Many patients think they know everything they need to about going to the dentist. But it’s a common misconception that dental treatments have stayed the same for decades.
You may be surprised to learn about some modern advancements in dental treatments. Just like other areas of medicine, dentistry is continuously advancing, and new technologies are being developed and becoming available all the time. Here are some of the fascinating new technologies that are accessible today.
Laser technology has revolutionized dentistry. But it is still not widely recognized as an option by patients. The reality is that needles and drills are becoming a thing of the past when it comes to getting filling. You heard us right; the future of fillings is in laser dentistry.
With laser treatment, pain relief is often not necessary at all. The anxiety-inducing noise of the drill is also a thing of the past. Laser cavity filling is more precise as well, meaning less healthy tissue is removed when filling a cavity or performing other dental work.
Many patients do not realize that Botox treatment for pain is even an option, let alone that it is available from your dentist. But dentists are often experts in treating facial pain.
Chronic pain that results from TMD (often referred to as TMJ) is a result of a disorder that affects the area connecting your jaw to your skull. Tension in the muscles located in this area can create pain, soreness, teeth grinding, and damage to the jaw.
Botox relaxes these muscles, relieving tension and jaw clenching. When expertly injected into the area, relief can last for months without interfering with the normal use and movement of your jaw.
In much the same way, chronic headaches can result from excess tension in the facial muscles. Botox injections ease the tension in specific muscles that are responsible for causing these types of headaches.
You may wonder what could possibly be exciting in the world of dental crowns. But new technology is making the patient experience far easier and more convenient when it comes to getting a crown.
If you have significant tooth decay or damage and fillings are no longer the best option, your dentist may recommend a crown. In the past, you would need multiple appointments. First, your dentist would prepare your tooth and place a temporary crown while your permanent crown was fabricated off-site. Then you would have to return to have the permanent crown placed.
Now, with CEREC, we can make your permanent crown right in the office while you wait. Cutting-edge, computer-assisted technology allows us to take digital images of your prepped tooth and manufacture your crown and place it in just one appointment. In addition to convenience, CEREC crowns look like natural teeth and are incredibly strong and durable.
Sleep apnea affects approximately 18 million Americans. It can negatively impact both your health and the quality of your day-to-day life. Unfortunately, when many people think about sleep apnea treatment, they picture large and uncomfortable CPAP machines.
What you may not know is that there are other treatments out there. One option is oral appliances that help to position the jaw to keep your airway open while you sleep, without the need for tubes, masks, and machines. These advanced night guards are shockingly comfortable (you can even speak and drink while wearing them), and they can be extremely effective for many who suffer from sleep apnea.
If you want to find out more about these or other high-tech treatments available for a range of issues, ask at your next regular appointment. Of course, if you are interested in any of these treatments now, schedule a visit today!
