between digital data analysis, new diagnostic tools, revolutionary treatment options, and innovative prevention methods, these advancements can provide exceptional dental care to a greater population. Judging by the current technological breakthrough and the changes occurring throughout the dental industry, the future of dentistry is looking brighter than ever. Who knows, maybe even one day we won’t dread visiting the dentist as much.