Digital dentistry refers to any examination, diagnosis, treatment or procedure performed using digital or computer-controlled devices. This is the evolution of mechanical, electrical or manual devices used during patient treatment.
Although we are seeing a more recent explosion in the use of digital dentistry, its origins date back to the 70s, when the first crown was produced using Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM). The first digital restoration was performed in the 1980s and the 90s introduced interactive dental software. Unfortunately at the time, these advances were prohibitively expensive for most high street dental clinics, so it took some time to become mainstream.
To put it in perspective, here are some examples of tools and equipment classified under the umbrella of digital dentistry:
.Intraoral cameras
.3D Printing
.CAD 3D mockups
.Digital radiography
.Wand Anesthesia
.Computerized milling
.Cone Beam CT
.Infrared laser
This may sound silly to the average non-dentist, but you will soon learn about the advantages these incredible pieces of kit bring to the dental clinic.
Advantages of Digital Dentistry
1.Efficiency
A simple fact of the matter is that Digital Dentistry is faster. This is great news for everyone involved, after all, no one wants to sit in the dentist’s chair longer than necessary, and the treatment can be done in a single visit, eliminating the need to go multiple times.
Instead of taking X-rays that need to be processed and analyzed, dentists now use intraoral cameras or scanners to take snapshots of what they’re dealing with, allowing them to react and treat faster than ever before.
The same is true for tooth sizes. Previously, any dental treatment that required the manufacture of fittings (e.g. braces, crowns, dentures) had to start with a dental impression. A dental impression is made with a sticky, clay-like substance that gives a 3D impression of your teeth. This process takes time, requiring the mold to be shipped and then the necessary fittings to be produced. This causes weeks of downtime between appointments.
In digital dentistry, this 3D model can be created in seconds using digital imaging. These images can be shared instantly with labs that use digital workflows and can quickly manufacture rigs using computer milling or 3D printing technology.
2.Accuracy
According to experts, ‘the use of digital imaging and data transfer improves accuracy and eliminates the need for rework.’ An intraoral camera, although small, offers powerfully magnified images.
The use of the old-fashioned dental mirror only provides access to areas visible to the naked eye, and even then it is nearly impossible to see every nook and cranny even when working with an area as crowded as the mouth.
With the intraoral camera, your dentist can achieve up to 25 times greater magnification, providing enhanced detection capabilities, especially when it comes to cavities and fissures. Instead of waiting for a problem to show its ugly side, your dentist can speed up the ability to diagnose in the early stages.
Frankly, 3D is always better than 2D. A conventional x-ray will only provide a 2D view of a patient’s mouth, leaving much room for interpretation. 3D digital scans give the full picture, meaning decisions can be made on the basis of reliable accuracy.
Likewise, when it comes to thread dimensions, there is still an element of human error that can affect the success of the accuracy of the molds. A slight slip of the hand or movement in the mouth during the setting process can produce a very different impression. With digital images, the representation of the mouth is an exact replica of real life.
Thanks to these developments in dental technology, treatments can be applied more accurately than ever before.
3.Cost
While the initial investment in dental technology is high, digital dentistry will ultimately reduce the cost of oral health care.
Time is cash. The longer your treatment lasts, the higher the cost. The more 3rd party suppliers involved, the higher the cost. The fewer patients a dentist can see each day, the higher the cost per patient.
As dental clinics become more technology savvy, more of the process can be brought into the company. With digital dentistry that enables rapid diagnosis and independence in production, dentists can increase their productivity, reduce downtime and become more financially efficient. The more competitive a dentist can be, the more patients it will attract.
4.Security
We have never been more concerned with safety and cross-contamination as a result of COVID-19. In an industry as close and personal as dentistry, finding ways to safely practice oral health care is crucial. As a “hands-free”, “remote”, “computerized” approach, digital dentistry is an inherently safer method of providing treatment.
The design of the intra-oral scanner and disposable sleeve makes cleaning and disinfection procedures simple and efficient.
Digitization results in a reduction of points of contact throughout the dental experience. From checking in at the front desk to sharing dental records to processing and using dentures.
We also see security benefits in terms of X-Rays and digital scans. Digital scans are not only more accurate, but also reduce radiation exposure of both patient and dentist.
5.Comfort
Finding ways to improve the patient experience and make them more comfortable is a high priority for the dental industry. Anything that can be done to encourage patient engagement in an industry that has suffered from negative perception should be explored.
Having the ability to share real-time visualizations of treatment plans is game-changing for the patient experience. Patients who feel included and inspired are likely to feel much more positive and promising in their commitment to treatment.
The power of visualization for the consumer is one of the most important things we can do for our patients.
Another important note that should be mentioned for relaxation is the problem of pain and anesthesia. The wand is an interesting tool to talk about because no one is keen on painful procedures or dental injections. The wand is considered a painless digital form of delivering an oral injection, thanks to the low flow rate of the anesthetic into the gum. Practice this way makes the dreaded injection a much more comfortable experience.
Happy patient. Happy dentist!
If it’s been a long time since you’ve been to the dentist, the advances in digital dentistry may surprise you. It changed the nature of dentist visits for good and for the better. Try it, you may just like it!
