Thanks to continuing innovation in modern dentistry, newly developed technology has revolutionized the overall patient experience. These advanced tools have also improved the diagnostic process, allowing patients and dentists to identify potential problems before they have the opportunity to wreak havoc on the dentition. With these modern technologies, dentists are able to develop more comprehensive treatment plans that contribute to an individual’s overall wellbeing beyond their smile.
The Science behind Innovative Diagnostic Tools
Many of these modern technologies have been developed as a response to the realization that the mouth and body are closely related. Observing this oral-systemic connection, many dentists have developed treatment plans address potential problems before they can compromise a patient’s oral and overall health.
Types of Dental Technology
Advanced assessment technology comes in a number of shapes and sizes. Some of the advanced technologies you may see in your dentist’s office include:
Cone Beam 3D Imaging:Often utilized when creating dental implant placement treatments, cone beam imaging recreates your dentition as a 3D model, allowing dentists to identify what treatment works the best for each unique smile.
Cephalometric X-Rays:Similar to cone beam 3D imaging, this advanced imaging system produces a comprehensive look at the dentition, in this case the side profile of the face and jaw. Cephalometric X-rays are often used when planning orthodontic treatment plans and can also be used to identify obstructions to the airway for patients experiencing various breathing conditions.
Intraoral Cameras: This tool provides patients with an in-depth look at their dentition during the procedure, allowing them to better understand their smile as well as the impact certain treatments may have on their dentition and overall health.
OralDNA: In addition to testing for various health conditions, this oral test also evaluates the patient’s saliva for the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. At Synergy Dental Group, this tool is used to diagnose cases of periodontal disease before the condition worsens and as part of a long-term maintenance plan for individuals that are recovering from gum disease as a monitoring technique.
CariFree: This tool uses a saliva swab to determine the presence of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. Used at every routine cleaning, this tool is incredibly helpful when identifying potential dental issues before they seriously damage the dentition.
VELScope Cancer Screening: Given the often quick progression of oral cancer, early identification is critical in order to provide patient with optimal treatment success. With VELScope screening, cancerous cells can be identified in a non-invasive manner.
Electromyography: Electromyography is used to identify cases of temporomandibular joint dysfunction by measuring muscle tension in the head. The tool then identifies whether the tension is related to joint malfunction or misalignment.
In addition to the development of these diagnostic tools, modern dentistry has also opened the door to technologies that improve the patient experience during and following their dental treatment. Some of these advanced treatment technologies include CAD/CAM technology for in-office restoration manufacturing and laser dentistry for periodontal disease therapy and soft tissue surgeries.
Whole Body Wellness at Synergy Dental Group
At our Sonoma dental practice, we take a multi-faceted approach to total body wellness. By integrating nutritional counseling, comprehensive wellness evaluations, and thorough patient education into our treatment plans, Dr. Hubenette and her dental team are able to offer optimal oral health care. Contact Synergy Dental Group today to schedule your next dental appointment.
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