New Technologies In Dentistry
1.Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is already being used as dentists employ software to help with clinical decision making. Through development and integrating A.I. algorithms, dentists will be able to find the best solutions for their patients.
Health data is on the rise, the A.I. associated with it is maturing and medicine is now much closer to digitization than ever before. Smart algorithms are being integrated within the healthcare system to analyze data, research findings to offer treatment options for each patient to improve the success rate of clinicians. A.I.-based algorithms can help dental professionals better detect dental decay and disease than radiographs. These approaches can all be standard practice in the coming years.
2.Smart toothbrush
Our homes are filled with connected, smart devices nowadays. From our TVs to our fridges, everything can be smart. The technology has even got into bathrooms as a toothbrush making oral hygiene a lot easier to maintain. The Kolibree smart electric toothbrush comes with an app to make sure brushing is done the right way and has games for kids so that they keep up the good habit of brushing. Philips’ Sonicare smart toothbrush is fully equipped with sensors to provide real-time feedback via its app. It’ll notify you when applying too much pressure, shows where you are brushing and will even coach the user to brush properly.
3.Augmented reality
Augmented reality (AR) is well known technology nowadays since Instagram and Snapchat use it to create filters that can be used when taking a picture. But AR has also found a way in dentistry for both clinical and educational purposes.
Image Navigation uses AR on a mannequin which then allows students to perform different procedures while receiving feedback as their movements are being tracked. The technology helps students to identify where they need to improve and develop their skills in the process. In dental practice, AR is being used in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures to help patients know what they’d look like afterwards. Using the technology, dentists can configure features of the patient’s teeth (height and spacing) to their liking before even starting the procedure.
4.Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) closes off the world around you with a headset and immerses you in a virtual one. Students and dental surgeons can be transported to their clinics from their homes, and patients can experience a calming landscape while in the dentist’s chair. Today, it is difficult for students to peek over the surgeon’s shoulder during a procedure and learn his/her tricks of the trade. But surgeons, with the help of a VR camera, can now stream their operations globally and allow students to see and learn while using their VR headsets. Dentistry has now the leading medical field in adopting this method. On the patient side, VR can help with anxiety as it can be used as a distraction tool by displaying calming natural scenes.
5.Computer-assisted design and 3D-printing
3D-printing is a known technology in medical industry as it has been used to print prosthetics for some time now. The technology is set to become an important part of healthcare, it is now being used in dental labs. Computer assisted design (CAD) and computer assister manufacture (CAM), and 3D-printing are already being used in this sector and are turning dental labs into low-cost, more effective digital labs. For example, With CAD/CAM technology, the process of making a crown is much faster, more precise, and the amount of labour needed is reduced.
6.Intra-oral camera
Sometimes, no matter how wide patients open their mouths, the dentist even while using their dental mirror, cannot see what they would like to see. These situations are uncomfortable for both the doctor and the patient and are also painful. However, intra-oral cameras have been designed to address this exact issue. MouthWatch, Durrdental and Carestream Dental are some of the companies that have intra-oral cameras on the market.