When is the last time you visited the dentist for a regular checkup or dental procedure? Many people have conditioned themselves to stay away from the dentist out of an irrational fear that they acquired during childhood, or because they do not see the value in paying for dental procedures. However, many people do know that if they want to have a healthy and successful life, they are going to need a healthy, beautiful, and confident smile to help get them there. In addition, dental health is not just based on outward appearance, because maintaining good oral health has an impact on a person’s overall physical health as well.
There have been a plethora of recent dental industry developments that make it much easier for patients to receive the dental treatment they are looking for in order to improve the state of their teeth, reduce pain, and elevate their confidence level. Often with a lot less pain involved than feared. Especially, with the growth of topical anesthetics and advances in the way dental procedures are performed.
Below are some of the most popular dental procedures and services that have undergone improvements in recent years.
Teeth Whitening Has Come A Long Way
Overall, professional teeth whitening practices have greatly improved. The greatest improvements in teeth whitening have come in its availability and ease of use. Now, more than ever, you can walk down to your local store and pick up a teeth whitening kit that will improve the overall appearance of your smile for a quick fix.
Beyond the do-it-yourself kits, of course, there are a wide range of professional teeth whitening procedures your dentist can employ to improve the color of your smile. If you are looking for a lasting whitening solution, the professional dental procedure is the route to take.
Over The Counter Oral Health Care Product Availability Has Increased
The ability to take care of your own smile through over-the-counter remedies has grown greatly. In fact, it has never been easier and more cost effective to maintain good oral health between regular dental checkups with your dentist.
With a wide variety of quality toothpastes, mouthwashes, dental floss and strips, that can greatly improve the health of your mouth and the appearance of your smile, available in supermarkets and the corner pharmacy, there is no reason to not adhere to a beneficial daily dental health routine.
Dental Restoration Procedures Have Improved
The quality, appearance, and performance of dental restorations have greatly improved. Most dental restoration procedures performed today mimic the quality and appearance of natural teeth. This style of dental procedure is used in a variety of cases, such as dental bridges, inlays and onlays, CEREC crowns, and porcelain veneers.
Composite resins are also often used in restoration procedures, such as veneers and dental bonding. These type of resins are better able to replicate the function and match the natural color of the remaining teeth. As an added benefit, composite resins are also easier to apply and very durable. If you have been waiting to correct your teeth and fix your smile, there isn’t a better time than now. The cosmetic dental procedures available today have improved, in order to be completed quicker and be more affordable than ever.
Laser Dentistry Is Growing In Popularity
Laser dentistry is a fast growing dental field, and is less invasive than most other dental procedures. The use of the dental laser is a common option for the treatment of benign tumors, cold sores, crown lengthening, decay removal, gum maintenance, dental fillings, tongue tie and speech impediment improvements, nerve regeneration for damaged nerves and blood vessels and scars, certain conditions related to sleep apnea, TMJ, and tooth sensitivity.
This type of laser procedure is often less painful, more efficient, and more effective than other dental treatment options. If you have been delaying a dental procedure due to a fear of experiencing pain, then this type of procedure might be right for you.
Sedation Dentistry Methods Have Advanced
One of the biggest reasons people don’t visit the dentist on a regular basis is due to a fear of needles, drills, or other sharp and loud objects. However, advances in sedation dentistry procedures can successfully removed this fear. Sedation dentistry allows for dental patients to remain comfortable and relaxed even during more invasive procedures. With the use of medication pre-procedure, sedation dentistry helps patients relax.
There are varying levels of sedation you can consider for your next appointment:
In addition to receiving sedation, you will also generally receiving a topical anesthetic prior to your dental procedure, which numbs the pain from any source of discomfort in your mouth.
Dental Implant Procedures Are Getting More Advanced
Dental implants have grown in popularity, as the technology for this style of procedure continues to improve. With the use of a dental implant, your dentist is able to fix and replace almost any tooth in your mouth to combat tooth loss, without the use of less permanent tooth replacement options, such as partial or full dentures.
If you need one or even several of your teeth replaced, a dental implant can solve this need for you. Dental implants integrate with the jaw bone, which helps fill in gaps and prevents overall bone loss due to jaw bone deterioration.
The treatment time for dental implant procedures has also declined sharply. If you are looking to fill any gaps in your smile, a dental implant can give you the smile you’ve been dreaming about.
Improved Dental Technology Allows For Smoother Procedures
Advancements in dental technology offer better solutions to any kind of oral health problem that might arise. Patients benefit from the increased use of technology as this means procedures are less invasive and more comfortable than ever before.
The technologies outlined below are some of the most commonly used forms of new dental technology.
1. Cat Scans
Since the inclusion of cat scans into dental procedures dentists have been able to view and work on the jawbone and surrounding bone structure with greater detail. This leads to more accurate results.
2. Digital X-Rays
X-rays also allow dentists to pinpoint areas of concern before they turn into an emergency. Low dose digital x-rays give dentist the ability to work with greater precision and accuracy, which in turn means less pain for patients, and an overall better dental experience.
3. Intraoral cameras
Another beneficial dental technology has been the introduction of Intraoral cameras in order to improve communication with patients. These cameras allow the patient and doctor to see exactly what is happening, and increases the ability to detect trouble spots.
4. Digital Photography
Dentists are now able to use digital photography to alter a photograph of a patient to illustrate what they’re going to look like following a procedure. This is beneficial, because patients will have a good idea of the end goal of their dental procedure.
Overall, the introduction of these dental technologies and recent advancements of dental procedures continue to contribute greatly to better patient experiences during your next dental office visit.
The Impact Of Dentistry Goes Beyond The Procedure
Improvements in dental procedures and the technology that goes along with them have not only made procedures quicker, better, and more accessible to patients, but have also contributed to cosmetic dentistry having a long lasting positive impact on patients.
Only those who have experienced pain from an oral health issue, or embarrassment due to unattractive, decaying, cracked, or missing teeth, can know the true impact that good dental care offered by their dentist can have on patients’ professional and personal lives, as well as their overall happiness and confidence.
If you want to learn more about the newest dental care improvements, new procedures, and technological improvements, or schedule your next dental checkup, contact our helpful and experienced team for your next dental appointment today.
