Patient Education - General Dentist Information in Dallas
High-Tech Office
One national agency estimates that advances in dental research save
Americans more than $4 billion a year. Dentistry today has the most
sophisticated, high-tech equipment ever available, allowing the dentist
to treat and diagnose with remarkable precision. Such technology also
vastly reduces, and in some cases eliminates, much of the pain and
discomfort for you. Some of the more exciting advances coming out in
dental research include new genetic therapies, tissue repair methods
and improved materials that are biocompatible.
Here's a look at some of the newer technologies:
- Air abrasion - Uses powerful particles of aluminum oxide to
remove debris and decay. The most exciting thing for patients is air
abrasion is quite painless and in some cases, doesn't require an
anesthetic.
- Digital imaging - Allows almost instantaneous views of images
inside the patients' mouth. Examples include intra-oral cameras,
extra-oral digital cameras (images from outside the mouth looking in),
and digital X-rays on a PC screen.
- Digital radiography - like traditional X-rays, digital radiography
allows your dentist to easily spot deep tooth problems such as bone
loss, deep decay and root canals.
- Lasers - Lasers may one day replace drills, with more precision and
less pain. Some teeth whitening, gum, and decay removal therapies
employ the use of lasers today.
A Future without Drills and Fillings?
Some health experts believe that a future without drills and fillings is not that far off.
From regenerated teeth using your own DNA, to such futuristic
techniques called bio solutions that treat disease on a molecular
level, incredible advances are being explored every day. For example,
bacteria that cause decay may one day be able to be modified before
they cause damage.
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