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Unlocking the potential of digital dentistry

The internet, social media, mobile phones, connected and smart devices have transformed the way we live. Our expectations of everything from entertainment to shopping, banking and healthcare are unrecognizable from just 10 years ago. Dentistry is no exception. Both patients and the new generation of dentists are digital natives accustomed to fast-paced, seamless experiences in every area of life and they expect the same from dental treatments.

Dentistry is a profession that doesn’t stand still. Over the past 30 years it has flexed from focusing on fixing problems to preventive practice and patient education. Over the same period dentists have adopted many other innovations, including composite fillings, implants and surgically-guided implant dentistry.

Successfully riding the wave of new technology is what sets practices apart from the competition and digitalization is the next step forward. Only by embracing innovation can clinicians and technicians benefit from the cost and time savings afforded by digital workflows, while delivering the quality, convenience and outcomes patients expect.

Everywhere in our everyday lives, processes are now digital because it’s faster, easier to plan and more economical. That's exactly what dental practices need as well. Digital workflows help dentists to increase the efficiency and accuracy of treatments while achieving high quality clinical outcomes.

Cord Stähler, Senior Vice President Digital Platforms & Solutions, Chief Technology Officer at Dentsply Sirona

The benefits of digitalization

Making the shift to digital dentistry is an investment in a bright future. Here we outline the key benefits of digitalization for both dentists and patients:

1. Accurate results. The shift from manual to digital processes is like the move from handwriting to word-processing. For example, if a dentist is unhappy with a digital impression, he/she can just delete and start again. Dentsply Sirona has a long history in developing digital solutions that offer great accuracy, a high level of predictability, and efficiency. The intraoral scanner Primescan speeds up impression taking and act as the starting point for a variety of treatments. The scans are complemented by digital imaging with Axeos. The precise 2D and 3D images enable a solid diagnosis and can be seamlessly integrated into prosthetic and implant treatment concepts. These can be implemented directly in the dental office or in collaboration with a partner lab.

2. Great patient experience. Digital solutions can provide a very pleasant experience for patients. With intraoral scanning there is no need for uncomfortable impression trays or the risk of gagging. Being able to visualize oral conditions and treatments, and view educational content in-chair, patients can better understand their options and are more likely to move forward with their treatment plans. It can also help to improve compliance and soothe nervous patients. Axeos helps to deliver a pleasant experience by offering 30 different ambient light settings and an elegant design. Using digital tools to give patients a good impression of the practice, makes them more likely to return and recommend.

3. Swift solutions. By integrating digital imaging technology with the CEREC system, which includes Primescan, the CEREC software and the CEREC Primemill milling and grinding unit, dentists have the opportunity to complete efficient chairside restorations within an implant treatment. Busy patients appreciate speedy solutions and are more likely to have the treatment done.

4. Cuts costs. Time is money and digital workflows can speed up processes to increase efficiency and treatment comfort. Direct communication with the dental technician via the Connect Case Center can help to save time and enables quick implementation of the planned treatment. In addition, digital solutions support reliable results that mitigate the need to repeat individual treatment steps. They can also cut hidden costs such as time spent managing suppliers, sending off impressions and reordering materials.

5. Safer and hygienic. Digital dentistry is very hygienic and does not require a lot of ‘hands-on’ time. Everything works seamlessly together at the touch of a button – the Primescan AC even works with gloves. Labs no longer have to handle conventional impressions, instead all the data is shared digitally. While digital X-ray also reduces exposure to radiation for both the practice team and patients.

“Today, it is impossible to imagine a dental practice without digital workflows. They make the course of treatment understandable, clear, and comprehensible for the patient. We as dentists use digital solutions to achieve accurate and high-quality results. This can help to shorten the treatment time, as patients’ wishes can be responded to quickly. This efficiency brings a lot of joy into the daily treatment routine,” explains Dr. Christina Erdmann, dentist and co-founder of Die Praxis Mitte in Berlin, Germany.

Digital dentistry impresses patients

Digital dentistry is no longer a ‘nice to have.’ Younger patients and dentists alike expect the seamless experience it offers, while the growing aging population appreciates the ease, comfort and efficiency provided by a digital practice.

“The expectations and demands of patients continue to rise. This is already noticeable when choosing a practice – for patients, modern and high-quality equipment is important because they feel they are being treated ‘better.’ They pay attention to certain features, such as digitalization, and ask before the first appointment. Today, our patients are increasingly well informed and ask, for example, about radiation exposure during X-rays or want simple solutions that can be implemented quickly. This creates confidence, and what is more important? Digital dentistry supports in meeting the patient needs described. Therefore, digital dentistry can impact the success of treatment,” says Dr. Erdmann.

What’s the future for dental digitization?

Dentsply Sirona has been pushing the boundaries of digital innovation for over 35 years and continues to be one of the leading players. It employs a team of more than 650 engineers and scientists all devoted to exploring the potential for digital technology to shape the future of dentistry.

Many practices are beginning to incorporate digital elements into their workflows, but to see real benefits they need to adopt a more holistic approach. Part of a seamless digital workflow is to produce accurate digital radiographs as well as intraoral scans. Today, these can be shared with the patient or a lab. With the use of CAD/CAM technology, such as a 3D printer, patient-specific and biocompatible indications can be produced quickly and correctly on site. All of this has the potential to change dentistry for the long term, both for practitioners and patients.

There are already many innovations in the market and many more to come.

Dentsply Sirona’s latest treatment center, the Axano, will help to drive the shift towards digital dentistry with its smart design, excellent workflows and digital experience. Axano’s Smart Touch control mimics the interface dentists are used to on smartphones helping to simplify processes and make work easier. Without leaving the treatment center, dentists can swipe and tap to pull up X-ray images, access their practice’s internal network and get automatic reminders about servicing. A hygiene cockpit shows what hygiene measures are due soon and can be used to automatically start processes such as regular flushing and monthly intensive disinfection.

It supports excellent workflows with integrated endo and implant features, ensuring smooth and efficient processes with a high level of safety. Patient and dentist comfort is prioritized and a range of features can be adjusted at the touch of a button from soothing, ambient lighting to ergonomic working positions for the whole team. Thanks to Axano’s integrated camera and 22-in monitor, intraoral images, 3D X-ray images or videos can be visualized and discussed immediately with the patient.

Digital treatment centers like Axano are about more than comfort and ease of use, they are designed to sit at the heart of an intelligent, connected ecosystem as Stähler explains: “You don't buy a digital treatment center if you don't want to network it with the practice. I am firmly convinced that sooner or later no dentist will be able to avoid complete digitalization of the practice.”

3D printing technology will continue to evolve with the introduction of new materials such as biocompatible resins, and improved printing technology that will allow dentists to to manufacture patient-specific and biocompatible appliances at the touch of a button.

Virtual consultations and teledentistry have the potential to reach new patients, deliver education on oral health at home to improve compliance and provide a regular dialogue with patients. They can also free up treatment time for urgent procedures.

Apps can be used to help illustrate the necessity of treatment to patients and help them visualize the results. Artificial Intelligence could be used for detailed analysis of the interaction between prevention and treatment, while digital imaging could help to track the distribution and prevalence of oral diseases to enhance healthcare provision. We could even see ‘virtual patients’ being created using digital imaging and 3D printing to provide precise pre-operative clinical assessment.

It’s a journey

“Digitalization is an infinite journey,” explains Stähler. “And one that can contribute to improved oral health globally. Dental practices that embrace this change have it in their hands and can reap the rewards in terms of high efficiency, productivity and most importantly excellent patient outcomes.

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