Top Advances in Dental Technology
The field of dentistry has advanced by leaps and bounds since its humble beginnings centuries ago. During the Middle Ages, for example, the treatments and tools used by “dentists” subjected patients to procedures that were not much different than the torture practices of the times. Today, there is a large variety of techniques and tools that make going to the dentist easier, less painful and quicker. Here is a list of some of the most encouraging advances in dentistry. These advances should make people less afraid of visiting their local dental health provider.
- Digital X-rays: These are not the kinds of traditional x-rays used to examine your parents’ teeth. Digital x-rays are faster and contain less radiation that traditional x-rays. They can generate an exact image of your teeth in seconds. Moreover, these images can then give dentists a better picture of your complete oral health.
- Laser Dentistry: Laser technology has been a boon for all kinds of medical fields and dentistry is no exception. Lasers can be used to improve the efficiency of a number of dental procedures from filing cavities to teeth whitening, etc. Additionally, laser dentistry can make these and other dental procedures less painful.
- Sedation dentistry: Speaking of making dental procedures less painful, sedation dentistry is now common in many dental practices. These procedures provide an anxiety free environment for patients as they are being treated. Sedation dentistry includes the use of a variety of medications that are safe and effective at reducing or eliminating pain.
- Intraoral Cameras: As the name implies, these are cameras that allow doctors to get a more precise picture of what is happening in a patient’s mouth. Moreover, dentists are even able to show the patient a picture of his/her teeth.
- (Intravenous) IV Sedation: Back during the days of the Old West, the only sedation patients received was a shot of whiskey prior to an extraction. Today, dentists can render patients completely unconscious prior to performing certain dental procedures.
- Invisalign: These are clear, nearly invisible braces dentists can pr
ovide to patients who need to have their teeth straightened. These kinds of braces are for those who are wary of how inconvenient traditional metal braces can be.
Yes, today we are very fortunate to have these kinds of dental technologies at our disposal. They make things easier for patients and dentists alike. You can make things easier for yourself by joining one of our discount dental plans. Our affordable dental plans can put you in contact with dental professionals who use some or all of the above technologies. Now, there is no longer an excuse to avoid seeing your dentist.
