Computer
technology has taken a quantum
leap in the last 20 years.
The technology involved in
the operation of some of today’s
automobiles is more complex
and advanced than the computer
system inside the space capsule
that sent the first United
States astronaut to orbit
the Earth. The same kind of
advancement is occurring in
all aspects of technology
and dentistry is of no exception.
Because of this, I would like
to present this changing period
and different aspects of dentistry
in this new era.
1. Digital Radiography
With the availability of digital
sensors and integrated computer
software, it is now possible
to take dental x-rays without
films or processing. It is
also possible to view the
images on screen within seconds.
The amount of radiation required
for this type of processing
is reduced by more than 50%
(and possibly up to 90%).
In addition, the images can
be electronically organized,
stored and sent to any part
of the world different in
the blink of an eye.
2. Periodontal (Gum)
Treatment
Systemic antibiotic has always
been a well- accepted treatment
modality for periodontal problems
for most patients. In some
localized situations, the
clinician would like an alternative
way to treat the condition.
Medicated ‘chips’ or gel (containing
chlorhexidine gluconate or
antibiotics) can now be placed
in localized problem areas
in the gingivae to facilitate
the healing process after
proper dental treatment procedures.
Instead of freeze-dried human
bone, artificial bone graft
materials have also been placed
in suitable periodontal patients
with good clinical results.
This has led to a wider acceptance
of such procedure by patients.
3. Endodontics (Root
Canal) Treatment
Due to the advancement of
metallurgic technology, root
canal treatment can now be
performed more precisely and
effectively. Difficult anatomical
variations such as ‘curved’
canals can be negotiated with
extremely flexible instruments
made from a nickel/titanium
alloy. The newer crown down
technique becomes more applicable.
Treatment result is more predictable
and the postoperative discomfort
is reported to be much less.
4. Cosmetic Dentistry
The changing socio-economic
situation in today’s society
prompts an increasing demand
for esthetic dental treatment
such as tooth bleaching, veneering
and full ceramic crown. Due
to this trend, prescribed
home bleaching material has
shown increasing effectiveness
and popularity. Bleaching
material can now be applied
to the dentitions for a short
period, 2 times a day instead
of overnight, with well-accepted
results. Ceramic veneers and
crowns can also be fabricated
to such a high degree of precision
and liveliness, that even
the most discriminating eyes
would not notice it.
As scientists and health care
providers, we understand that
dental laboratory test results
depend on the specific environment
under which it was carried
out. Clinical success is the
final test. The advancement
of modern technology is providing
the dental profession better
and more predictable material
and armentaruim to serve the
public,with care and understanding.
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