Going to the dentist is not always the most enjoyable experience, but it is necessary as our oral health can influence our overall wellness. The good news is that as time goes on, new technologies like AI Health Assistant are popping up all the time that makes catching issues and curing patients easier while also improving the patient experience. Below are some of the technological innovations that will be shaping the future of dentistry in the upcoming years in the fields of teledentistry, 3D printing, robotics, and more.
Teledentistry
While the world of healthcare is always evolving, there are still many places in the country that are considered to be healthcare deserts, where care is not immediately available. This is an issue for dental care as well, and teledentistry and virtual visits will be key. Teledentistry is already being offered by a few companies around the globe.
Using the platform, a patient can capture images of their mouth using their smartphone or tablet so they can get the angle just right. Telehealth portals also allow patients to send in relevant information about their issues and medical history. Then, the dentist can complete a live consultation via the app. If the dentist feels that the patient should come into the office, then they can help them to make arrangements to do so.
AR/VR Tech
While some people used to think that virtual and augmented reality could not have any real applications, it is here today, and it is helping dentists and patients get the best care possible.
Recently, many dentists have begun to use VR to help put their patients at ease during tricky treatments. It can be awkward and sometimes painful to keep your mouth open and sensitive gums can cause major issues during the treatment. To quell this issue, dentists are providing patients with VR headsets. Inside, a program plays where they can hear peaceful music, and it presents peaceful scenery as if they are at a beach or a sunset. In addition, dentists can also use VR to create detailed demonstrations that explain to patients what they will be doing and how the treatment will help them heal from their current issues.
Augmented reality is a bit different, as it is the creation of an interactive experience where you can see 3D objects that you can interact with in order to get a specific solution. In the case of dentistry, AR can create realistic simulations of dental procedures. A dentist can use a computer model and trial and error to figure out the best way to solve a dental issue without touching an actual patient. When they get it just right, then they can do the real operation with little chance of error.
3D Printing
In the same way, the world of 3D printing is also making its way into dentistry. Currently, a doctor in New York is using this technology to scan and create crowns for emergency operations, and the program is showing great promise. The fact is that 3D printing technology has changed so much that there is an almost unlimited number of colours and shapes that can be produced, so a model can be created in less than 90 minutes that will be an almost exact match. You can do this same routine with caps, dentures, bridges, and more.
That is just the beginning of what 3D printing is doing in the world of dentistry. It can also be used to repair a damaged tooth by scanning the mouth with a digital wand. This method will tell the dentist exactly how the tooth is deteriorating and produce a part that will help them to fix it. The fact is that 3D printing can save a lot on dental laboratory costs, which could save the dentist and the patient a fortune.
Robotics
We all knew that robotics would someday be a major contributor to many industries, and dentistry is no different. Robotics is becoming a major force in healthcare as we are seeing many cases where robots are used to conduct surgery in remote places where doctors cannot go. Robots are also used to sanitize medical environments and tools to ensure that they are safe for use by doctors and patients.
Robots are also revolutionizing the dental industry. Recently, robotic surgical systems have been used to ensure the precision placement of dental implants. Dentists are also using micro-robots to help solve implant procedures where there is extreme bone loss. This is incredibly helpful because efficiency is necessary to ensure that the patient is properly treated and that the problem does not return, and sometimes, only a robot can get in where human hands cannot. Robots are also being used to create and arrange teeth for dentures, prepare teeth for crown and bridge work, and assist with orthodontic therapy.
Artificial Intelligence
As time goes on, artificial intelligence is also going to be a major component of many healthcare industries. Already used in drug development applications, innovation in AI tech is also helping in shaping the future of dentistry. For instance, dentists can currently use AI programs to research different treatment techniques that can help to provide the best solution for individual patients.
As recently as 2019, dentists have used AI and machine learning to analyze oral cancer cells to determine the chances of survival and help create solutions for the patient. Dentists have also begun to use AI to detect dental decay. Early detection is key to avoiding advanced damage, so this tech can be a major component of preventative care.
As you can see, technological innovations are shaping a bright future in the world of dentistry. If you own a dental practice, then it may be time to look into these exciting new technological innovations and bring your dentistry office to the next level of superior care.
