Whether we have given it any thought or not, technology has impacted on our lives in so many wonderful ways. We now have an incredible wealth of information, ideas and expertise at our fingertips. Dentists and Dentistry have not been excluded, changing our attitudes to implants and their new replacing teeth capabilities. Welcome to the digital world of the Same Day Teeth Suite.
Digital planning strategies to replace missing teeth
Digital planning strategies in implant dentistry have not only generated improved diagnosis but safer and more predictable planning of implant surgery procedures. Before considering implant surgery, we can now take digital photos of the patient’s mouth. The photos are then put up on our big plasma screen, not only allowing our dentists to diagnose the problem and see what treatment is needed, but to communicate with the patient the intricacies of what is involved. This not only gives the dentist the opportunity of communicating complex issues visually but allows the patient to participate, working with their dentist to achieve a final result they know they will be happy with. Digital planning removes the guesswork and gives you confidence in the implant procedure. The digital photos continue to be used by the team of dentists, the technicians and the hygienist to produce the best results all-round.
X-Rays
Another new concept, we take digital x-rays to provide us with information about the quality of your jaw bones, where the nerves are placed, where your sinuses are and where your teeth are, above and below the bone. We can see from the x-rays not only where there are existing problem areas but where there might be problems in the future.
CT Scan
A CT scan is an invaluable piece of technology for implant surgery and complex procedures. Computed tomography, CT, is a special type of x-ray equipment used when regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. We use this technology to produce three-dimensional images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan. The scan allows us to place the implant in the software, so we have a precise model at the time of your surgery. The CT scan allows us to produce an accurate digitally constructed guide, making the surgery predictable and safe.
CAM
Another modern addition to dentistry is the use of Computer-aided manufacturing. CAM is the use of computer software to control machine tools and related machinery in the manufacturing of dental crowns for implants. We work closely with our team of skilled technicians to produce realistic, natural looking teeth which not only look good but fit and function as well as your natural teeth. Following on from the impressions we make of your teeth in the surgery, CAM technology takes over. The technical team at our laboratory scan your impressions into their software. Each step of the process can be recorded and adjusted from a three-dimensional model on their screen. The computer, under the eye of an expert technician, instructs the machines and your new teeth are custom-made to fit accurately, in size, shape and colour. The team can guide the tools to make minuscule adjustments so you can eat and smile comfortably and confidently. Modern crowns, or replacement teeth, are not a case of one size fits all but engineered from great materials as precisely as a Swiss watch.
Have you lost or need to replace your teeth. Please email us we would love to hear your personal experiences.