Beyond the Drill: Exploring Innovative Technologies Revolutionizing Dental Care

Innovative technologies have revolutionized dental care in recent years, enhancing the lives and oral health of patients. At Tonka Smiles, we are not just keeping up with these advancements, but we are also committed to exploring and adopting them to ensure our patients receive the finest care possible, placing their comfort and health at the forefront of our practice.  

3D Printing 

3D printing allows dentists to create custom crowns and other dental prosthetics in-house, eliminating the need for a separate dental lab to create patient prosthetics. This saves time and money for patients, who can often get a crown or prosthetic while they wait instead of having to return days or weeks later. 

Laser Dentistry 

Laser dentistry minimizes bleeding and healing times while improving recovery for a wide range of dental procedures. A laser can remove damaged or diseased tissue when treating tooth decay, oral lesions, or gum disease. 

The incredible precision of lasers allows dentists to target specific tissue, leaving healthy tissue untouched. The result is less swelling, bleeding, and pain following dental work. The high degree of accuracy also means less risk of complications such as infection and more predictable, effective results. 

 Intraoral Scanners 

Intraoral scanners are small, hand-held devices that take high-resolution, 3D images of the oral cavity. They are used for everything from routine checkups to cosmetic and restorative dental work. With intraoral scanners, dentists can see areas of the mouth that are otherwise difficult to access. The scanners create 3D images on a computer screen, allowing dentists and patients to see everything clearly, improving patient understanding and outcomes. 

Digital Impressions 

Intraoral scanners contribute to another innovation in dental technology – digital impressions. While patients used to bite into trays filled with unpleasant goop to create an impression used for making dental prosthetics, digital impressions eliminate this messy step. 

Intraoral scanners use tiny cameras to produce highly detailed digital impressions without the need for trays or goop. These digital impressions are more accurate than conventional impressions, so fewer adjustments are needed. The end result is more comfortable and effective prosthetics and oral appliances. 

Teledentistry 

Teledentistry first rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, it remains a valuable way for dentists to interact with patients. For patients in rural areas or those who may have difficulty making it to a dental appointment, teledentistry gives them the opportunity for routine exams (using a camera or video chat) without traveling to the office.  

In emergencies, dentists can advise patients on minimizing pain and address immediate concerns until they can reach the office. While teledentistry doesn’t replace in-person physical exams and treatments, it offers an alternative when traveling to the dentist isn’t possible. 

Tonka Smiles: Our Commitment to Innovation

Technological advances have clearly contributed to the accuracy, effectiveness, and comfort of dental procedures in recent years. These innovations have also made dental care more affordable and accessible to individuals who may not have had access to affordable dental care in the past. At Tonka Smiles, we will continue to explore technological innovations in dentistry in order to offer our patients the best care possible. 

To learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson or Dr. Phillips, please call our office at Tonka Smiles Phone Number 952-938-8533.