Cutting Edge Technology In Modern Dentistry

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Modern Dentistry

In just two decades, we’ve made great advances in how dental clinics operate on teeth, as well as the products used on them.

Even if you have a morbid fear of the dentist, this fear can be managed when you put things into perspective. Compare what a dental procedure would look like in, say, the 1800s vs today with the following technology, products, and procedures.

Digital X-Ray Diagnostics

Modern digital x-rays for dentistry have greatly reduced amounts of radiation, making them safer for you and the environment.

Imaging is also clearer and faster with this technology – the results can be emailed to you right away.

Laser Dentistry

It might sound brand new – even futuristic – but laser dentistry has actually been around for a long time.

In short: a laser “drill” focuses a beam of light onto a tooth, heating up the particles within it in order to break it down.

This is great for a wide variety of dental procedures like shaping a tooth for a crown, clearing away dead and decaying tooth material, cleaning up an area where a cavity needs to be filled, etc.

What’s even better is that laser dentistry involves a lot less discomfort than a conventional drill; much of the pain one feels during a dental procedure is from the grinding pressure of the drill. With laser dentistry, this isn’t a factor.

Laser dental technology can also be used on soft tissue, helping treat:

  • Gum disease
  • Cold sores
  • Overgrown gums

CEREC Same Day Crowns

Conventional crowns are a 2-appointment procedure; the tooth is shaved down and a temporary crown is placed while your permanent crown is being created, later to replace the temporary one.

Today, with CAD/CAM and 3D milling or printing, getting a crown can be done in a single appointment.

This is not only more convenient, but it also eliminates the chance of a temporary crown falling off before your permanent crown is ready to be installed – something that occurs more often than you might think.

Resin Fillings

Silver fillings are quickly being replaced with resin-based fillings for a number of reasons.

  • Silver fillings contain a large amount of mercury – a toxic heavy metal. In fact, the term “silver filling” is deceptive as silver fillings are an amalgam of silver, copper, tin, but are mostly mercury.
  • Silver fillings have no adhesive quality – they have to be forced into place. ● Silver fillings consistently release small amounts of mercury vapor, which can lead to both physical and mental-emotional problems.

Resin fillings, on the other hand, are naturally adhesive, biocompatible, and more aesthetically appealing (they look and feel just like natural teeth).

Comfortable & Relaxing Atmospheres

More and more dentists are taking measures to calm people’s anxiety about dental procedures.

While it’s normal to have some level of anxiety before a dental appointment, some people experience it more intensely than others.

This is why many dental clinics are offering spa-like amenities, a carefully crafted atmosphere, and other things meant to make your appointment as relaxing and stress-free as possible.

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