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New Dental Care Technology And Your Teeth

The world of modern dentistry is embracing exciting advances in technology for increased patient comfort, care, and convenience. Here are some ways dentistry is taking oral care into the new millennium.

• Air Abrasion: High-speed delivery of "blasting particles" to a decayed tooth can replace the drill in many cases. The fine stream of air and aluminum oxide provides dentists with a more precise tool for removing decay quickly, without damaging surrounding sections of the tooth. This exciting dental treatment is also a plus for patients because it normally doesn't require any local anesthesia. While air abrasion may not be suitable for large areas of decay or the removal of silver fillings, it can be used to repair tiny cracks, remove stains, and smooth the tooth surface so that bonding materials adhere to the tooth.
• Intra-oral Cameras: A tiny camera inserted into the patient's mouth allows the dentist to show the patient the exact nature of the problem. The image is enlarged and sent to a monitor that the patient and doctor view together. When patients can see the specific area in need of treatment, they're more likely to understand and accept the dentist's recommendation.
• Lasers: Research continues at a fast pace in laser dentistry. Lasers have been used for years in a limited capacity, but their role in oral surgery is likely to increase.
• Digitized X-rays: Computerized technology will allow a small sensor inside the patient's mouth to take the X-ray and immediately display it on a computer screen, eliminating film and darkroom processing, and reducing the radiation exposure for the patient.
• Computers: There is a growing recognition of the role that computers can play in dental care. In the future, patient records may be kept on computer disks, including visual images captured on intraoral cameras. A computerized workstation beside the patient's chair will give the dentist the ability to view the patient's history from disk. The dentist might also use a voice-recognition system to ask the computer to assist in finding that data, or generate a "before and after" image so the patient can preview the result of dental treatment before it is done.
• CD-ROM: Patient education will be a snap with information stored on CD-ROM. Procedures can be explained to patients in advance and post-operative instructions can be provided for them to take home.

With a new hi-tech face on modern dentistry, patients can look forward to a new face in dentistry and greater comfort with more byte!"

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Learn About Sedation Dentists - FAQs About Sedation Dentistry

Q. Will I really be totally relaxed with Sedation Dentistry?

A. Your sedation dentist will administer just enough sedation so that you'll be completely unaware of the treatment, as if you were asleep.

Q. Will I remember anything after sedation dentistry?

A. At the end of the treatment, you'll have little or no memory of what was accomplished.

Q. Will I feel any pain during dental treatment?

A. Most patients experience no discomfort whatsoever during treatment and feel surprisingly good afterwards.

Q. What dental treatments can I have while under sedation?

A. Sedation dentists can generally do it all—implants, dentures, cosmetic dentistry treatments, crowns, even gum surgery.

Q. Is sedation dentistry safe for me?

A. Oral sedation dentistry protocols have been used safely for 30 years. Sedation dentists will review your medical history and monitor you closely while under sedation.

Q. Will my dental insurance cover it?

A. Almost all sedation dentists will review your coverage and, if necessary, make financial arrangements so you get the care you need.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.