02
Feb
4 Techniques in Digital Dentistry
Digital dentistry is in reference to the many new dental technologies that are making their way into dentist’s offices all across the country. Using these technologies is giving dentists the ability to ward off tooth decay faster than ever and provide patients with one-day dental services that would typically spread over a few weeks.
There are quite a few new dental technologies that are under the umbrella term of ‘digital dentistry’ and are unique for general, cosmetic and implant dentists to name a few. Using these technologies is allowing for the ability to improve their patient’s teeth, ward of cavities and leave their patients in shock at the speed of certain procedures being completed in a fraction of the time it took only a few years ago.
4 different digital dentistry technologies
There are many different devices and technology that would fall under the term of “digital dentistry” and today we will look at 4 of the most popular that is being used and how they are helping dentists and patients.
CAD (Computer-assisted design)
CAD (computer-assisted design) and CAM (computer-assisted manufacturing) are devices that are being used for the molding and crafting of different dental devices including dental crowns. Because the technology can take the precise measurements of a tooth or the area that a dental crown or implant would go, they can be instantly sent to another computer (CAM) and be crafted. Instead of the use of molds and sticky putty being put into a patients mouth, this can be avoided using these technologies in unison.
CAM (Computer-assisted manufacturing)
Because of the precision and crafting speeds, even dental crowns that would typically take 1-2 weeks to be crafted at a lab can be completed and installed in a patients mouth on the same day. Not only does this almost eliminate the chance of wrong measurements being taken, but it can also skip having the patient come back for 2-3 visits before the process would be complete. Digital dentists offices can typically complete a dental crown placement on the same day that the measurement is taken.
Cone Beam CT
The use of the Cone Beam CT is giving dentists the ability to take a 3D image of a patients dental anatomy. When needing to place a dental implant, this is critical and speeds along the process. By having this image, the dentist and periodontist can have a precise overview that more than doubles the speed of having a dental implant completed.
Diagnodent
The Diagnodent scanning technology is used for the detection of cavities. They can be detected 50% faster than a dentists examination due to being able to see in areas even the most trained dentist would not be able to see.
Have more digital dentistry questions?
Digital dentistry is continuing to advance and there are many more devices that are being used. Contact our office today and we would be glad to answer any additional questions you may have. Patients and dentists agree that digital dentistry is the way of the future and for good reason! Contact us today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.drelloway.com or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at (530) 527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.
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Randal Elloway, DABOI, FAAID
Dr. Elloway has a Bachelor’s in Biology from La Sierra University and a DDS from Loma Linda University, and brings over 30 years of dental experience to his practice in Red Bluff. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Northern California Dental Society. Dr. Elloway is committed to continuous learning and compassionate care, and volunteers internationally to help needy patients.