3 Ways That The Digital Age Has Transformed Dentistry

If you're like many people, you only see a dentist when you absolutely have to, which is usually when you come down with an unexplained toothache or experience a sports injury or accident that results in dental trauma such as missing, broken, or chipped teeth. If you're only an occasional dental patient, you may be completely unaware of the degree that digital technology has transformed modern dentistry. Following are just three of the ways that the Digital Age has revolutionized routine dental procedures. 

Digital X-Rays

X-rays have long been an important part of dental diagnostics, but digital technology has recently made them even better. Conventional X-rays produce a two-dimensional image, but their digital counterparts provide three-dimensional images that offer a far clearer picture of the details of cavities, decay, cracks, fissures, and other dental health issues. Digital X-rays are taken with minuscule cameras that go inside the mouth instead of using a specialized plate that generates images from an exterior vantage point. Patients won't have to go into a dark room for the X-rays, and they will be exposed to less radiation. 

Digital Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are leaving traditional dentures behind when it comes to prosthetic teeth. As the new normal, patients appreciate the superior appearance and functionality of implants over dentures, and an increasing number of people are asking for this option. Digital implant technology allows a 3D computer simulation to provide a precise picture of the area of your gum tissue and jawbone where the implant is to be placed. This allows the dental surgeon to make a minimal incision, which greatly reduces the amount of discomfort and pain felt by the patient and significantly shortens healing time. In traditional implant surgery, the oral surgeon must make a long incision in the gum tissue all the way to the bone in order to determine the proper placement of the implant.  

Digital Color Enhancements

Before digital technology, prosthetic teeth never appeared quite natural because the colors never seemed to ring true. However, digital technology has resulted in a technology options that offer the highest possible degree of accuracy when it comes to matching the color of the prosthetic tooth or teeth to that of the existing natural teeth, preventing the unnatural look that used to be associated with prosthetic teeth.

Your family dentist can provide you with more information about how the Digital Age has improved modern dentistry techniques. 


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