More efficient and more comfortable dental care has always been a goal of the dental community. If you haven’t been to a dentist in a few years you may be amazed to find that your dental practice is using some of the latest, greatest dental technology. There are also many innovations on the horizon which promise to revolutionize dental care.
Digital Dental X-rays
In the past, dentists took dental x-rays using radiographs in order to capture interior images of your teeth and gums. Radiograph images are processed like conventional film and the process takes a bit of time. Digital x-rays are taking the place of radiograph x-rays. Digital x-ray images are sent directly to a computer, making them immediately available for viewing by dental professionals.
The images are stored and can be used for comparison with future digital x-rays. While conventional radiograph images expose patients to a minimal amount of radiation, digital x-rays expose a patient to even less radiation.1
Regenerative Dentistry
When a tooth is lost, there is currently no way to re-grow that tooth. Advances are being made in regenerative dentistry, which uses biological therapy for damaged teeth. It has been reported that this July, clinical trials will begin at Kitano Hospital in Japan on a potential tooth regrowth treatment, with therapeutic drugs to regrow teeth potentially available by 2030.2
Researchers believe it may be possible someday to use the new drug to spur the growth of a third set of teeth after baby teeth and adult teeth. The process through which the teeth regrow, known as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, uses the body to naturally regrow the teeth.
Another area where regenerative dentistry is making strides is in endodontic diseases, as testing is now being done on using tissue regeneration in place of root canal therapy.3 This same technology may one day be used to grow other bones throughout the body.
Stem cell therapy researcher are working on drugs that “can coax stem cells within the dental pulp — the soft material deep within teeth that’s filled with nerves and blood vessels — into regrowing enough bony tissue (dentin) to fill a cavity.”4
CAD/CAM Technology for Digital Dentures, Crowns and Bridges
The traditional way of fitting dentures traditionally took multiple visits to a dentist and weeks to manufacture and modify the dentures to fit. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) have been used in industrial applications for years. Today CAD/CAM is being used to create “precision-fitted dentures in a fraction of the time.”5
Another dental area where CAD/CAM technology is making inroads is in the creation of dental crowns and bridges. CAD/CAM eliminates the need for molds of teeth and temporary crowns while the dental lab makes the final crown. With CAD/CAM technology the tooth is prepared for the crown and then a digital picture is taken and the computer technology produces the new crown right there in the office.6
Diode Lasers to Detect Tooth Decay
You may have wondered why your dentist uses a metal instrument (called an explorer) to poke around in your mouth when you go for your dental check-up. That’s because when the explorer sticks in a tooth it is the dentist’s alert to explore further to determine if a cavity is present.
The diode laser can only detect cavities in teeth without fillings and it doesn’t detect decay between and inside teeth.7 It only detects decay on the chewing surface of the teeth, so it doesn’t completely replace the explorer tool or X-rays.
These are just a few of the many advances in dentistry that are either being used today or show great promise for the future of dental care. Scientists and researchers continue to make progress each day to help dental patients enjoy a more comfortable and efficient dental experience.
Dental Care Redefined in Commerce Twp
For the latest treatments and techniques in dental care, Sedki Dentistry is an ideal choice. Our Commerce Twp dental clinic is conveniently located and provides the best dental care throughout the area. With an experienced and friendly staff that is focused on providing personalized care to each patient, you will have a healthy mouth and bright smile in no time.
Our dental services include general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, children’s dentistry, a wide range of dental treatments, gum rejuvenation and more. Contact us today to schedule a Free Dental Consultation!
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1, 6, 7 Advances in Dental Care: What’s New at the Dentist by Kathleen Doheny, 10/31/2021
Link: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/advances-in-dental-care-whats-new-at-the-dentist
2 A Drug for Regrowing Teeth Could Be Available Within the Next Decade by David Nield, 8/10/2023
Link: https://www.sciencealert.com/a-drug-for-regrowing-teeth-could-be-available-within-the-next-decade
3 Breakthrough for Tomorrow’s Dentistry, 9/23/2020
Link: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200923090414.htm
4 The Next Revolution in Dental Care is About to Begin, by David Cox, 1/15/2018
Link: https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/next-revolution-dental-care-about-begin-ncna837706
5 The Future of Dental Technology and Innovation by Brittany Waddell, 1/15/2019 https://www.adea.org/GoDental/Dental_Blogs/Words_From_Your_Peers/The_Future_of_Dental_Technology_and_Innovation.aspx