It might not seem like the dental industry is making giant technological strides as your dentist uses the same tools to scrape and examine your teeth. However, there’s much more going on than meets the eye when it comes to tech innovations in dentistry. Advances take time, but there are several promising tools and technologies predicted to make remarkable strides forward and revolutionize parts of the industry. Below are just a few of those promising innovations.
3D Printing
Dental restorations and other implements are time-consuming and, as a result, expensive to fabricate. 3D-printed restorations have the ability to be more accurate, possess fewer structural flaws, and they last much longer. While the technology is slow at this time, advances continue to happen year after year, making the technology more effective and less costly. 3D printed restorations will only be the beginning.
Artificial Intelligence
The medical industry adopted artificial intelligence much faster than the dental industry, but this is set to change in the near future. AI is especially adept at early detection of lesions, patient record management, diagnostic imaging, and helping dentists be more organized and accurate in their decisions.
Digital Dentistry
Most dentists still use physical impressions to make crowns, veneers, and implants. Unfortunately, this process is getting more and more outdated as the years pass. Embracing digital dentistry will give dental professionals an entirely new level of accuracy which will give patients more comfort and durability in their products.
Expect new advances and implementation of this technology, but the future will most likely take it a step further. When paired with AI and 3D printing innovations, these technological innovations will work together to create something truly spectacular for future dental patients.
Tooth Remineralization
Root caries are a global issue, especially for the elderly population which includes millions of people. If you could choose between surgery or a minimally invasive procedure that provides the same or better results, wouldn’t you want that option? Researchers are currently working on using several mineralizing agents to accelerate innovation in the field.
While the method is currently still being tested and refined, expect major advances in the area that will prevent demineralization and allow restoration where it has never been possible to date.