The Impact of Digital Technology in Dentistry

Dentistry—one of the oldest medical professions in the world. Since as early as 5000 BC, humans have been finding ways to treat and care for their teeth. Naturally, humankind's earliest dental treatments were primitive and lacked the technology we have today. Over the centuries, advances in technology have improved upon the way we approach oral health and dentistry. This includes the way we take impressions of teeth for crowns, bridges, and dentures.

When it comes to taking impressions of teeth, the traditional analog process has been the standard for many years. This process involves using various materials such as silicone, plaster, or alginate to create physical impressions of a patient's teeth.

However, this process isn't without its flaws. It's destructive; the data from each stage of the fabrication process isn’t retained, which means dentists and labs need to do any revisions or reprinting of restorations from scratch. This can result in longer treatment times and added expenses for both the patient and their dentist.

The good news is that with the rise of digital technology, these traditional analog processes are becoming obsolete. Digital dentistry is revolutionizing the way we approach oral health and dental treatments. Digital dentistry builds on what we learn at each stage and from the patient’s mouth over time so that revisions, reprints, and subsequent restorations are more achievable. To understand the full impact of digital technology in dentistry, let's take a closer look at its many benefits.

1. Higher Precision and Accuracy

One benefit of digital technology in dentistry is the level of precision and accuracy it offers. With traditional methods, the margin of error can vary due to human error or material shrinkage. Digital impression systems use advanced imaging technology, such as intraoral scanners, to capture highly detailed and accurate images of the teeth and oral structures. These images are more precise than traditional physical impressions, which can be prone to distortion.

Accurate digital models and treatment plans lead to more predictable outcomes, reducing the likelihood of complications that might require additional time to address. For example, with digital impressions, the fit of dental restorations is much more precise. Patients can expect a more comfortable fit with less need for adjustments or remakes. The result is that patients can complete their treatments faster and with fewer frustrations, and dentists can reduce chair time and labor costs.

2. Shorter Treatment Durations

Dentists who are familiar with the traditional analog process know how time-consuming each step of the process can be. Between taking physical impressions and sending them off to a lab for fabrication, there are many opportunities for delays and errors. This can result in longer treatment times for patients, who may have to wait weeks or even months for their final restoration, all while dealing with temporary restorations or discomfort.

With digital technology, the entire process becomes much more streamlined and efficient. Digital scanning takes only minutes compared to the often lengthy process of traditional impressions. This allows for faster design, fabrication, and delivery of restorations to patients.

A faster turnaround time for restorations is beneficial to both dentists and their patients. Patients receive their treatments quicker, meaning they can make fewer visits to the dentist and spend less time in the dental chair. For dentists, this means they can see more patients in a day and increase their productivity. This, in turn, can lead to an increase in revenue.

3. Enhanced Patient Comfort

Dentists can attest patients don't particularly enjoy the traditional impression process. The traditional impression process involves filling a tray with viscous material that patients must bite down on for several minutes. This process can cause discomfort, gagging, and even fear for some patients.

Fortunately, digital technology eliminates the need for physical impressions entirely. Digital impressions use an intraoral scanner that gently passes over the teeth. Many patients find the scanning process more comfortable than traditional molds because it doesn’t involve the sensation of impression material setting in their mouth.

Prioritizing patient comfort is important because there are far too many people who don't seek dental treatment often enough, or at all, due to fear or anxiety. When dental treatments are more comfortable, patients are more likely to seek and continue treatment, leading to better oral health outcomes.

Caring about patient comfort can also improve the overall patient experience. This results in higher patient satisfaction and potentially more referrals for the dentist.

Dentists should also keep in mind that as digital methods for taking impressions become more widely available, we'll see a shift away from traditional analog methods. Dentists who continue to rely on traditional methods may find themselves at a disadvantage in terms of attracting patients and staying competitive in the industry. But those who embrace digital technology can expect to see improved efficiency, productivity, and patient satisfaction in their practice.

The impact of digital technology in dentistry can be seen in the way it enhances precision, reduces treatment durations, and improves patient comfort. In these ways and many more, digital technology is transforming traditional dentistry into a modern, efficient, and patient-friendly practice. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even greater innovations in digital dentistry that will further improve oral health outcomes for patients worldwide.

If you're a dentist intrigued by the benefits of digital dentistry for both yourself and your patients, you may interested in partnering with a digital dental lab for advanced restorative solutions. While there are many labs to choose from, if you want to reap the full benefits of digital dentistry, you should make sure the lab you partner with is using the latest and most advanced digital technology.

DDS Labs is one lab committed to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to digital dentistry. We have teams of experienced technicians using state-of-the-art digital technology to provide high-quality restorations with precise fits and short turnaround times.

With DDS Labs, you can take advantage of digital technology and provide your patients with exceptional dental care. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your practice stay on the cutting edge of digital dentistry.