Over the past several decades, dentistry has come a long way. Techniques, materials, and technologies have progressed significantly, and this isn’t stopping anytime soon. There are always new innovations in the dental field, and treatments are becoming more advanced and accurate every year. Continue reading to learn about some of the newest dental trends that you might see looking forward!
Expanding Tele-Dentistry
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you saw a huge expansion in virtual healthcare visits. Teledentistry is likely to become even more widespread throughout the rest of 2024. This helps dentists to consult with patients remotely for consultations and other appointments. This can also help to make it more affordable for people in underserved communities to receive input from dental professionals so they can seek the oral healthcare they need.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Diagnostics
AI applications are currently being developed to help dentists when diagnosing common oral conditions, analyzing X-rays, and predicting issues. We are expecting to see more AI tools that can help dentists make more accurate and efficient diagnoses, therefore improving patient outcomes.
3D Printing in Dentistry
3D printing in dentistry enables quicker production of dental prosthetics, reducing the amount of time patients have to wait for things like dental crowns, bridges, and implants. An expansion of 3D printing also allows for more precise customization of dental devices, resulting in a better fit and function for patients.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
If you’ve ever had to get a dental crown, braces, or another type of dental treatment, you’ve likely had the unpleasant experience of taking dental impressions. This was when your dentist had you bite down on that goopy substance to take impressions of your teeth. Fortunately, that method is less common today. If you ever need a restoration in the future, you are more likely to encounter digital impressions. Now, with digital scanners, your dentist can make accurate impressions of your smile in seconds!
Throughout 2024 and beyond, we can expect many techniques and procedures to become less invasive. This means smaller incisions and less tissue manipulation, leading to quicker recovery times and more preservation of natural tooth structure whenever possible.
The goal of modern dentistry is to enhance patient experiences by making dental care more accessible, efficient, comfortable, and personalized to each patient. You will only see more and more of these techniques and technologies in the future!
About the Practice
At Holt Family Dentistry, Dr. Sheila Gordon-Holt and Dr. Nemish Shah work together to serve patients in the Charlotte community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. They believe in using high-tech dental technology, like digital dental impressions, a cone beam scanner, and an intraoral camera to generate accurate diagnoses and treatments. To learn more about dental technology, or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (704) 542-2325.