9 Technologies That Are Defining the Future of Dentistry

Updated on November 1, 2022
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URL: https://pixabay.com/photos/orthodontics-dentist-dentistry-6536026/ 

With recent technological advancements, dentistry is constantly changing and evolving. New technologies and treatments have been developed, improving how patients care for their teeth and how dentistry is practiced. Dental trips are no longer an uncomfortable experience because new advancements are making dental visits more reliable, easier, quicker, and less painful. Read on for nine technologies that are defining the future of dentistry.

Virtual reality

Virtual reality shuts off the outside world with specialized headsets and takes the users into a virtual environment. This is especially beneficial for aspiring surgeons and patients.

A surgeon can only tag a few dentistry students into the operating room. This makes it difficult for other students to observe and learn essential dentistry tricks. However, with a virtual reality camera, the surgeon can stream a dental operation, allowing aspiring dental surgeons to watch the proceedings from any country or city.

Virtual reality also eliminates the patient’s discomfort of lying in a dentist’s chair with their mouths open as the dentist stares into their mouths. Patients can visualize a calming environment while lying in the dentist’s chair, improving their experience. 

3D printing

3D printing solution for orthodontics is one of the most exciting and innovative advancements in dentistry. This technology can create high-quality orthodontic models, dental implants, retainers, aligners, bridges, crowns, and surgical guides, among other dental equipment. 3D printers reduce the overall cost and improve efficiency. Patients do not have to wait an extended period for implants to be prepared.

Augmented reality

Augmented reality (AR) technology has increased its popularity in dentistry for therapeutic and educational purposes. Cosmetic dentists use this technology to show patients the anticipated post-procedural results before operating. When patients have a clear picture of how they will look after the procedure, they can make a more informed decision. The patient could request adjustments or reconsider their decision.

AR can also be paired with a dummy on which aspiring dental surgeons can perform procedures and get immediate feedback. This enables them to identify areas they could improve while developing critical skills.

Artificial intelligence

Dentists rely on software to gain insights into their client’s tooth conditions to help them make informed and accurate decisions. Over time, the reliance on software will likely increase, and dentists will integrate the software with AI-based algorithms to provide high-quality services. There will probably be higher digitalization in dental medicine thanks to the evolving healthcare AI and enormous data generation. 

Intelligent algorithms with artificial intelligence are expected to be a massive part of the healthcare industry and will be used to research treatment techniques and analyze data. Based on the data analysis, AI can provide personalized diagnoses and suggest treatment options. It can also predict oral health problems and determine instances where planned procedures, medications, and pre-existing conditions could clash.

Intra-oral camera

One of dental care professionals’ most significant challenges is viewing the patient’s teeth condition. Whether the dentist uses mirrors or the patient opens the mouth wide, it can be challenging to determine the teeth’s condition, especially the rear molar. 

Not only does struggling to see the teeth create an uncomfortable patient experience. It also inhibits the dentist’s ability to make informed and accurate diagnoses, so dentists should consider investing in intraoral cameras.

An intra-oral camera provides a liquid lens technology that functions the same as the human eye. The cameras offer well-defined and precise images of the hard-to-see areas within the patient’s mouth. This enables the dental care professional to make an informed decision regarding appropriate treatment. Dentists can even use these images to assess and educate clients’ needs.

Teledentistry

Most people, including children, the elderly, persons with special needs, and those in remote areas, may have difficulties visiting dentists. This is where teledentistry technology comes in. 

Teledentistry allows access to dental and oral care via the internet. Through teledentistry, dental care professionals can capture pictures of clients’ teeth, take notes, and share the information with other dentists. Oral or dental care professionals can even start a video chat with clients and respond to their queries. If the dentist identifies an issue, they could bring the patient into the office or suggest a one-on-one visit with a local dental care professional.

Smart toothbrush

Toothbrushes are continually evolving. You may have witnessed the transition from manual to electric toothbrushes. Over the next decade, we will likely transition to intelligent toothbrushes.

Smart electric toothbrushes are fitted with sensors that monitor your brushing habits and provide feedback through mobile phone applications. They can also coach patients on how to brush correctly, how long one should brush, and determine whether you are applying excessive pressure. Smart toothbrushes also can gamify, which encourages children to brush regularly.

Regenerative dentistry

You start losing your teeth as you age, and dental care professionals replace falling teeth with dentures or implants. However, regenerative dentistry is seeking to change this. Regenerative dentistry with biological therapy and self-healing teeth ensures damaged teeth can heal themselves. It involves using a special dental filling type to stimulate the stem cells to promote the growth of dentin (the teeth’s main component), enabling your teeth to heal themselves. In other words, stem cells help clients regrow teeth damaged by dental illnesses. Regenerative dentistry can even eliminate the need for a root canal!

CRISPR

CRISPR is popular in cancer treatment and gene editing. Ongoing research seeks to establish this technology’s potential to “turn off” or do away with genes associated with oral cancer. Another study aims to explore CRISPR’s ability to alter the bacteria that result in plaque formation. Although these studies are in the infant stages, dental care professionals and researchers are optimistic about CRISPR technology’s ability in dentistry.

Endnote

The technological advancements in dentistry aim at ensuring painless and faster dental treatment, which is critical in eliminating patients’ fear of making a trip to the dentist. The new technology also increases the chances of successful complicated surgeries. It also enables dentists to suggest appropriate care and treatment procedures. Familiarize yourself with the above technologies and incorporate them into your dental clinic to improve the patient experience.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.