Why Dental Extractions Are Only Part of a Recovery Procedure These Days

Dentist Blog

If you're of a certain age, the chances are that you will remember early visits to a dentist, where an extraction meant just that – no more tooth in that location. Back in those days this was quite expensive and involved an element of guesswork when it came to replacement, but today the story is very different. Advances in technology and methodology mean that you have several different choices if you are faced with a tooth extraction. What has changed over the years?

Improvements over Time

A modern-day dental surgery relies on the very best in technology to augment the skill of the dentist. Diagnostic imaging, in particular, is one of the breakthroughs.

A dentist can use this type of imaging to very accurately plan where to locate an implant following the extraction of a tooth. In the "old days," he or she needed to rely on two-dimensional images and a lot on their previous experience in order to help them plan. However, there is no element of guesswork anymore as these diagnostic images allow the dentist to determine both the quality and the density of the bone in the target location.

The old x-rays were only able to tell the dentist about the overall dimensions of the bone and could not give any information regarding how dense it was within. Therefore, the dentist did not really know whether the bone was strong enough to support an implant.

Mapping with Confidence

Digital imaging systems are able to fully "map" the anatomy of a patient's jaw without any invasive surgery. Three-dimensional software programs are loaded onto a computer screen in the dentist's surgery and make use of revolutionary cone beam CT scanners.

For the patient, this is groundbreaking. It means that the dentist will be able to determine how effective an implant surgery procedure could be before the treatment takes place. This will in turn reduce the time that the patient needs to be seated in the chair, saving money along the way, as well.

Look for the CT Scanner

Have a word with your dentist to see if they have the latest cone beam CT scanner, as they are becoming very commonplace in surgeries across Australia. This is one of the key developments in dental technology over the last 10 years and it means that it's no longer necessary for patients to visit a third-party location, such as a hospital, to gather this type of medical imagery.

Maintaining the Status Quo

The dentist will always consider replacement options if it's necessary for them to consider an extraction first. The latest technology allows patients to maintain their full aesthetic and functional capability, with full confidence.

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9 October 2017

Dental Care and Seniors: Helping to Maintain Your Smile

As you age, it can become harder to take care of your teeth. Motor challenges can make it hard to floss, while memory issues may make it easy to overlook brushing. Whether you are a senior looking for solutions to some of the common dental problems or a senior with specific questions about cavities or oral surgery, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to touch on a range of topics related to seniors and oral health. This is the type of resource I wish my mum would have had access to in her senior years, and I hope you enjoy having access to it during yours. I appreciate you reading my posts.