How 3D Imaging is Reshaping Dental Treatment

Dentist Blog

The development of new technologies such as laser scanning and 3D imaging have revolutionised many different industries, from manufacturing to service-related businesses. The dental industry has also benefited greatly from more advanced imaging techniques.

In particular, dental imaging has permeated many different treatment options for patients and has made them highly efficient. In the past, a dentist would have to use more invasive techniques (such as cutting away tissue) just to get a better view of dental issues and how to fix them. With 3D imaging, a complete treatment plan can be designed for a patient even before any work begins.

The following are some of the ways through which 3D imaging equipment has reshaped dental treatment.

Understanding 3D Imaging

You can't really relate to 3D imaging in dentistry without first understanding what it is. 3D imaging is basically an upgrade from the previous 2D x-rays. The technique uses powerful laser beams that can scan the entire area of the mouth and provide a highly accurate image of your tooth and mouth structure.

The 3D imaging basically tracks the exact positions of various components in the mouth and recreates these positions via a virtual image. In this way, dentists can get a full picture of your current tooth/mouth structure and the condition that you're facing. This is more efficient than before, where x-rays were used to only analyse one area of the mouth at a time.

Features of 3D Dentistry Machines

What makes these 3D imaging machines so effective? First off is the newer and more efficient imaging technology. These machines can scan specific areas of the mouth with limited exposure to radiation. This provides an image with higher resolution and lower risks to you as a patient.

Image scans can also be carried out faster and with more accuracy. Furthermore, detailed images provide information regarding the structure of the nerve endings, misaligned teeth, and any infections that are present.

3D imaging machines also come with software that allows dentists to carefully plan your treatment even before they make any incisions in your mouth. They can manipulate the 3D image in different ways to anticipate a particular outcome. It is only after they have found the perfect treatment plan for you that they will begin the actual procedure.

How the technology has improved dental procedures

Overall, 3D imaging has improved the accuracy and efficiency of dental procedures. When it comes to dentistry, accuracy is key. A small misalignment when placing a dental implant or correcting the position of a jaw can cause significant side effects such as pain, infection, and speech issues.

Therefore, imaging technology has allowed dentists and orthodontists to carry out complex procedures (such as jaw corrective surgeries, tooth extractions and root canals) with increased efficiency.

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24 May 2018

Dental Health: Not To Be Taken For Granted

As a retired dentist, I work with charities which visit developing countries and educate children about dental care. It gives me great satisfaction to revisit these communities and see how proud the children are of their efforts. I am acutely aware that good dental hygiene can help prevent a range of serious conditions when these children become older. I started this blog because it greatly distresses me that many people in Australia do not seem to care for their teeth as much as children in these poor communities. This is happening despite ready access to items like toothbrushes and toothpaste which are luxuries in the places I visit. It is my hope that this blog encourages you not to take dental health for granted. My greatest wish is that you can be as inspired as the children I see in my charity work. Please read on and enjoy.