Tooth Tips for Later Life

How In-House Dental Technology has Revolutionised Procedures

Have you ever looked at all those pieces of equipment in your dentist's surgery and wondered what each one can do? Consider yourself to be quite fortunate to live in an era where technology has made the dentist's job a lot easier and your visit a lot more pleasant: all of these different machines contribute to this. In years gone by, it would likely take a lot longer to provide you with a replacement dental implant than it does now, but what item of technology in particular really helps with this?

Advance Planning

While the technology involved in placing a new implant is very advanced today, much of the work involved here is in the diagnosis. Special imaging devices are retained by dentists, to help them figure out exactly what to do and plan a strategy.

3-D Imaging

Computerised technology can be used in-house by the dentist to visualise exactly how a new replacement tooth will look in three dimensions. They will then use their experience and knowledge in order to work out how to proceed. No longer is it necessary for the dentist to assume just how strong the individual bone is at the operation site.

In previous years, the dentist would simply look at the shape and condition of the bone structure and assess whether or not it was dense enough to support an implant. However, there is no need for this guesswork anymore.

Less Time, Less Money

The dentist is able to take such a close look at the jaw of the patient by using what is known as a "cone beam" CT scanning machine. It's very efficient and not obtrusive at all. Not only does it cut down the time spent in planning, but it should alleviate the amount of time you need to spend in the office as well. This can result in money saved.

All In-House

Not that far in the past, a patient would have to attend a local hospital to find the type of technology represented by a cone beam scanner. This wasn't always practical and it now means that the dentist does not have to recommend an outsourced procedure.

Looking at Your Options

If you have to have a tooth taken out and then replaced by an implant, the dentist will now be able to discuss all your options very clearly before proceeding. Remember, it's important to get an implant in place of any missing tooth, so that you can get full functionality.


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