Recent Advances In Dental Technology

Use of high-technology X-rays to improve on dental health.

Digital X-rays are replacing traditional radiographs in most dental offices. They have of late become very popular with dentists compared in the past decades. These x- rays are faster and more efficient than the ancient radiographs.

They have an electronic sensor that is used to capture image of the patient’s mouth. This digital image is then scanned and viewed by use of computer.

These images can be stored to act as future reference where comparison of these images helps determine your dental health.

There is reduction in radiation since the electronic sensor is more sensitive to the X-rays as compared to the film. Digital X-rays are used in the following:

  • Checking whether a canal has been thoroughly cleaned after a root canal procedure.
  • It is used by dentist during the process of inserting an implant.

Use of lasers to detect tooth cavity.

dental-officeAn instrument called explorer was used in the earlier times to locate tooth cavities. It was commonly used during checkup where the instrument was poked around the mouth several times.

In case the explorer stuck to a certain tooth, the Spring TX dentist would look closer to check if they are some decay. A diode laser that was recently invented is being adopted in various dental centers. It is a higher technology gadget used in detecting and removal of teeth cavities.

It is even used in determining whether there is any decay in the tooth. This enables the dentist to compare the levels of infection in the tooth and offer advice whether the tooth should be removed or filled.

Healthy teeth do not glow when exposed to the diode laser wavelength hence low reading on the digital display. However, decayed teeth fluoresce. This depends on the amount of decay that results to higher values on the digital display.

Diode lasers generally are used in detecting decay that may be present in grooves on the chewing surface.

Use of better filling and bonding materials.

There have been improvements to techniques involving bonding. The bonding material commonly used present is the resin. This substance is shinier and durable compared to those substances used in the past.

It is placed on the tooth in layers to bond and repair the teeth. Moreover, filling materials used in restoring the tooth have been improved. Porcelain fillings are more commonly used than the amalgams since they look more natural.

Improved dental implants.

Dental implants have become more common today than in recent years. This is because the dentists have been able to address the issues that had not been sorted out before such as complications resulting from the use of implants.

Implants are made from titanium and are used to replace lost teeth. They are durable and can last up to fifteen years hence they are a success.