Changing the Way the World Smiles

Dentistry has evolved and has achieved the distinction of being highly advanced technologically

Dr Sanjay Karla

Scientists have continuously innovated newer technologies to give that million dollar smile. Here are top three trends that changed the way the world smiles.

Computer-guided Implant Surgery

While the average life span of Indians has increased by 10 years, so has the need for fixed and permanent solution for missing teeth—dental implants is one such solution.

The implants improve your appearance, restore your smile and confidence and allow you to have food you like without worrying about your teeth. Conventionally, the implants are placed in the jaw bone in patient's mouth involving a minor surgery followed by fixed restoration after three to four months. The implantologist today, is now able to virtually analyse and plan a surgery before actually performing it in patient's mouth. The technology of computer-guided implant placement allows dentists to accurately and safely replace a single tooth or all teeth in as little as an hour or two. This concept is called Computer-aided/computer-guided implant placement (CAD). CAD software helps the dentist to carry out a virtual surgery on the patient's simulated jaw on the computer, so the prosthesis can be prepared in advance. CAD helps to create a surgical template to perform the surgery in the patient's mouth as per planning on the software.

The computer-guided surgery offers many advantages. It is precise and accurate, safe and predictable, quick and convenient, aids faster and healthy healing, less discomfort, less sittings and waiting time, immediate loading and functional teeth, no incisions and sutures, no blood loss and swelling and no contraindications and complications.

Treatment Choices

Due to advances in materials and techniques during the past 25 years, cosmetic dentistry has made great gains. Today, there are many options for solving cosmetic dental problems. The contours of the teeth can be changed for a more pleasing appearance. If the colour is too dark, you can try professional bleaching. Chips, cracks or fractures can be repaired with bonding, and veneers can cover a multitude of problems like gaps, stains, poor shape, or teeth that are out of alignment. Less visible and 'invisible' braces may help make treatment possible for those individuals who have important cosmetic concerns. The braces are placed on back side of teeth so they are not visible. Because of these new procedures and materials, one can have more natural looking and attractive teeth.

One of the latest option is porcelain laminate veneers—a coating crafted out of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. These veneers greatly enhance the look of your smile with as little discomfort as possible. These veneers are made to suit the patient's individual need and are indistinguishable from natural teeth.

These can be placed on teeth with minimal tooth preparation. The texture and finish of porcelain veneers make them highly resistant to external staining. Due to their durability, looks and comfort, veneers have become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today. Veneers today are widely used by people in the entertainment field and show business to obtain a beautiful smile.

Lasers in Dentistry

Dental laser is an exciting innovation to the practice of dentistry. Laser dentistry is capable of significantly minimising discomfort, enhancing recovery times and improving the overall efficiency of the dental office. In essence, a dental laser is a medical device that generates a precise beam of concentrated light energy. This beam sterilises the area and can simultaneously coagulate blood vessels which minimise the occurrence of infection(s) and/or bleeding. Patient discomfort is decreased and the need for anaesthetic in many cases may be completely eliminated. Certain procedures can be performed in a fraction of the time, which means less time in the chair for patients and greater practice throughput for dentists. Lasers are used to perform a variety of hard and soft tissue procedure, including cutting (hard and soft tissue), coagulation, bacterial decontamination, curing and activation of bleaching materials.

Latest in lasers is laser tooth whitening—a safe, quick, convenient method that boasts of significant results. Laser whitening is one of the most lucrative laser dentistry procedures and it can deliver excellent results while minimising the discomfort, inconvenience, excess time and potential chemical absorption risk associated with other whitening procedures.

Future

Dentistry has evolved and has achieved the distinction of being highly advanced, technologically. Extensive research on stem cells is going on and we may one day be able to grow our own teeth.

The writer is Professor and Head Department of Prosthetics BRS Dental College Gurgaon
E-mail: Ikalrasanjay2000@rediffmail.com