Dentistry has come a very long way over the last 20 or so years! What seemed like the best solution then has changed because specialists have found ways to keep treatments more effective and safer. Bellevue modern dentistry also ensures patients feel comfortable during their entire treatment.
A Brief History of Dentistry
Dental treatments have been around for centuries and have continued to evolve into what we’re familiar with today says Terrey Hills Dental. Back in the old days, people used to use the oddest items to clean their teeth, such as:
Twigs
Animal bones
Porcupine quills
Bird feathers
Moving a little closer to modern times, they used to use certain materials that seemed harmful but still worked because of their durability. Today, people are still developing new ways to improve the dental field.
Advances in Dentistry
Dentistry has advanced dramatically to improve patient experience and help dental professionals perform better treatments. Many patients can even get better results in less time. Below are a few of the improvements you may notice next time you visit a dentist today.
Sedation Options
Many people avoid the dentist because of anxiety, which leaves them silently suffering from toothaches and other problems. Modern dentistry techniques can help patients feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair so they can get the necessary treatment they need for a healthy smile. Sedation dentistry has become more popular because it can keep a patient relaxed while they get their necessary treatment.
There are several levels of sedation a person can get, and it all depends on how anxious they are or the type of procedure they’re getting. It involves using sedative medications to help relax a patient or put them to sleep if needed. The kinds available are:
Intravenous (IV) sedation
Oral sedation
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
General anesthesia
Same Day Treatments
Many restorative dental treatments take multiple appointments and several months before being fully completed. This could be inconvenient for many people because they have to find the time to schedule all the separate appointments and take time off to recover from surgery. Thanks to computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, patients can leave the dentist with a brand new smile.
Traditionally, dentists would need to use a mold to create an impression of a person’s teeth so a dental lab can make their restoration devices. The molds are generally goopy and can be uncomfortable (and messy!) for patients. CAD/CAM technology allows dental professionals to take digital impressions of a patient’s mouth.
Certain tools can also make the permanent restoration right there, so the patient doesn’t have to leave the office with a temporary one.
Safer Materials
Today’s dentists are more concerned with the patient’s health and have switched to non-toxic materials for their restoration devices. Metal has always been the go-to because of its durability. Unfortunately, many people are sensitive to metal, and it’s also known to cause several health problems. Not to mention it didn’t look very aesthetically pleasing to have a metal filling standing out in your mouth!
Today, many dental offices are going metal-free. Most fillings and restoration devices are made of composite materials, such as porcelain, that are safe and durable. They also blend a lot better with your natural teeth, so many people won’t even notice them.
Lasers
Lasers are known to be safer and more effective than traditional surgical tools. More offices are introducing lasers for dental surgeries and some cosmetic treatments. When creating incisions, lasers can give a more precise cut and are less painful. If someone gets a procedure done using lasers, they’re also less likely to bruise, scar, and bleed after treatment.
Lasers also remove tissue and kill bacteria. Below are a few common dental treatments that can be performed using lasers:
Teeth whitening
Gum disease treatment
Tooth decay treatment
Soft tissue procedures
Nerve regeneration
Digital X-Rays
Dental x-rays are important for helping dentists find problems with your teeth and mouth. Although dentists take preventative measures to keep you protected, traditional x-rays emit a lot of radiation.
Digital x-rays significantly reduce your radiation exposure, and many dentists say the images are much clearer. Some offices also utilize 3D imaging systems so they can see the complete structure of your tooth or mouth. Digital x-rays can capture certain problems that a traditional one may miss.
Comfortable Environment
Today’s dentists want to ensure that all patients are comfortable enough to visit them and get the treatment they need for a healthy mouth. Along with sedation, many dentists are now designing their practices to keep patients as comfortable as possible.
In a modern dentist’s office, you may find complimentary beverages, televisions, comfortable chairs, music, and even therapy dogs. They do everything they can to ensure each patient feels welcome and comfortable enough to get their necessary treatments. Many other amenities can also be requested by the patient.
Preventative Care
Most modern dental offices offer preventive services to keep problems from occurring. This proactive approach ensures that patients won’t have to undergo lengthy and often expensive treatments to repair damage from disease and other issues. A lot of preventative care is actually handled by a dental hygienist.
More Cosmetic Treatments
More people are paying attention to the appearance of their smiles, so there are now more cosmetic treatments available. If patients need a restorative treatment, the materials used are more closely color-matched to their teeth, ensuring beautiful and natural-looking results.
Intraoral Cameras
Intraoral cameras are small, hand-held cameras that dentists use to get a close-up view of your teeth and gums. This gives them a better idea of what’s going on in your mouth and allows them to spot problems that might not be visible to the naked eye.
Experience Bellevue Modern Dentistry Today
When you visit the dentist in today’s times, you’d be surprised to see all the changes they’ve gone through. It's clear that dentistry has come a long way in recent years. Thanks to advances in technology, dentists are now able to offer patients more comfortable and effective treatments. So, if you've been putting off going to the dentist, there’s no need to wait any longer - modern dentistry is here to help!
