The latest technologies applied to dentistry

Technology has improved our lives in terms of communication and access to information, but it has also brought improvements to other disciplines, such as dentistry, that are perhaps not as well known. New techniques make it possible to diagnose and perform with a precision, comfort and speed that would have been difficult to imagine years ago. Pain and the inconvenience of long and complex procedures are a thing of the past.

What technological advances have enabled us to achieve this?

3D software applied to surgical procedures

The computerization of systems has been the most decisive element in improving processes. In particular, the advent of 3D software has optimized three fundamental steps:

• Diagnosis: the scanner generates three-dimensional images of the patient’s mouth. It provides personalized information of its structure and specific details of each case. Thus, the diagnosis is much more accurate.
• Planning: 3D reconstruction determines which prostheses will be used and how exactly they will be positioned. The degree of inclination, the distance to the bone or the ideal position are established in a virtual recreation. It also indicates the specific dimension, type and size of the surgical splint to be placed.
• Surgery: given the precision of the information generated, the intervention is much safer and effective, minimizing or even avoiding incisions in the gum. Thus, the intervention time is shortened and recovery is speeded up.

In short, 3D software has brought more safety, efficiency and speed to implantology procedures.

Digital Panoramic Radiography

Technological advances have also given way to the regular use of X-rays in dentistry for examination. Today, there is a noticeable decrease in irradiation and a significant improvement in image quality. In this way the specialist can analyze teeth, jaws and surrounding structures and tissues after a single shot.

Digitization not only saves the need to print a copy, but also makes it possible to store them electronically, adjust the light or brightness and compare them if necessary.

Cysts, tumors, impacted teeth or periodontal disease can be studied using this technology.

The future: Nano-dentistry

If everything has already changed at great speed, the pace of technological development makes it possible to envisage new scenarios in a relatively short time. It no longer seems so far-fetched to think of 3D printers and milling machines in the clinics themselves. But there is more to come.

The great revolution may come from nanotechnology, and more specifically from nano-dentistry. Scientific advances related to the study of microorganisms and nanostructures applied to the dental system open up a new panorama in terms of instruments and techniques to further improve our oral health. Time to time.