For many years, going to the dentist could be a source of trauma. From the first foot-powered dental drill to giant needles and disappointing results, people learned to associate the dentist office with pain and discomfort.
But times have changed and dental practices have, too.
This general distrust and phobia of the dentist spurred the industry to find ways to reduce pain, provide better (and faster) outcomes, and offer an overall positive experience.
Today, going to the dentist should never be scary. Modern technology has changed how you’ll experience the dentist forever. Take a look!
Personalized process
Before you even get into the chair, dentists are using improved technology and equipment to provide patients with a superior experience. Relaxation and efficiency are top of mind and it shows.
The best dentist offices emphasize processes and amenities that offer a more personalized experience.
Electronic health records
While many patients may not even notice or think about electronic health records, this technology is a huge benefit to your dentist office experience.
Last week we had a patient run into our office with a dental emergency—a sports accident that resulted in a broken tooth. Our team was able to immediately pull up her record, help her understand how her dental benefits applied to the treatment needed, and easily collate information for referrals and insurance claims.
Comfortable amenities
Dental offices are no longer an intimidating environment. They’re created with an emphasis on modern technology that inspires relaxation and comfort. For example, common in many dental offices today are…
- Exam chairs with built-in massage features
- Noise canceling headphones
- Televisions and iPads
- Heated blankets
LED headlamps
Most people don’t think about what their dental team is wearing—but if you look closely, you might notice them sporting a pair of dental loupes (dental glasses with magnifying features) with an LED headlamp.
It might look a little funny, but this technology allows your dentist and dental hygienist to see magnified areas more clearly, without the need for a bright light shining in your eyes.
Intraoral cameras
Intraoral cameras are a great example of dentistry getting faster, better, and more precise.
These tiny digital cameras look like a long pen and give you and your dentist a more detailed picture of what’s happening inside your mouth than was ever thought possible.
This camera delivers real-time video and images of your tooth surfaces, gum condition, and other details like small cavities that cannot be clearly seen with the naked eye.
Advanced screening technology
Technology today also helps your dentist spot and prevent issues before they grow into large, costly issues. Using digital scanning and screening equipment, your dentist can detect even the smallest cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.
3D imaging
Gone are the days of awkward and uncomfortable impressions. You don’t need to bite down in gooey, slimy and bitter material to make an impression for a crown or a bridge. New 3D imaging has changed everything.
With 3D imaging, the system takes thousands of high-definition photos in just a few seconds. The software then stitches these images together to create a 3D representation of your mouth.
This technology doesn’t just make your experience more comfortable—it also helps your dentist provide more accurate diagnosis and prevent problems. For example…
- Identifying the cause of TMJ pain and figure out the best way to treat it
- Better diagnosing sleep apnea
- Placing crowns, bridges and dental implants with improved precision
- Revealing bone cancer
- Spotting little fractures and cracks in teeth that wouldn’t be visible otherwise
Biocompatible & natural-looking materials
New technology in dental materials allows dentists to create durable restorations that match the color of your natural teeth, require less tooth structure removal, and ensure your total health.
For decades dentists relied on mercury amalgam (silver-colored) fillings to repair teeth affected by cavities. Silver fillings are still used today, but thanks to advancements in technology, a better, more natural-looking option now exists: composite fillings. This biocompatible material is durable, mercury-free, and look just like your natural teeth–in fact that’s the only type of filling material we use.
Sedation options
Gone are the days of having to “grin and bear it” during an uncomfortable dental treatment. Dental offices today provide modern pain management options.
In addition to Novocaine medication (which is commonly used to numb a particular part of the mouth) the 3 most common types of modern dental sedation are:
- Oral conscious sedation — A pill-based sedative which puts you in a relaxed, dream-like state. Some patients fall asleep or forget the procedure entirely when using oral sedation.
- Nitrous oxide — Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled via a small face mask and produces a giddy and relaxed sensation.
- IV sedation — A steady flow of intravenous medication will help you feel drowsy and relaxed during your treatment. This type of sedation is great for those who want a deeper sedation but don’t want to deal with potential side effects of general anesthesia.
Laser dentistry
Lasers are one of the most versatile and powerful dental technologies available today. They not only offer more efficient treatment options for serious dental health issues, they’re also less invasive and much more comfortable. That means better outcomes and quicker recovery for you!
Gum disease treatment is a great example of the power of laser dentistry. Back in the day, treating gum disease always required cutting away the infected tissue with a scalpel. This not only resulted in a bit of discomfort and long recovery times, it also often damaged at least some healthy tissue.
With lasers, your dentist can target diseased tissue without hurting healthy tissue. Pain is almost non existent and since this treatment promotes blood flow, it means faster healing.
Union Dental Center is home to high-tech dentistry in Havre de Grace
At Union Dental Center, we’re focused on ensuring you receive comfortable, compassionate care with amazing outcomes. It’s why we’re proud to feature the most technologically-advanced, minimally-invasive tools and procedures available.
Don’t let a fear of the dentist hold you back. You won’t believe how far dentistry has come when you experience our stress-free and advanced care.
Schedule an appointment today or learn more about our high-tech practice in Havre de Grace.
