Dental Technology - How Can It Make Your Visit More Pleasant
For many years dentists have relied on checking people’s teeth for tooth decay by using a pointed instrument to press onto the biting surface. This method of checking the biting surface can be very frustrating because when the pointed instrument “sticks”, that means that there is decay and that the decay has probably been on the tooth for a long time.
Decay that has been present on the tooth structure for a long time has likely increased in size and more of the tooth has to be removed to prevent more spread of the decay. The use of x-ray machines to find decay between the teeth is very helpful, but minimizing the growth of decay within the tooth structure is the goal of every dentist and patient.
Technological advances have created new tools that assist the dentist in diagnosing and stopping decay. One new such tool in the dentist’s arsenal is the Diagnodent.
The Diagnodent is a tool that detects decay much earlier than other methods. It is a laser that checks the density of the teeth below the grooves without having to use the “poke & stick” method. This allows dentists to place much smaller fillings in the tooth which leaves more of the natural tooth. Smaller fillings last longer than larger ones and having your more of your own tooth structure is far better than having a mouth full of fillings.
Another advance in dentistry is the “Biolase MD” Laser. This laser gives dentists a tool that they can use to create fillings without novocaine & drills. It also allows the removal of old leaky silver fillings without anesthetic and can help eliminate gum disease without surgery.
These are only two of the tools that modern technology has created that give dentists more ability to help promote and maintain the health of people’s smiles. Being able to correct tooth problems without pain makes the dentist’s job much easier and the patient’s experience more pleasant. Many dental patients avoid going to the dentist because of past unpleasant experiences. Technological advances help people visit their dentist more regularly because there is less fear and therefore help stop the spread of decay or prevent other dental complications.