Top 5 Game-Changing Dental Technologies

On the event of Sirona Dental Systems' launch of CEREC Omnicam, we look at technologies that take dental care to the next level. The criteria for the list is simple:  Does this product make clinical care better - more predictable, more efficient, more comfortable? Are you and your patients better off for incorporating this technology into the practice?

We firmly believe that, in the case of these five categories, the answer is yes.

THE LIST

• Digital impressions and CAD/CAM technology

• Digital radiography

• Lasers

• 3D imaging

• Intraoral cameras

Dr. Sameer Puri on the brand new CEREC Omnicam...

THE REASONS

Digital impressions and CAD/CAM technology. There are numerous benefits to digital impressions, including the elimination of patient discomfort common to traditional impressions.

Better for the patient, the technology also allows the impression to magnified and enhanced, giving dentists the opportunity to better evaluate preps and improve their own skills. This fosters better communication with the dental lab and the type of detail that leads to better overal results and a noticeable reduction in remakes.

As part of the wider CAD/CAM workflow, the technology makes it possible for patients to receive same-day dentistry without sacrificing the strength or beauty of a restoration.

Digital radiography. Less radiation, no chemicals, savings in time and productivity are just the tip of the benefits iceberg.

The ability to enhance images and see more than what was ever possible on a film makes this technology truly valuable.

Lasers. Useful in a variety of procedures, dental lasers can help dentists practice more

conservative dentistry with increased comfort and safety for the patient. Other practical benefits include less bleeding, lower risk of bacterial infection and faster healing.

3D imaging. The ability to know the exact spatial and dimensional placement of teeth and related

structures makes 3D imaging a crucial tool in endodontics, implants, treatment of sleep apnea and other procedures. Treatment planning is transformed by the amount of detail available.

Intraoral cameras. The beautiful thing about this piece of technology is how it allows the patient to become a co-collaborator in his or her treatment

plan-seeing what they need and better trusting the dentist's recommendation. Now, many intraoral cameras  also include caries detection, helping patients to better understand the need for preventive care.