Digital Dentistry
What is Digital Dentistry?
Digital dentistry is a technological system that utilizes 3D scanning and printing systems (CAD/CAM).
Which Specialties is Digital Dentistry Most Commonly Used in?
Digital dentistry is particularly used in the construction of prosthetic restorations and surgical treatment planning.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues within the body. Most MRI machines are large, tubular magnets. When you enter an MRI machine, the magnetic field temporarily rearranges the hydrogen atoms in your body. MRI is often used to diagnose diseases or monitor response to treatment. Unlike X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, MRIs do not use radiation. They are most commonly used in dentistry for the diagnosis and treatment of joint diseases.
Ultrasound Imaging (Ultrasound): Sound waves have many applications in technology and medicine. One of these is ultrasound, a medical imaging method that uses sound waves to visualize the outlines of tissues and organs within the body. This technique uses sound waves at a frequency much higher than the human ear can perceive, and their return time is calculated to create an image of the examined area. In dentistry, it is mostly used for the diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland diseases.
What are the Advantages of Digital Dentistry?
Advantages of digital dentistry:
3D scanning systems enable near-perfect alignment,
Replacement dentures can be delivered the same day, eliminating laboratory time,
Eliminating errors that may occur during the laboratory phase,
Minimizing errors in surgical procedures.
What is a Digital Impression?
A digital impression is the process of capturing thousands of images per second of the mouth, soft tissues, and teeth using a movable fiberoptic camera and converting these images into a 3D structure using software on the device connected to the fiberoptic camera.
Advantages:
It prevents dimensional changes seen in impression materials used in traditional methods.
It prevents laboratory errors that may occur when obtaining a plaster model.
It provides comfort for the patient.
It saves time for both the patient and the dentist.
What is Digital Design?
Digital design involves converting a digital impression into a 3D model using software and then creating a 3D model on the computer in terms of size, shape, and color.
Advantages:
The program produces veneers that best suit the patient's occlusion.
It reduces the time the dentist spends fitting the veneer.
It reduces the number of fitting sessions required for the patient.
Veneers can be produced according to the aesthetic preferences of both the dentist and the patient.
What are Digital Imaging Methods?
Diagnosis in dentistry is crucial for the success of the treatment. Radiographic examination is as crucial as clinical examination in making a diagnosis.
Traditional radiographic examination methods (periapical films, panoramic images) do not always provide sufficient information for diagnosis. In such cases, digital imaging methods come into play.
Digital imaging methods frequently used in dentistry:
3D Dental Tomography: Tomography is a 3D imaging system that allows for the most realistic examination of soft tissues, jawbones, and their internal structures with low radiation levels.