Dr. Paulo Viana of Viana Dental on How Dentistry has Changed in the Last 20 Years

Dentistry has come a long way from what it used to be. In just one century, it has changed drastically, especially within the last 20 years with the introduction of new technology.

To show you how the dental industry has evolved into the high-tech practice it is today, Dr. Paulo Viana, dentist and owner of Viana Dental in London, Ontario, shares some of the more significant ways dentistry has changed over the last 20 years.

Laser Technology

Before the emergence of laser cavity detection technology, x-ray technology was the most common way a dentist would find areas of weakness in the mouth. Today, dentists use a unique wand that uses laser technology to scan the surface of a tooth to detect hidden problems or other oral issues. This type of advanced technology is completely safe, painless, and even more accurate in cavity detection than x-rays or other conventional probing instruments.

There are two main types of procedures used for laser dentistry: hard tissue and soft tissue procedures. Hard tissue refers to the teeth and detecting issues like decay, cavities or treating tooth sensitivity. According to experts from Viana Dental, soft tissue refers to the gums and treating issues like gummy smile, removing soft tissue folds, or reshaping gum tissues.

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening has become a common procedure available both professional and as an at-home treatment. In the early years of tooth whitening, it was known to be an uncomfortable procedure. Today, most discomfort can be easily mitigated, making it a common, not to mention more desirable procedure for brightening a smile.

When it comes to tooth whitening today, there are different ways of doing it — i.e. lasers, gentle chemicals, and even toothpastes. With more readily available options on the market, tooth whitening has become a fairly inexpensive way to achieve a beautiful-looking smile.

3D Digital Imaging

3D digital imaging is another exciting development the dental industry has recently seen. In fact, this type of technology is well on its way to becoming the new standard of dental care. At its most basic, 3D digital imaging involves developing a 3D image of a person’s mouth and skull. Using this technology, dentists are instantly able to see a patient’s teeth as well as any issues related with tissue, muscle, bone, and nerves. The accuracy of 3D imaging is also impressive; it allows for a clearer diagnosis to better prevent future oral health issues down the road.

Dr. Paulo Viana on the Future of Dentistry

New technologies are constantly emerging in dentistry and the industry will only continue to evolve. In the next 20 years, we will likely see even more change to further advance the practice, benefitting both dentists and patients alike. Advanced tools and procedures such as dental lasers, advanced digital x-rays, diagnostic 3D imaging, and other forms of technological innovation have made dentistry a very different industry than it once was 20 years ago, and we look forward to embracing what’s to come in the future, says Dr. Paulo Viana of Viana Dental.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes