How Modern Technology is Aiding Minimally Invasive Dental Treatments

For a long time, visiting the dentist was a source of anxiety. According to a study published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene, around 50 to 80% of people in the US experience some level of dental anxiety. From big needles to foot-powered giant drills, people associated the dental office with pain and discomfort. 

However, times have changed, and so have dental procedures. 

The general distrust of dentists spurred the industry to look for ways to lessen discomfort, provide better results, and offer an overall positive experience. Today, going to the dentist shouldn't be scary, thanks to technology. 

Let's look at some of the minimally invasive dental treatments family dentists in Redwood City employ to enhance patients' experience. 

Laser dentistry 

Laser dentistry uses highly focused light beams to remove or reshape dental tissue. This is handy when removing decay, preparing a tooth for filling or performing treatments without requiring drills or other invasive tools.

One of the main advantages of laser dentistry is that it is less painful and traumatic than traditional dental treatments. Because lasers are highly precise, they can remove or reshape tissue without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. This can reduce the need for anesthesia and other pain-relieving medications and make the overall treatment more comfortable for the patient.

Digital x-rays

Rather than taking typical x-rays with film, most dental offices in Redwood City make use of digital x-ray technology. These x-rays use sensors to capture detailed images of a patient's teeth and surrounding structures, which can then be displayed on a computer screen. This allows dentists to quickly and accurately diagnose problems and plan treatments.

One of the main advantages of digital x-rays is that they are less invasive than traditional x-rays. Because the sensors used in digital x-rays are much smaller and more sensitive than conventional x-ray film, they can produce high-resolution images with much lower levels of radiation exposure. This means that patients can undergo x-ray imaging without needing uncomfortable x-ray film or worrying about the potential side effects of radiation exposure.

Furthermore, digital x-rays are much more convenient and efficient than traditional x-rays. The images produced by digital x-rays can be easily stored, transferred, and accessed on a computer, so dentists can quickly and easily share images with colleagues or specialists. This can speed up the diagnosis and treatment process, reducing the need for multiple visits and invasive procedures.

Intraoral cameras (IOCs)

Intraoral cameras are another excellent example of dentistry getting better and more precise. These tiny digital cameras are used to take detailed, high-resolution images of a patient's teeth and gums. These cameras are inserted into the patient's mouth, allowing dentists to see areas that may not be visible to the naked eye.

One of the main advantages of intraoral cameras is that they allow dentists to identify problems that may not be obvious during a visual examination. Because the cameras produce high-resolution images, dentists can see small details and abnormalities that may not be visible to the naked eye. This can help them diagnose problems more accurately and plan treatments more effectively.

Most importantly, intraoral cameras can make the patient experience more comfortable. Because the cameras are small and unobtrusive, patients do not need to undergo uncomfortable x-rays or other invasive procedures. This can make the overall treatment process more pleasant and less stressful for the patient.

CAD/CAM technology 

Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology is another type of advanced technology commonly used in dentistry. This technology allows cosmetic dentists in Redwood City to create custom-fit dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and veneers.

Since these restorations are designed and manufactured using computer algorithms, they can be made to fit a patient's mouth with a high degree of accuracy. This reduces the need for multiple visits and invasive procedures to adjust the fit of the restoration, which can make the overall treatment process more comfortable and efficient for the patient.

3D printing

Gone are the days of uncomfortable and awkward impressions.  The best dentists in Redwood City use 3D printing technology to create precise and customized dental implants and prosthetics. 

In other words, 3D-printed dental implants and prosthetics can be made to fit a patient's mouth perfectly, reducing the need for extensive cutting and suturing during surgery. This can improve the success rate of dental implant surgeries and reduce the risk of complications.

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality 

Dentists employ augmented reality (AR) and Virtual reality (VR) technology in complex procedures. This technology allows them to create virtual 3D models of a patient's mouth, which they can use to plan and simulate surgical procedures. This helps identify potential challenges and develop strategies to overcome them, leading to more successful and less invasive dental treatments.

Minimally invasive dentistry – a game changer

By using advanced tools and techniques, Redwood City dentists can diagnose and treat dental problems with greater precision and accuracy, reducing the need for invasive procedures and improving the overall quality of care. Thus, don't let dental phobia prevent honoring your appointments. You will be surprised how dental procedures have improved to cater to patients' needs. Schedule an appointment today with one of the family dentists in Redwood City to learn more about these high-tech procedures.