It wasn’t too long ago that when you went to the dentist for certain procedures, like dental impressions, you knew you were in for some serious discomfort. With your mouth stuffed full of a dental compound, the dentist left you alone while it set and you sat in discomfort for what seemed like forever trying not to gag.
Now, however, modern dentistry is making great changes and instead of dental compounds, dentists are using digital impressions. Besides the comfort factor, digital impressions have some other advantages. Let’s take a look…
- Digital scans do not degrade. Dental Products Report shares that because digital scans don’t degrade, they have advantages. They can be stored with a patient’s electrical file and accessed virtually anywhere. They can be reused so the scan only has to be done once.
- Digital scans are more efficient. Because this is a more detailed method than traditional compounds, the end product is better. The need for remakes is reduced. End products can be produced quicker and e the need for consecutive visits is eliminated. Even if a lab still has to make the final product, the images can be sent directly and save time. There’s not an issue of losing images, either, as they are stored and sent electronically.
- Digital scans are more accurate and the resulting products fit better and last longer.
- Dentists also like the ability to see the images at close and detailed context. They can enlarge areas and see exactly what they are working on with digital imaging.
Patient Experience
Getting back to the patient experience, digital imaging is a great advancement. By losing that mouth full of a compound and the tendency to gag, patients are much more comfortable. With comfort, people are more prone to get their dental work done. This, in turn, leads to healthier mouths and better overall health. 3Shape reports a real fear of gagging at the dentist’s office. This fear keeps people out of the office, which is not only bad for the patient but also bad for the dentists.
The American Dental Association reported that 7.5% of patients almost-always gag when they visit a dentist. Because of that, people are afraid to go to the dentist. Imagine as a business owner, losing nearly one in ten customers because they are scared of you.
Patients are much happier in the office, more likely to return and even will tell their friends about the good dental experience.
Modern Dentistry
Digital dentistry is helping modern dentistry move along. While there is nothing wrong with the traditional dental compounds, the digital process is becoming more and more preferred. Dentists like it as it is more efficient, detailed and accurate. Patients prefer it as it is more comfortable and fewer visits are usually needed.
Many people fear the dentists, and this keeps them out of the office. With modern dental practices, this fear can be turned around. The dental world has made great improvements in just a couple of decades. People can now experience a pleasant dental appointment instead of fearing it. With new technology, like digital imaging, patient anxiety can decrease and dental care can increase.
For an appointment with skilled, compassionate dentists using modern dental technology, please contact us at Watkin Dental Associates. We are happy to take care of all of your dental needs and keep you comfortable!