It’s difficult to imagine that not so long ago, dentists used rubbery goop material to capture the shape of a patient’s teeth. The margin for error was quite significant, and the material was very uncomfortable for the patients.
Modern technology has completely changed that. Intraoral 3D scanners can now analyse and capture the shape and alignment of teeth with extreme precision. And as technology continues to advance, so has dentistry.
Below, we’ll cover six exciting trends that are shaping the future of conscious dental care.
1. Growing Popularity in Minimally Invasive Treatments
Modern technology has been instrumental in powering minimally invasive dentistry. Techniques such as laser dentistry and air abrasion help with preserving tooth structure while keeping patients comfortable and supporting faster recovery.
Laser dentistry and air abrasions are particularly crucial in preserving healthy tooth structure. Traditional drilling techniques were not very precise. These drills would remove plenty of healthy tooth structure along with the decayed tissue. Laser dentistry and air abrasion target the decayed tissue with extreme precision to avoid damaging the healthy enamel.
Besides supporting general dentistry procedures, laser technology has also been instrumental in cosmetic dentistry. Clinics such as Bespoke Smile use laser dentistry for cosmetic dental procedures, like gum lifts. The technology makes dental procedures less invasive and speeds up recovery. It’s a massive leap forward from traditional practices where scalpels, stitches, and long recovery timelines were the norm.
2. More Bio-Compatible Materials
Today’s dentists have access to incredible biocompatible materials. This is proving to be very useful for patient recovery. Restorations such as veneers, implants, and crowns are now made from biocompatible materials like Zirconia. This material is compatible with more patients, which means fewer incidents of irritation.
The best part is that a material like Zirconia also has a tooth-like appearance. So, not only does it reduce the risk of allergic reactions, but it also looks great aesthetically. That’s why it’s a great choice for restorations involving visible teeth.
3. Focus on Calmer and Anxiety-Aware Patient Experiences
Needles, loud drilling, and pain made several generations dread a trip to the dentist.
Modern dentistry has levelled up the patient experience with topical numbing agents, noise-cancelling headphones, and even VR headsets.
Topical numbing agents make anaesthesia injections feel less painful, for example. Meanwhile, VR headsets and headphones equipped with active noise-cancelling technology are powerful sensory reduction tools that have made the patient experience much more pleasant.
But sometimes patient anxiety doesn’t come from all the drilling noise or the pricking needles. In some cases, patients become anxious simply because they’re not sure about the outcome of a procedure. This is especially the case in cosmetic dentistry.
Luckily, modern technology has an answer for that as well. 3D scans and simulations allow dentists to provide their patients with a preview of the transformation they can expect from a treatment before it begins. That goes a long way towards alleviating anxiety.
4. Increasing Usage of Digital and AI Tools To Personalise Care
Technologies such as AI, 3D printing, and CBCT scans facilitate personalised patient care. They have also helped with reducing human error and speeding up treatments.
AI, for example, is being used to analyse dental X-rays, where it can pick up issues, like bone loss, that are easy for the human eye to miss.
Artificial intelligence can also be used alongside 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to analyse and suggest the best orthodontic treatment. Not only that, but these technologies can simulate tooth movement and the outcome of a treatment.
3D printing, on the other hand, is helping dentists create custom bridges, dentures, and crowns based on the unique needs of each patient.
On top of delivering tailored care, 3D printing has introduced efficiency. Dentists can now fabricate and create the restorations they need much faster.
5. Closer Links Between Oral and Overall Health
Poor oral health has been linked to several chronic conditions. For example, this report from the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois, Chicago, discusses links between periodontal disease and pre-diabetes.
Periodontitis has also been linked to heart disease, blood vessel conditions, and Alzheimer’s.
These links point to the growing need to educate the public about the importance of oral health and why it’s critical for overall well-being.
6. Growing Shift Towards Prevention-First Approach
Technologies such as resin-infiltration and air abrasion for micro-dentistry are helping make dentistry more proactive. Resin-infiltration is a non-invasive technique that treats early-stage cavities. It stops the decay without removing any tooth structure.
Similarly, air-abrasions help dentists target tiny spots of tooth decay before they grow into bigger, more problematic cavities.
These technologies, alongside the growing focus on regular cleaning and screening, are helping the public regain control over their oral health.
