Just as technology has affected every part of our society, technology has been changing the world of dentistry. Computer-based technologies in dentistry are improving the quality of care that patients receive as well as providing services that were once a vague possibility in the past.
We asked the team at The Smilist Dental in Port Washington what they knew about computer-based tech in dentistry. Here are some of the latest computer-based technologies that are used in the field of dentistry.
CAD/CAM
Digital dentistry has recently become more of a norm. With digital dentistry, dentists will use a computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to create products. The use of CAD/CAM technology helps dentists manufacture their own crowns rather than relying on a dental lab to do this. What this means is that there is no longer a waiting period where the patient has to wear a temporary crown while their permanent crown is manufactured in offices that use this kind of technology.
Another use for CAD/CAM technology is computer-aided implant surgery. Through the use of the cameras, your dentist can chart a path for your implant to travel in order to get the best implant results possible. This has been really nice when patients have comorbidities, meaning there are other situations going on that might make the placement of an implant harder than it would have been otherwise. There is also the advancements here to the point where the entire placement process will be automated, removing any risk of error on the side of the dentist. This might not be the right option for everyone, but it should still help some of the riskier conditions where patients need dental implants.
Virtual Reality Technology
Another computer-based technology that has come out for dentistry is the use of virtual reality technology. It should come as no surprise that dental phobia is a real issue that affects many people. Previous methods of treatment include offering patients a sedative to calm their nerves before a dental appointment, but it can even go all the way to complete sedation, if the patient's fear is extreme enough to warrant this.
That is where virtual reality technology can come in. This way, patients can experience a simulated dental experience to help identify triggers and then help rehabilitate the patients to prevent future problems. It has even been used to help patients who need treatment with complex regional pain syndrome.
Another use for virtual reality technology is to help specialists design a new product. They can use a virtual prototype to check on different aspects of a produce before introducing it. It is even used by dentists to try out new procedures before trying them in real life.
Applications
Finally, a type of computer-based technology that has existed for a long time is applications. Applications have completely taken over how dental offices are run. Instead of relying on paper charts for data and keeping track of patient information, the vast majority of dental offices have moved to a paperless system.
These systems are incredibly useful. You will be able to look at a patient's x-rays, mark down what kind of treatment they have already had done, and note whatever needs to be done in the future. It is a great way to keep all of the notes and anything else that a dentist would want to have down about a patient. They will even keep track of periocharts.
Dental applications work for the front office as well, making scheduling simple. When a patient calls, a front office staff member can pull up a patient's information right away and reference any notes before making any appointments. It is the most efficient way to keep track of things in a dental office.
Just like how computer technology has taken over all other industries, it has taken over dentistry. In fact, it has only improved the way that dental information and treatment is handled. The technology will only continue to improve, making dentistry more stream-lined and painless as possible. With the amount of anxiety that is associated with dentistry, being able to rely on computer-based applications and systems will only prove that the need for concern is no longer valid.
