Dental Organiser Ltd Garrynagry Roscahill Galway Ireland. H91V8C5 www.dentalorganiser.com sales@dentalorganiser.com
What did Digital Dentistry Ever Do For Me.....? In this newsletter I want to explore the options we now have for Digital imaging. Digital design. Digital Milling in house. Digital Printing I often hear the comment. “I don’t do enough crowns to warrant the investment.”. I would like to look at the bigger picture here. Since 2000 digital dentistry has grown in popularity and scope not incrementally but exponentially. Lets explore some of the applications and implications of what you might be missing.
So What Can You Do With This ( not new) Technology? Indeed you can use it for digital imaging to capture crown preps, upper lower anatomy, and bite registrations with uncanny accuracy. This is currently marketed and the dentist is urged to send this to the laboratory. But this is only half the story. A digital imaging, design, milling printing combination can absolutely revolutionise you practice procedures, your practice finance, and your practice reputation.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning This is so often overlooked, but is one of the most beneficial benefits of this technology. You can image your new patients at your initial appointment. This takes probably 2 minutes an arch, but then you have a record of the patient and can sit then up and show then what you are seeing. Sometimes I will use this simply to have a record and even show them in black and white. Its easier on the eye. This will allow you to discuss a.Periodontal issues (and have a visual record of recession and calculus accumulation). b. Occlusal observations (from inside and out), bruxism, writing teeth , missing teeth. c. Failing fillings. Combined with radiographs, and visual observations of marginal defects , cracks in enamel. d. Potential treatment options in a way that a narrow would never allow. This also allows you to do a “screen grab” and document your observations for notes, future reference and correspondence.”. This is such a powerful tool I cannot emphasis enough.
I often ask to patient to take photos or video of the screen while I talk and summarise their problems and possible solutions to take home and discuss with their partner. These images can also be used in further treatment.