I receive compliments regularly from patients who are impressed by the technological advancements in dentistry. It got me thinking about how dentistry has embraced these advancements leading to improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and patient comfort as top priorities. I will review some advancement areas that you may experience and why they are important for your health and comfort.

Dentists and hygienists often wear loupes to enhance visualization. Loupes are small microscopes worn as glasses with varying degrees of magnification. Loupes allow the dentist and hygienist to have an enhanced vision of your mouth, allowing for early detection of disease (i.e., gum disease, decay, oral cancer) and more precise treatment. Full-sized microscopes are also used, especially for endodontic (root canal) treatment. This allows the endodontist to visualize microscopic cracks and extra root canals for better diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Early and enhanced detection leads to better results, less expense, and improved health.

Digital x-rays are an improvement over conventional x-rays, similar to how digital photography improves traditional film photography. Digital offers significantly reduced radiation exposure, immediate results, no chemical processing or film disposal (biohazardous wastes), the ability to adjust the brightness and contrast of the image for better diagnosis, and easily share the image with patients and other healthcare providers. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a 3-D x-ray that has become a part of dentistry for exceptional treatment circumstances: implant planning, root canal therapy, airway evaluation, jaw surgery planning, orthodontic planning, and tumor evaluation.

Digital photography and scanners do not use radiation. Photography and scanning allow for enhanced communication, visualization, and planning. These give the dental team the ability to show the patient a photograph or scan of their oral condition (healthy or not), allowing patients to participate in and make more informed decisions about treatment needs or desires. Scanners can be used to show possible orthodontic results immediately, plan implant placement, preview cosmetic treatment, plan surgery, and in many cases, replace impression taking. Some scanners have cavity detection abilities using no radiation utilizing near-infrared light. This is not a substitute for x-rays but can detect areas of concern without radiation.

There are different types of lasers offering many uses in dentistry. LANAP is a laser procedure for periodontal treatment that is more comfortable than conventional surgery. For certain procedures, lasers can be used in place of drills or scalpels. Lasers can be used to remove unwanted pigmented areas on lips and gums, and lasers can be used in TMJ therapy.

Communication is enhanced with email, auto calls, text, and websites. The old postcard reminder of your appointment has been replaced with more efficient and environmentally friendly digital communications. Auto calls, emails, and text offer you the ability to access and respond to vital information anywhere and anytime. Email and text also allow you to receive important notifications from the office, such as appointment availability, schedule changes, office COVID procedures, and other notifications. Websites offer prospective patients a way to find out more about the office, services offered, and the dentist and access to fill out new patient forms. For current patients, websites provide access to forms and treatment information before and after visits.

High technology dentistry improves dental care by lowering costs, improving early diagnosis, making treatment more comfortable, and enhancing communication. Dentistry will see continued advancements in years to come with saliva tests for diabetes, certain cancers, and other early detection healthcare tests. Advanced technology certainly complements the way dentists work and the outcomes patients desire.

Dr. Robert A. Gallegos is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, visiting faculty at Spear Education, an alumnus of Pankey Institute, a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and the American Dental Association. Dr. Gallegos practices dentistry in Middleburg, VA. www.MiddleburgSmiles.com.