International Digital Dentistry CongressDigital dentistry may be defined as any dental technology or device which incorporates digital or has computer-controlled components. This shift to digital era is an unstoppable trend which is an exciting time for dental profession as more technologies are being introduced that involves diagnosis, decision-making, treatment delivery and re-evaluation, and long-term patient oral health care. This digital revolution will immensely enhance our way of life, have a significant influence on the healthcare profession.
Digital dentistry involves the incorporation of dental technologies or devices with digital or computer-controlled components to deliver dental treatments. The goal of digital dentistry is to improve the efficiency and precision of dental procedures while also providing predictable outcomes. The advancements in imaging, manufacturing, and software integration help dentists in their attempts to give the finest possible treatment in the most pleasant environment by the following:-
New technologies are “disruptive” in nature like the introduction of full zirconia crowns and other monolithic crowns appears to be disruptive by its rapid adoption in the profession and can cause rapid change.
The area of digital dentistry must include three things:-
both cost and time improved efficiency and minimum discomfort to the patient. For example, a dental implant using traditional techniques usually takes about an hour whereas in comparison a digital dental implant can be done in just 20-25 minutes. This reduces the surgery time and the discomfort for the patient.
Improved accuracy in comparison to previous methods. Usage of technology enables taking into account all factors before starting treatment rather than mere relying on experience and in the moment decision-making. For example, accuracy of dental implant placement has improved by 20-30% and thus enables in giving better final results with long term success.
As everything is planned in advance, the treatment outcomes are known before hand and thus there are no surprises or major changes in the treatment.
Digital dentistry is more than just hype, because better care for your patient can be delivered only when in advance proper fully educated, decision are taken to deliver excellent service, and experience joy in practicing dentistry.
Dentists can examine teeth and gums with digital X-rays which produce images within seconds and helping in accurate diagnosis.
The 3D scanners provide a complete image of the patient’s tooth without having the patient bite into any molding plaster. Fear of dental pain is a leading cause of missed dental appointments, and digital dentistry offers the solution in the form of laser dentistry. The computer-guided dental laser can be used on soft or hard tissues with little pain and better outcome as the procedure is needle-free, anesthesia-free, noise-free, and blood-free, thus removing dental fear and anxiety among the patients.
Waiting days or weeks for the dental lab to complete restoration is no longer necessary. Thanks to digital technology, a veneer, dental crown, or dentures can be given in just a day or two, which reduces the number of appointments, a win-win situation for both the patient and the dentist. Fewer appointments mean lower transportation and service fees per visit.