Gone are the days when dental offices were just dull, drab places with oversized machines and anxious patients. Thanks to the tremendous advancements in the field of dentistry, newer technologies and treatment modalities have been introduced that have improved treatment outcomes and aesthetic results, while making dental treatment pain-free. This blog discusses the top five innovations in restorative dentistry that have entirely revolutionized the dental industry and have directly benefited the patients.
The days are gone when patients had to bear the inconvenience of getting physical impressions of their teeth. Not only were physical impressions messy, but they also caused significant discomfort and even induced gagging in many patients. But today, physical impressions are being replaced with digital impressions. You don’t need to have an impression tray placed in your mouth anymore! Instead, your dentist will use an intra-oral camera to record 3D impressions of your teeth, which can then be sent to the laboratory for further processing.
Lumineers are ultra-thin shells of porcelain or composite resins that are attached to the front surfaces of the teeth to mask various cosmetic and restorative tooth defects. Lumineers are similar in design to veneers but are even thinner than them. Therefore, in contrast to veneers, Lumineers have minimal or no tooth preparation. Hence, Lumineers offer a better aesthetic outcome and are tooth conservative than veneers.
Conventionally, dental restorations like veneers, crowns, or dentures are prepared in the dental laboratory. Unfortunately, this not only takes time but also leaves a margin for human error. However, things have changed now. Many dental offices are now investing in desktop 3D printers that allow them to design and fabricate dental restorations at the dental chairside. These 3D-printed restorations are dimensionally more stable, longer lasting, and aesthetically pleasing than conventionally made restorations.
Another advancement in restorative dentistry is the introduction of the CBCT technology, which allows dentists to visualize dental hard tissues and soft tissues in detail. CBCT technology is extensively used by dentists nowadays, along with digital radiography for treatment planning in dental implantology. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the CBCT machine used in dentistry rotates around the patient and captures the data using a cone-shaped x-ray beam. This data is then utilized in a software to reconstruct 3D images of the dental tissues. CBCT technology is also used for the diagnosis and treatment of various dental conditions, including oral cancer.
In the previous years, the focus of dental treatment was to treat damaged teeth with restorative materials. This approach meant removing the damaged tooth structure, followed by restoring the tooth’s shape, strength, and aesthetics by placing a tooth-colored filling over it. This so-called surgical restorative approach not only requires healthy tooth structure but has also proven to be costly in the long run. Hence, the focus is now shifting towards preventive or minimally invasive dentistry, where attempts are made to remineralize the damaged tooth structure using topical remineralizing agents, and only use filling materials when necessary. Some of these remineralizing agents include sodium fluoride varnishes, calcium phosphate, nanoparticle-based remineralization agents, and silver diamine fluoride.
With the introduction of these remineralization agents, not only the global burden of tooth decay is expected to decrease, but it will also significantly reduce the treatment costs, making it affordable for everyone.
Dentistry is a continuously evolving field. Newer innovations are constantly being introduced that are enabling dental professionals to provide high-quality, safer, cost-effective, and longer-lasting dental treatments to their patients. At the same time, the latest technology has made dental procedures less time consuming and virtually pain-free. So, what’s your excuse now for avoiding dental treatment? At Royal Dental, we take pride in offering high-quality dental services to our patients using cutting-edge technology and innovative restorative dental procedures. So, book an appointment with us today and let us give you a healthy and lasting smile!
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Dr. Bollman graduated in 2003 from the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, TX. She has been practicing for 17 years. She enjoys playing video games, fishing and spending quality time with her 2 children[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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It’s important that each patient enjoys their dental visit, and that we carefully listen to their concerns in terms they’ll understand.
Dr. Stewart has practiced dentistry for 25 years!
She’s been with Royal Dental for 5 years!
We’re successful thanks to teammates like Nancy![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Andress has been a Dentist for 37 years!
He’s been with Royal Dental for 8 years!
He is a 1982 Graduate of University of Texas Dental School San Antonio
Hobbies include hunting, vacationing and visiting the beach[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Shokralla was born and raised in Cario Egypt. After graduating from Dental school from Ain Shams University iSchool of Dentistry in 2011, he did a general dentistry internship and he worked in a private Office in Cario. In 2013, Dr Shokralla moved to the United States seeking a new journey. He joined Boston University of Dentistry for advanced Standing Program graduated in 2017 with high honors. during his program at Boston, He served also as a teaching assistant in the removable Prosthodontics Department. Once his studies were completed in Boston he moved to Houston Texas to enjoy the warm Winters and people. Dr. Shokralla is a member of the ADA and he is active with CE Implant Courses.
Besides his passion about dentistry , he loves to work out play tennis and soccer, serve kids in his local Sunday School.
“Learn from yesterday ,live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning” Albert Einstein
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Bryan Boshart DDS MS is a 1985 graduate of UT Dental School and in 1986 at U Of Maryland College of Dental Surgery, earned a Certificate Of Advanced General Dentistry. In 1989 at the University Of Oklahoma College Master Of Science he earned his Certificate of Specialty in Orthodontics. For 20 years he was a Director of Orthodontics at Texas Children’s Hospital. His hobbies include gardening and juggling![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Harris Graduated in 1986 from the UT Health Science Center, San Antonio. He has been practicing dentistry for over 30 years, and in his time off enjoys Motor Cross, Rugby, distance running, fishing and hunting.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Bhakti graduated in 2000 from University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and has been practicing for 20 years. He enjoys Hikaru and Dorodango[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Rassner graduated from University of Texas Health Science Center Houston in 1972 and has been practicing for 48 years! In his free time he enjoys playing golf and watching baseball.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Mughni attended the Baqai Dental College in 2003 and 2004 and graduated from the University of California San Francisco in 2013. He has been practicing dentistry for 16 years. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and reading.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]