Technology Improves Dental Care

By Marilyn E. Coleman, DDS

Opitz Family Dental

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Technology Improves Dental Care

According to the American Dental Association, the earliest known reference to dentistry dates back to 2600 B.C. in Ancient Egypt. Of course, much has changed in the practice of dentistry since that time. And today's dental care providers have more tools and treatment options available to them than ever before.

Recent technological advancements have made dental care more comfortable, durable, efficient and safer for patients. In addition, procedures that formerly took multiple trips to a dental practice or required multiple dental care providers can often be performed in the comfort of one office by one qualified provider because of advanced technology.

Dental X-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. The introduction of digital radiography (i.e., digital X-ray) has been a highly welcomed technology.This technique uses electronic sensors (instead of X-ray film) to capture and store digital images on a computer.These images can be instantly viewed and enlarged to help your dental care provider detect problems easier.

Digital x-rays produce a significantly lower (80-90 percent) level of radiation compared to traditional dental X-rays.Not only are digital X-rays better for your health and safety, they are faster and more comfortable to take, which reduces your time in the dental office.

But, while digital X-rays provide valuable information, they can't show everything that is going on in your month. That is why the introduction of the intraoral camera has been so valuable. This advanced piece of diagnostic equipment is a tiny video camera that allows your dental care provider to more easily see inside your mouth and identify potential problem areas.

In addition, the images captured are instantly visible to you and can be helpful in helping you have a clear understanding of the health of your teeth and gums.

The FDA-approved VELscope is an important new tool that helps dental care providers detect oral cancer in its earliest stages. Bright blue light is shone into your mouth to expose changes and lesions that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. Healthy areas beneath the surface of the soft tissue show up green, and the problem areas become much darker.

Dental lasers have also allowed for big steps forward in dental care. In recent years, laser dentistry has superseded many traditional dentistry practices, making treatments more precise and less painful. This newer style of dentistry uses intense beams of light projected by a dental laser. Dental lasers can be used to perform a wide variety of treatments, including soft tissue shaping and removal.

The availability of new dental technology is a continual trend that is extremely valuable for your oral health. That's why, when selecting your dental care provider, it's important to find one who embraces and invests in new technology.