Dental Technology: Smart Fillings, Cavity Vaccines, 3D Imaging...

Dental phobias have originated due to sharp, poking instruments and technologies used in dental jobs for decades. Dental research, feedback from patients, and contributions made by
dental practitioners in specialist fields, allows for innovation and developments in dental technology to better serve the wellbeing of patients.

Smart Fillings and Cavity Vaccines

Nowadays we have smart fillings that not only fill a cavity, but release calcium and phosphate ions for healing when triggered by tooth bacteria acid.
Smart treatments form part of clinical studies in re-mineralization to protect the natural state and function of teeth. Research into stem cell
therapies for oral restoration includes use of “tooth buds” from young pigs for dentin and enamel growth that strengthens teeth, and cavity vaccines to
stimulate the immune system and prevent cavities. Even treatments like tooth extraction are seeing advancement in terms of patient
comfort and technique.

3D Imaging and Accoustic Diagnostics

Other technological trends for diagnosing and dental restoration includes Eccovision Accoustic Diagnostic Imaging Systems that use a Rhinometer to
examine nasal passages using sound and a Pharyngometer to map the pharyngeal airway. CEREC 3D Dental Technology is designed to mould ceramic materials
for beautiful personalized fitting of crowns, fillings and veneers. These technologies allow dentists to make the right diagnosis with optimally
designed individual treatments.

Dental Lasers and Digital Analysis

Dental Laser Technology, such as the Waterlase, uses hydrokinetic energy to energise water molecules that target enamel, dentin and decay, allowing
dentists to mould, fill and clean teeth as a gentle replacement to the drill, and are available in some practices across the UK including dentists in Birmingham. This saves both the patient from discomfort and the dentist in experiencing
repetitive vibration from the drill. Dentists, including cosmetic dentists, specializing in jaw and facial restoration will also use surgical operating
microscopes, digital dental X-Ray, and Neuromuscular Dental Technology that measures and records electrical transmission in the muscles of the jaw.

Innovations in dental technology, not only create new systems for analysis of bite, oral forces, anaesthetic delivery and tooth whitening but are also
continually being developed to provide best practice for dentists and patient wellbeing.