Digital dentistry, in a larger sense, refers to any dentist technology or equipment that involves digital or software elements rather than just electric components. Its broad definition can include everything from the most well-known discipline of digital dentistry — CAD/CAM to ones that aren’t even acknowledged, such as computer-controlled nitrogen gas distribution. It has many other aspects of digital dentistry that are being investigated. It’s an exhilarating experience to be a dentist because new technology is being released that makes dentistry simpler, faster, better, and, most importantly, more pleasurable.
Technology Integration in Dentistry
A review of other sectors and historical technical developments demonstrate that new technology might take up to 25 years to be accepted and extensively used (conversion from early adopters to the early majority). Dentistry is a very modest sector in financial revenue, future capital market expansion, and outside, non- dental investors. Because of the relatively limited worldwide interest and financial input necessary, several technical breakthroughs being produced in other sectors are delayed to be incorporated in dentistry.
Usage of dental in fields other than dentistry
There are existing applications for digital dentistry in the
dental profession, and as technology advances, more applications for the future are being proposed. Caries disease causes structural alterations in the oral hard tissue. The demineralization process, which involves the diffusion of ions out of the mouth, results in minerals content loss. Bacteria and water will mainly populate the resultant zone. This area will have more porosity than the surrounding tissue, resulting in a noticeable change in the optical characteristics of the afflicted dental tissue, indicating dental plaque alteration. Methods based on optics detect caries response to changes in specific optical characteristics.
The Benefits of Digital Dentistry
Each aspect of digital dentistry provides benefits over traditional devices or techniques. Although, some of the rewards may nullify by more method sensitivity. For example, although diode lasers have been accessible for more than a decade, early majority acceptance did not occur until recent laser price decreases and expanded options and competition. As a result, there is now an option for lower-cost electro surgery instruments.
Cons that come with Digital Dentistry
The most significant constraint of most areas of digital dentistry is the expense. Adopting new technology sometimes necessitates a more significant capital expenditure, particularly at the “innovator” or “early adopter” stage. Regardless, if new technology fits the requirements above for being regarded as an advantage, the return on investment can be substantial. Some professionals will buy a new gadget but never read the owner’s handbook or seek extra training. This might result in a high failure rate and rejection of dental products.
Dentistry’s future is today. Consultations to the dental professional are becoming faster, safer, more pleasant, and more trustworthy than ever before, thanks to innovations in digital dentistry. If one waits another ten years to adapt or integrate these new fields of dentistry, it might be a little too late.