Why You're Facing Some Easier Decisions at the Dentist
A couple of generations ago, if you made a visit to your dentist and he or she recommended an extraction, that was where the story ended. It was very complicated and expensive to replace that tooth. These days it's a very different story and technological advances mean that you have even more choices when it comes to maintaining your smile. What are these advantages?
Diagnostic Imaging
Your dental surgery is a very sophisticated place and most practices have invested heavily in the latest in technology. One of the areas where significant advances have been seen is in relation to diagnostic imaging.
This technology has a significant advantage when it comes to successful placement of implants following tooth extraction. No longer does the dentist have to rely on two-dimensional imagery and a lot on their experience and ability to decipher the information. No longer does the dentist have to make assumptions regarding the density and quality of the bone beneath. The dentist was restricted in so far as the X-rays of old were only able to show the height of the bone and did not provide information regarding density, width or whether or not the bone could actually support an implant properly.
Now, however, digital imaging systems can analyse a patient's jaw anatomy without any surgery. The dentist is able to look at the patient's jaw in full three-dimensions on his computer screen, using technology such as the cone beam CT scanner.
Significant Advantages
More and more dentists are introducing the cone beam CT scanner to their offices, thus revolutionising the experience of the average patient. It has been widely said that this type of scanner is the most significant development in terms of technology over the last decade.
What does this mean for the patient? It is no longer necessary for certain patients to have to make appointments at hospitals that have medical imaging facilities, as all information can be gathered on the spot now at the dentist's surgery. Generally speaking the dentist is able to tell how effective implant surgery will be before recommending the treatment for you. Also, the amount of time involved in the procedure will be reduced, saving you time in the dentist's chair and money in the process. This can mean a lot of if you're visiting an emergency dentist following an accident.
No longer is tooth extraction something to be considered carefully due to the functional and aesthetic changes to your mouth. Using the latest technology the dentist is able to recommend a specific type of implant surgery as part of the entire treatment procedure, putting your mind at rest.
