6 Innovative Ways a Modern Dentist Uses Advanced Technology

Technology marches on at a rapid pace, and dentistry is no exception; in the past decade alone, there have been many advancements in the way a lot of routine treatments are handled. It’s important for a dentist to stay up-to-date with the latest instruments so that they can continue providing the best quality care possible. Here are 6 examples of technology that modern dental offices should have. 

1. Cone Beam Scanner

While normal X-rays can often be useful in dentistry, they’re sometimes limited by the fact that they only produce two-dimensional images of the three-dimensional space in your mouth. That’s why in some cases, a cone beam scanner can be used to create a detailed 3D model of your teeth and jaw, as well as the nerves in and around the mouth. This allows the dentist to create a precise treatment plan based on the patient’s anatomy – and for many procedures, such as dental implants, better precision can make all the difference.

2. Intraoral Cameras

Ever wish you could clearly see what your dentist sees? With an intraoral camera – a pen-sized wand with a camera at the end – you can get a good look at the inside of your mouth. This allows your dentist to point out specific problem areas and explain their recommendations.

3. CariVu Illuminator

With traditional examination methods that use metal tools, it can be easy to overlook extremely small cavities, which can worsen if not treated quickly. A Carivu illuminator uses infrared light to create a black and white image of the entire tooth; dark areas that absorb all light are a sign of decay.

4. Laser Cavity Detection

Another modern method for finding cavities early on is to use a non-invasive laser probe. This can be used to locate pockets of bacteria inside the tooth, signaling the need for treatment.

5. Soft Tissue Laser Treatment

Dental lasers can do more than just find cavities; they can also be used in many procedures such recontouring the gums or fighting infections. The laser is very precise and keeps bleeding to a minimum by assisting in the coagulation of exposed blood vessels. Because of this, less damage is done to the surrounding tissue and less healing time is required afterwards.

6. Digital Impressions

In order to design dental restorations such as crowns and veneers, dentists sometimes need to take impressions of the mouth. This process can be performed digitally with a device that can take thousands of close-up pictures of the teeth and gums before using a special software to create a highly-accurate model. Compared to traditional dental putty, this method is faster – and far less messy!

These are just some examples of how a modern dentist can take advantage of technology. During your next appointment, be sure to ask what other tools are being used to help ensure your oral health!

About the Practice

At Bethel Dental, dentists focus on providing personalized comprehensive care that helps patients feel more comfortable. Many state-of-the-art tools – including digital X-rays, cone beam scanners, soft tissue lasers and intraoral cameras – are employed in order to deliver fast, precise care. Contact the practice today to schedule an appointment.