04 Mar How is technology used in evaluation and treatment planning?
In a modern oral surgery practice, technology significantly influences your treatment and the outcomes it achieves. Different types of technology are incorporated into all aspects of the multiple treatments provided at our practice, including:
- Dental implants
- Wisdom teeth extraction
- Bone grafting
- Jaw surgery
Certain scanning tools and software packages help us to develop an effective and efficient treatment plan.
Technology in Evaluation
The first step in any oral surgery treatment is to plan for the procedure. An oral surgeon can draw from several types of technology in order to anticipate the surgical terrain and best approach to achieve the desired treatment outcomes.
When preparing for oral surgery, it is helpful to have a three-dimensional image of the surgical site. To create such images at our practice, we use:
- Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), which compiles multiple two-dimensional images into a single three-dimensional representation
- Intraoral scanner, which creates a three-dimensional model by collating several images
- CAD software, which can be used to prepare for surgery or to design restorations that are then created via our 3-D printer
Once the treatment plan has been developed, the focus then shifts to implementing that plan. Technology also plays a role in that process.
Technology in Treatment
The technology that an oral surgeon uses in performing procedures allows for treatment to be more efficient and predictable, both of which are highly desirable to patients.
For example, we can restore a smile in a matter of hours thanks to our 3D printer that produces restorations, such as crowns and bridges, during your appointment, allowing you to be fitted with those appliances before you leave our office.
Additionally, the X-guide utilizes images created by the CBCT and intraoral scanner to guide our placement of dental implants, resulting in a shorter, more precise procedure.
How We Stay Updated on The Latest Advances
Of course, in dental medicine, new technological advances are being introduced all of the time. We are committed to offering our patients the most updated treatment approaches available, so we closely monitor any updates that might help us to achieve that goal.
We work with our vendors and take advantage of continuing education opportunities to enhance our knowledge of any technology that could improve the experiences of our patients. To learn more about how technology is integrated in our practice, visit Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates for a consultation.