The Scientific American reports technology has always played a role in dentistry. From the early days of the manually-operated drill to the latest research into materials promoting self-healing for cavities, dentistry is at the heart of new technologies. Smile Design Tampa uses several technologies to improve the patient experience at their offices. 1. Digital Medical Records The arrival of the internet changed life in several ways, including access to medical records. Your dentist can pull up your health history with a few clicks of the mouse to allow them to learn about your past. Patients often think the main benefit is for your dentist at Smile Design Tampa, but patients see the benefits too. The ability to instantly access digital health records means your insurance information is available, with billing and claims easier to make and understand. 2. LED Headlamps Technology does not need to be linked to a computer or the internet to be effective. An excellent example of the use of technology is the use of LED headlamps by dentists. A large light above the head of the patient is constantly adjusted to get the correct view. LED headlamps have evolved in the last decade to include smaller batteries that need recharging once per day. Dentists who have made the switch to LED headlamps for a better view often comment on what was not visible in the past. 3. Intraoral Cameras A dental exam used to include moving your jaw and having your cheeks pulled to allow a good view of your mouth. Dentists have switched to small intraoral cameras to view unseen areas of your teeth and gums. The best intraoral cameras offer a digital image in real-time that your dentist can use to identify cavities and problems they would have been unable to see in the past. 4. Digital Radiography In the past, a dentist who wanted an x-ray of the mouth of their patient would struggle to see the image within a few hours. Patients were left wondering what could be the problem before returning for their next appointment. Digital radiography has changed the dental office forever because it provides instant results. Digital images are available immediately and can be viewed in high resolution for greater accuracy. Dental health Products reports the use of digital radiography allows a dental professional to zoom in on an area of concern to identify all oral health issues. 5. Composite Fillings The materials available to dental professionals have been changing over the last couple of decades. Dentists began to use different materials to provide fillings for patients as they have become available. Technology has allowed an upgrade of the traditional silver-mercury amalgam fillings to be introduced. Silver fillings were easily spotted when an individual spoke or laughed, leading to a loss of self-confidence. Composite materials are colored to match the natural coloring of the teeth of a patient. Not only are composite materials easily blended into a smile, but they are also free from the dangers of mercury. Technology has always been important in dentistry, with breakthroughs made every year. A research project at Harvard and Stanford recently created a material capable of prompting self-repair of cavities. Technology can affect every aspect of your visit to the dentist, including comfier chairs and less intrusive procedures.

5 Ways The Dental Industry Has Changed Thanks To Technology

Posted on by markpolelle in Technology

The Scientific American reports technology has always played a role in dentistry. From the early days of the manually-operated drill to the latest research into materials promoting self-healing for cavities, dentistry is at the heart of new technologies. Smile Design Tampa uses several technologies to improve the patient experience at their offices. 

1. Digital Medical Records

The arrival of the internet changed life in several ways, including access to medical records. Your dentist can pull up your health history with a few clicks of the mouse to allow them to learn about your past. Patients often think the main benefit is for your dentist at Smile Design Tampa, but patients see the benefits too. The ability to instantly access digital health records means your insurance information is available, with billing and claims easier to make and understand. 

2. LED Headlamps

Technology does not need to be linked to a computer or the internet to be effective. An excellent example of the use of technology is the use of LED headlamps by dentists. A large light above the head of the patient is constantly adjusted to get the correct view. LED headlamps have evolved in the last decade to include smaller batteries that need recharging once per day. Dentists who have made the switch to LED headlamps for a better view often comment on what was not visible in the past. 

3. Intraoral Cameras

A dental exam used to include moving your jaw and having your cheeks pulled to allow a good view of your mouth. Dentists have switched to small intraoral cameras to view unseen areas of your teeth and gums. The best intraoral cameras offer a digital image in real-time that your dentist can use to identify cavities and problems they would have been unable to see in the past. 

4. Digital Radiography

In the past, a dentist who wanted an x-ray of the mouth of their patient would struggle to see the image within a few hours. Patients were left wondering what could be the problem before returning for their next appointment. Digital radiography has changed the dental office forever because it provides instant results. Digital images are available immediately and can be viewed in high resolution for greater accuracy. Dental health Products reports the use of digital radiography allows a dental professional to zoom in on an area of concern to identify all oral health issues. 

5. Composite Fillings

The materials available to dental professionals have been changing over the last couple of decades. Dentists began to use different materials to provide fillings for patients as they have become available. Technology has allowed an upgrade of the traditional silver-mercury amalgam fillings to be introduced. Silver fillings were easily spotted when an individual spoke or laughed, leading to a loss of self-confidence. Composite materials are colored to match the natural coloring of the teeth of a patient. Not only are composite materials easily blended into a smile, but they are also free from the dangers of mercury. Technology has always been important in dentistry, with breakthroughs made every year. A research project at Harvard and Stanford recently created a material capable of prompting self-repair of cavities. Technology can affect every aspect of your visit to the dentist, including comfier chairs and less intrusive procedures.