Technology is the result of accumulated knowledge and application of skills, methods, and processes used in industrial production and scientific research. Technology is embedded in the operation of all machines, with or without detailed knowledge of their function, for the intended purpose of an organization. The technologies of society consist of what is known as systems. Systems operate by obtaining an input, altering this input through what is known as a process, and then producing an outcome that achieves the intended purpose of the system.
The earliest and simplest form of technology is the development of knowledge that leads to the application of basic tools. The prehistoric invention of shaped stone tools and the discovery of how to control fire increased the sources of food that were available to human beings. The invention of the wheel led to the travelling technologies that helped humans to further increase the yield of food production, travel in less time, and exchange information and raw materials faster. Humanity then progressed to the development of the printing press, the telephone, the computer, and then the Internet.
Technology has brought immense change to the medical field in the past few decades. From X-rays and MRIs to gene sequencing and 3D printing, technology is constantly being used to improve healthcare and make it more accessible to people around the world.
This is also true for dentistry, where dental professionals are increasingly using digital technologies to diagnose and treat dental problems.
Digital dentistry is a game-changer for practices. It is transforming every aspect of professional oral care right from diagnosis to treatment planning and follow-ups. Thanks to technology, it is now possible to have virtual consultations and get dental advice from any expert around the globe. Modern devices such as intraoral scanners allow dentists to record digital scans and send them to a laboratory in no time. It is comfortable and reduces the time taken to restore teeth. We have reached a stage where dentists from the USA can send a scan file of the teeth to a dental laboratory in India, get the designing and fabrication done and give their patients a new smile in hours. The use of modern production methods like 3D printing and CAD/CAM systems leads to faster processes with fewer manual errors and allows labs to deliver better fitting, long-lasting artificial teeth
The growing use of advanced digital tools in day-to-day practice enables dentists to improve their patient’s experience and care. An example of such advancements is digital dental radiography, which uses special sensors and software to create digital images of teeth and oral tissue. Surgeons also use Cone Beam CTs to plan implant surgeries for higher success rates. Other digital technologies utilized in dentistry include the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI )for predictable smile makeovers in planning cosmetic treatments like clear aligners. Laser dentistry has also become a popular option for many people. It is a virtually painless procedure that uses a beam of light to remove tooth decay and other oral problems. These are just a few examples of the many ways that the dental field is evolving.
Innovations in dentistry have come a long way and continue to evolve. In India, where the dentist to population ratio is uneven and oral health awareness is low, incorporating technology into daily dental practice allows dentists to provide leading-edge dental treatments in an efficient, comfortable, and convenient manner. What’s more, it also elevates the standard of care and makes it available to the masses.
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