Dental Science Developments in 2019
It’s hard to believe that we’re over halfway through 2019. Before we know it, Thanksgiving and the holiday season will be upon us.
So, since we are at this point in the year, now would be the perfect time to look at some of the dental trends of 2019.
You might have noticed some of these changes last time you stepped into our office. Dentistry has come such a long way in the past ten years that it’s hard to imagine where we’ll be in 2029.
Keep reading to learn about all the new advancements and trends in dentistry so far in 2019!
3D printing
3D printing has taken the world (including the dentistry world) by storm. Some dental machines today already boast printing speeds over 100 times faster than your traditional 3D printer.
The reason why this is revolutionizing dental sciences is because this technology allows dentists to create patient-specific implants, crowns, dentures and other dental pieces more accurately, faster and cheaper than traditional methods. Today, many dentists are relying on 3D printers instead of plaster molds since studies have found that the quality of the 3D printer is as good, if not better, than molds technology.
And while this isn’t a new invention for 2019, 3D printers have become more accessible due to higher-output and lower–cost machines. Patients reap the benefits of these tech advancements by expressing an increase in comfort and less time spent in the chair when receiving products made by 3D printers.
Lasers
Similar to 3D printing, lasers in dentistry are saturating the market more than ever. Lasers can be used to mitigate a number of dental issues requiring the removal of excess tissue, plus reshape the gums and whiten teeth.
The majority of laser usage in dentistry is related to procedures involving the gums. One of the benefits of laser density is the decreased pain experienced by a patient compared to traditional treatments. This means there’s a lower likelihood of having to use anesthesia, and patients are less likely to need sutures after a procedure. And as though that weren’t enough, there’s also less damage to the gums, which means less bleeding and a lower risk of infection.
All these boons make for an easier and quicker recovery for patients whose dentists use laser technology. If you are interested in a less painful option when it comes to dental work, give us a call today to discuss your laser treatment options.
Cloud-based software
We’re all familiar with the ubiquitous cloud. Whether you store your photos or documents on it, use software based out of it or generally live your digital life in it, today we all interface with the cloud in some way or another.
The healthcare field has already been transformed by the arrival of integrated systems (whose data is stored on the cloud) because they allow clinicians and patients to access information from any location in real time. This development, coupled with the use of analytics and business intelligence in dentistry, has exponentially enhanced computing capabilities in the field.
The cloud also makes it possible to access data on a more significant number and variety of devices. What was once only available on a desktop computer in your dentist’s office can now be retrieved via any laptop, smartphone or tablet (while still protected by encryption and user credentials).
At Dr. Ku’s office, we strive to stay on the cutting edge of these and MANY other changes in dentistry. Look out for even more changes to our office next year!
