Digital Dentistry
2021 Overview

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Digital technology has changed the landscape of every industry, altering manual tasks and independent processes into integrated, streamlined workflows. Dentistry is no longer on the side lines of this revolution, but adopting technical advances in imaging, manufacturing, and software integration to redefine the possibilities of dental procedures.

Dental offices can now incorporate computer-assisted technology on many levels, from digital archives and patient education to cutting-edge optical impression systems and same-day restoration treatments. Big or small, fully integrated, or just starting out, dental practices can elevate services and care in ways never imagined decades ago. 

Dentsply Sirona consistently reinvents what is possible in digital dentistry, pioneering new technologies that elevate products and unlock the potential of dental practitioners around the world. How will your office take advantage of this digital revolution?

Dental Treating Patient Using Digital Software

Digital Dentistry Overview

Digital Dentistry refers to technology or devices that use digital, computer-based components instead of mechanical or electrical methods. The goal of digital dentistry is to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of a dental procedure, while producing predictable clinical outcomes. Advances often improve patient comfort, safety, and overall satisfaction. As more practitioners begin to adopt digital technology, innovations in tools, materials, and educational services also increase to support the shift in methods.  

The main areas of digital dentistry extend from the diagnosis and procedures all the way to virtual networks and training. Different levels of digital integration allow for easier adoption of new technology, as case studies and returns on investment become more clearly defined. As digital dentistry continues to shape the future of the industry, significant advances have been made in several key areas.

Digital Impressions & Imaging Systems

Intraoral Scanners have raised the bar for accuracy and speed in obtaining 3D impressions. For many practices, this is the starting point for incorporating digital dentistry into an established workflow. From orthodontics to implants, today’s intraoral scanners and digital sensors offer high-precision results and intelligent processing to quickly assess potential treatment options.

Digital Radiography also allows practitioners to see more and do more, with lower radiation and significant reductions in time. The clinical advantages include intelligent positioning, custom field of view, and autofocus. Through system integration, high-definition display devices can magnify images for increased diagnostic capacity.

CAD/CAM Dentistry & CEREC

Another trending area of digital dentistry is the expanded technology behind CEREC, a method for creating chairside digital restorations. Using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), a dentist can plan, manufacture, and implant a restoration in one visit. This technology is more than 30 years old, but recent advances make the process applicable far beyond single restorations.

CEREC solutions now improve the workflow of restorations, implants, and orthodontics. Integrated technology connects fast and accurate 3D impressions, patient-specific design proposals, and chairside manufacturing technology to produce cost-effective, high-quality digital solutions in just one visit.

Dental Software & Software Integration

Dental Software

An important component in digital dentistry is the behind-the-scenes framework connecting the various systems within a dental practice. Integration takes separate pieces of digital equipment and connects their technology to enhance overall performance and efficiency.

This integration can begin with information management, allowing for better patient scheduling and dynamic patient education directly in the operatory. Easier workflows and improved visual communication directly impact the patient experience, which in turn can increase patient acceptance and retention.

Integration can also improve communication between a dental practice and its preferred partners and specialists. Secure and instant sharing of files enable virtual consultations while the patient is still in the room and quick order submission with laboratories. Digital solutions can extend to custom surgical guides and patient-specific products that expand service offerings without demanding an increase in inventory.  

Dentsply SIrona dental software includes:

Dental Patient

Advantages for Patients

One goal of digital dentistry is to make a dental visit quick and predictable for both the patient and practitioner. Patients may not directly identify the elements of integrated technology in the practice, but they recognize the overall experience is efficient, smooth, and comfortable. Patient satisfaction increases with confidence and trust in the practice.

With more accurate diagnostics, treatments can be more comprehensive and effective. Early detection improves clinical outcomes and reduces recovery time. Instruments enhanced with smart technology simplify surgical procedures, reducing chair time or successive visits. Same-day treatments are now possible for restorations and orthodontics thanks to advances in CEREC technology and chairside milling.

An integrated operatory allows the practitioner to seamlessly adjust to the needs of the patient, accommodating for changes in diagnostics, treatment, and scheduling without leaving the room. Technology becomes more than just a piece of equipment. Digital dentistry is a feature of the dental practice that now touches every part of the patient’s visit.

Dentist Advantages for Digital Dentistry

Advantages for Dentists

Digital dentistry empowers practitioners to perform at a higher level. From the way the office is managed to the way a treatment plan is developed, computer-aided technology allows practices to do more and do it better than ever before.

Advancements in diagnostics and patient-specific treatment options promote positive clinical outcomes. Technical integration improves workflows in daily care and instantly connects partners and specialists to create a reliable source of information and guidance.

Depending how these advances are adopted and applied, digital dentistry can unlock potential profit growth through added patient capacity, more service offerings, and a continuous record of patient satisfaction.  No matter the degree of change, digital innovation can pave the path to a positive future. 

Learn more about how to enable your practice to offer same day dentistry.

Trending Digital Dentistry Products

As the world’s largest manufacturer of professional dental products and technologies, Dentsply Sirona brings 133 years of innovation and service to the dental industry.

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Digital Dentistry Continuing Education

Learn more about digital dentistry with one of the following on-demand webinars. And visit the Dentsply Sirona Academy for more learning opportunities covering the whole range of dentistry.