As technology makes inroads into various sectors and turns the lives of the stakeholders easier, the world of dentistry has not remained untouched either. In fact, the world of digital dentistry is slated to experience stellar growth over the coming years. However, dentistry is not new to the influence of technology as tomography was developed in the sixties. Thereafter, a lot of research had gone into developing a digital impression system with the first digital restoration system making its debut in the eighties. The nineties saw the development of interactive software thereby making the workplace more digitized. Today, dentists are increasingly looking at embracing digitization to deliver a better patient experience, achieve greater footfalls, and stay competitive. So, be it diagnosing any dental issue or designing implants or aligners, the world of digital dentistry comprising a 3D dental scanner and other devices has become a reality.
What is digital dentistry?
It is a diagnosis and treatment procedure where digital technology (computer-controlled) is used. It leverages numerous tools as mentioned below:
- Digital impression system
- Digital photography
- Digital X-ray
- Digital smile design software
- 3D cone beam scanners
- Computer-guided surgical procedures such as guided placement of digital implants
- Patients’ record storage and scheduling
- TMJ dysfunction tools for diagnosis
The growth of digitization in dentistry
In the traditional approach to dentistry, there can be issues with accuracy, speed, productivity, and efficiency. However, with digital dentistry where the use of devices like an intraoral scanner is common, dentists can derive several benefits:
- Eliminating rework
- Improving accuracy in diagnosis
- Reducing cost
- Speeding up the treatment process
- Enhancing patient experience
Besides, dentists can create digital molds of the implants without obtaining impressions the traditional way where patients have to hold gooey materials in their mouths. This allows patients to see the line of treatment in real-time thereby enhancing trust. And with the introduction of 3D printing, the world of digital dentistry has taken a leap into the future.
How does an intraoral scanner help?
A 3D intraoral scanner can help patients and dentists in many ways as mentioned below:
Treatment planning: The scans let patients understand the condition of their buccal cavity and how the restorative service can help. Scanning helps the dentist to plan the line of treatment and reduces any chances of errors, especially when communicating with the laboratory to craft restorative devices such as crowns, aligners, or implants.
Saves time: The scanned images obtained from a digital impression system are stored in digital files. These files can be made available to specialists, dental laboratories, and insurance providers instantly. Importantly, the need to deliver physical images, bite impressions, or X-rays a la the traditional approach is done away with. The treatment becomes shorter and the patient can instantly look at the images on the chairside monitor instead of waiting for them to be developed. Besides, patients need not hold unpleasant gooey molds in their teeth any longer.
Early intervention: The use of a 3D dental scanner during a routine dental examination can let a dentist look for any early signs of dental issues and pre-empt future damage.
Conclusion
The evolution in digital technology has enabled the world of digital dentistry to become better in terms of quality of diagnosis and treatment, speed, and patient experience. The use of a digital impression system in the form of a 3D dental scanner can transform the work pattern of any dental clinic for the better.
