New Dentistry Technologies

   We enter the 21st century awash in a flood of new technology. New innovations are changing every aspect of modern life, and the dental profession is no exception: new dental technologies seem to appear every day! Dentistry has improved vastly as a result, with innovations in prevention as well as treatment. Here are some of the latest innovations:

Digital X-rays. Computed Dental Radiography (CDR) camera sensors are more sensitive than traditional film, which means that exposure to X-rays can be reduced by up to 90%. Furthermore, there's no delay while film develops and no environmental problems with photoprocessing chemicals. A small sensor is placed in the mouth, and an X-ray beam is sent through the teeth and into the sensor which transmits the image to the computer. Digital x-rays are instantly shown to the patient on a computer monitor, and can be emailed anywhere. One drawback: the resolution is currently somewhat lower than that of dental X-ray film.

Computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery system: "The Wand" delivers dental anesthetic ahead of the needle under precise, controlled pressure. By the time the needle arrives, the tissue is numb. In many cases, The Wand makes it possible to get the tooth numb without affecting the tongue, cheek, lips or face.

Quieter dental drills. Air-abrasion and laser drills put out much less noise than traditional spinning drills, reducing the psychological discomfort some people experience when they hear a dental drill.

Laser cavity detection. The DIAGNOdent laser aids in diagnosing hidden decay more quickly, comfortably, and accurately than traditional methods. Studies show that as much as 50% of decay may go undetected by traditional dental probing and other diagnostic methods. DIAGNOdent detects hidden decay, especially in its earliest stages. Because decay is detected earlier, the number of dental procedures - and therefore the cost - can often be reduced.

Computerized evaluation system. The system - called the Florida Probe - records the main parameters of a periodontal exam, including recession, pocket depth, bleeding, mobility, and plaque assesment. The pocket depth and bleeding sites are called out automatically by the user's choice of either a female voice or computer-generated sound effects, not by the operator. The patient thereby hears the results from the computer and visually witnesses the examon a color monitor with color-coded digital readouts - green, black, and red - to identify the risk stages of disease. The system is described as an excellent educational tool.

Kinetic Cavity Preparation (KCP), a new technology that can be used as an alternative to the dental drill. A microscopically fine, biocompatible powder (aluminum oxide) is carried to the tooth by a stream of air, spraying away decay like a precise miniature sandblaster. KCP allows the dentist to treat tooth decay at an early stage without as much removal of healthy tooth material, thereby preserving the strength of the tooth. The absence of vibrations and sound make this technology ideal for children as well as adults.

VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer. Even after a thorough rinsing, thousands of germs can remain on a toothbrush, creating the potential for harmful bacteria to grow. The VIOlight sanitizes your toothbrush with UV light in just minutes. After each use, place your toothbrush in the battery-operated case; the UV bulb automatically shuts off after the sanitation cycle is done.

Other innovative dental technologies include: Intra-Oral Cameras - to show patients what the dentist sees; Linear Tomography - allowing cross-section X-rays of the jaw bone to identify important anatomical structures such as nerves/canals, sinus and nasal floors, and bone quality; and Ergonomic Seats which also monitor patients' heart rate during treatment.