Technology In Implant Dentistry
We are all experiencing it. Technology is advancing faster than we can all imagine. I can still remember the 16 bit floppy disk I used to boot a computer, and look at what we can do with our phones today. It is the same in dentistry. Everyday, we hear about better materials, better techniques, and better tools - to help us treat out patients better. This results in more comfort, less cost, and definitely less invasive dentistry. It is especially true for implant dentistry. Often times, we can remove teeth, place implants, and give our patients a bridge that screws into the implants on the same day. (above) The implant positions were pre-determined using 3D x-ray, and pre-designed on the computer. A guide that was 3D printed fit over the patient's existing teeth (or gum tissue). Surgery usually is more precise, less invasive, and with shorter recovery time. Because we can accomplish much more in shorter period of time, the per implant cost is also greatly reduced.