Dental News - Basic instincts and the dental metamorphosis

Michael L. Young, USA

Tue. 18 November 2014

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The world of dentistry has undergone profound change during the last 30 years and is steadily evolving toward a digital world. As dental practitioners, our major concerns are dental anatomy and physiology, materials science and perfecting our preparation and dental operative techniques. It was challenging enough to master the techniques of achieving the perfect margin while simultaneously learning to become physicians of the oral cavity, as well as being small business owners.

Today, however, dentistry has undergone a rapid revolution as it incorporates technology at a dizzying pace. Not only are dentists physicians of the oral cavity, master technicians, materials scientists and business people, they are finding themselves in the position of needing to understand and master advanced aspects of computer engineering and a vast array of available digital technologies.

Digital impressions change the traditional methods and workflow completely. These digital technologies, however, give us complete control over results, with improvements in patient comfort and convenience and the quality of restorative results. Techniques and processes have matured and advanced to the point that they can provide same-day results, predictably and in an extremely cost-effective fashion, and with great acceptance by our patients.

I was an early adopter of digital technology. The integration of the Romexis software with the patient’s soft-tissue scans and CBCT image provides valuable information for exceptional treatment planning. The flexibility of the open platform is the core of Planmeca’s systems. The modularity and support that I receive allows me to practice better dentistry.

Digital transition doesn’t have to mean major upheaval — as a matter of fact, the digital transition simply puts a new spin on what you already know and is often all you need to make huge strides in improving your practice and providing a better patient experience. After all, the basics are the foundation of change.

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