How New Dental Technologies Are Improving Patient Care

Introduction

Do not know about you, but we hated going to the dentist. Sitting in a room with a high ceiling, huge lights, and shiny wares made us feel small and intimidated. However, the torture begins when the doctor starts working. Keeping your mouth open while playing with sharp objects can be intimidating.

At the very end of the ordeal, the doctor tells you to stop eating your favorite sweets and desserts. This is a memory we have all been through in our childhood. As a result, the whole thing feels a lot more intimidating than we remember it being.

However, the landscape is changing over time. The advent of new and revolutionary techniques, such as CRISPR and AI, has the potential to change the landscape completely. Today, we will be looking at some of the most significant technologies that are all set out to change the dentistry landscape completely.

Dental Technologies That Are Improving Patient Care

Just like any other walk of life, dentistry is also being influenced by positive disruptive technologies. Technologies that have a tremendous impact on making the process feel more organic and less intimidating.

People can 3D print entire prosthetics in just a few hours. The same process used to take four or five sessions. As a result, it is safe to assume that dentistry as a profession has undergone significant changes.

Here, we will discuss these changes so that you can understand how Kunik Orthodontics and other leading experts are working to make dentistry more streamlined and less intimidating.

#1 Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI has already revolutionized many industries with its capabilities. The best part about AI is that it eliminates unnecessary workload and streamlines tasks. This has managed to make production or any task more streamlined and responsive. Processes such as diagnosis and treatment have become quicker and more accurate, making the landscape more efficient.

Operative Dentistry

X-rays can only be trusted up to a certain point. Even with the strongest X-rays, it can be challenging to detect complex cavities, especially in areas that are difficult to access. On the other hand, AI can detect these quite easily.

Experts are working on developing methods that can detect the early stages of dental problems and root fractures. Therefore, allowing doctors to address issues even before they become a significant problem.

Periodontics

Another area where AI can help dentistry is in periodontics. Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, affects a significant portion of the population. However, gum diseases can be quite difficult to identify. This major dental problem is one of the leading causes behind tooth loss.

AI systems can help doctors understand and identify these problems beforehand. Therefore, this will enable doctors to salvage a situation and assist patients with greater promptness and clarity. As a result

Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology

Oral cancers are also quite rampant and can lurk undetected for years before becoming fatal. In many cases, the patient reaches the doctor way later than they should have. This takes away the golden hours that a doctor might need to treat a problem.

AI-based biopsies enable people to analyze and scan for signs of cancer more efficiently and accurately. It can factor in multiple aspects of your oral cavity and create a more detailed map of your mouth, identifying if there are carcinogenic cell buildups or not.

Therefore, the technology can even save lives by identifying cancer even before it becomes carcinogenic.

#2 Smart Toothbrush

Many people think smart toothbrushes are a gimmick or something similar. However, that is not true. Smart toothbrushes help users to take better care of their teeth with a variety of features. These include flexible head, motorized brushes, etc.

Many smart toothbrushes also come with sensors in the handle. The sensor assesses if someone is applying too much pressure or not. On the other hand, some smart toothbrushes store actual data and create better dental care plans for users.

#3 Augmented Reality (AR)

AR in dentistry has evolved beyond a technological trope and has become a genuine tool for learning. It can help students to understand how to work with different dental issues and complications. DentSim Simulator, developed by Image Navigation, is one such simulator that enables students to gain a deeper understanding of the human oral cavity.

Another application of this technology is in the field of reconstruction practice. It can help patients understand how to care for their teeth after a successful dental procedure. Therefore, enhancing accessibility can improve the journey for both patients and doctors.

#4 Teledentistry

Many people consider going to the dentist a hassle. The process of taking time out to visit your dentist is not something anybody wants. Therefore, teledentistry is the next best alternative. TeleDentistry connects patients and doctors, enabling better communication and understanding.

This is a newly launched business vertical that has gained traction. The services are generally offered by companies such as Teledentist and MouthWatch. Both of these companies aim to provide better dental care to people who are short on time.

#5 Virtual Reality (VR)

VR is similar to AR. However, in VR, the experience is closed off with the aid of headsets and earphones. The headset and earphones contribute to the overall immersion of the entire process. This is a revolutionary piece of technology that could completely change how dentistry is taught or learnt across the globe.

Currently, dentistry is primarily taught using traditional methods. Students huddle around teachers in the hopes of catching a glimpse of what is happening. With virtual reality, this experience could be much more conducive and informative.

Adopting VR would not only change the way learning occurs, but also enable doctors to record surgeries and medical procedures with greater transparency. So, if something does go wrong, the presiding surgeon can review or present the captured footage as evidence.

Future Of Dentistry

The world is bombarded with disruptive technologies that could change the future of medical practice as a whole. From AI-powered diagnosis to smart toothbrushes, modern dentistry is not kidding around.

However, the technological side is always on the evolutionary cycle. As a result, there can be major changes in the coming few years. Hence, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and remain informed.