Digital Dentistry

This comprehensive reference book aims to describe and demystify the underlying principles of digital technologies. Contributions from authors with differing expertise emphasize the influence of digital technologies across a breadth of disciplines and review how we can acquire, manipulate, and leverage digital data within those disciplines. Also examined are the similarities and differences between available and emerging systems, the value and use of digital approaches to clinical cases, and the challenges and opportunities intrinsic to both integrating new technologies into dental practice and keeping up with rapid changes. Previewing the future, this resource explores the potential impact of new innovations on how and what we practice, as well as how we think, teach, and pursue knowledge. Energizing our ingenuity and imagination, this book lays the groundwork for dentistry's vibrant and exciting future. (EDITOR).

Digital equipment in all dental practices is commonplace. From digital imaging through electronic recordkeeping, general dentists and specialists are seeing more accurate diagnoses, faster treatment times, and lower costs for equipment. Here in one volume is a comprehensive look at the digital technology available, describing indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, limitations, and applications in the various dental fields. Included are digital imaging, digital impressions, digital operative dentistry, digital prosthodontics, digital implant fabrication and placement, and digital applications in endodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery. The book is ideal for dental students seeking a reference for digital dental technology and for seasoned practitioners and specialists interested in incorporating digital technology in their daily practice.

This book describes the fusion of CBCT and CAD/CAM technologies for the purpose of surgical dental treatments and explains the advantages and applications of this digital approach for implant placement procedures and other oral surgical protocols. All aspects of computer-aided imaging and design are first covered in the textbook, including the creation of DICOM and STL files; followed by the process of virtual merging to obtain a combined image. Secondly, clinical tips for the use of digital wax up, software interactions and accurate template fabrication are explained, including subtractive and additive methods used for this manufacturing step. The remainder of the book is devoted to the application of technology fusion in implantology, guided bone regeneration, and maxillofacial surgery. Both static and dynamic guided surgeries are described. Materials characteristics and surgical instruments are also presented to define a correct selection criteria. The digital approach outlined in this textbook involves a paradigm shift in the way traditional oral surgery is conceived. Technology fusion aims to improve treatment accuracy, optimize clinical time and reduce patient morbidity. Clinicians will find this book to be a valuable guide for virtual surgical planning and a path to introduce themselves into the exciting world of digital dental surgery.

An indispensable introduction to using digital technology in dentistry Digital Dentistry: A Step-by-Step Guide and Case Atlas provides basic information on the use of digital resources to find a diagnosis, create a treatment plan, and execute that strategy within different dental specialisms. This manual includes the science behind all procedures that use digital technology and provides a clinical step-by-step guide toward the use of these developments for every dental specialty area. Users will find a wide range of areas covered, from prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, and endodontics to oral and maxillofacial surgery and public health. This book also includes: A guide to all current basic digital imaging and CAD-CAM procedures, with an emphasis on the most popular systems and software programs. An atlas of multidisciplinary cases that were treated with digital dentistry, from diagnosis and treatment planning to execution and follow-up, in order of complexity Assessment of the scientific basis for using digital dentistry in each category A presentation of clinical cases to support the use of digital methodologies in all relevant scenarios An exploration of the role of digital dentistry in dental public health, preventive dentistry, and dental education Ideal for dental clinicians—general practitioners and specialists—as well as all other dental professionals, such as dental technologists, dental hygienists, and dental students, Digital Dentistry: A Step-by-Step Guide and Case Atlas is an essential tool and reference work to help dental practitioners streamline and update their practice with the most up-to-date technologies.

Dentistry is the practice of evaluating, diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, and related structures. This includes both nonsurgical and surgical procedures. Dentistry is provided by dentists who have received education, training, and experience in professional ethics and applicable laws. The field of pediatric dentistry has experienced a significant transformation due to the incorporation of cutting-edge technology and inventive medical instruments. Teledentistry has emerged as an effective and convenient approach for interacting with a wide variety of young patients. Teledentistry, in its contemporary understanding, encompasses the provision of teleconsultation support through online platforms, accessible at any time and from any place. This advancement provides a multitude of benefits that are particularly significant in the present healthcare setting, surpassing the traditional method of in-person dental treatment. Teledentistry offers a significant advantage in terms of increasing public knowledge about different oral health conditions and effectively conveying crucial information, particularly for children. Teledentistry effectively utilizes online media platforms to reach a wide and specific audience, particularly in emergencies where quick and comprehensive communication is vital. Within the field of pediatric dentistry, this implies that caregivers and parents can promptly obtain guidance and information, promoting improved oral hygiene practices for children and ensuring that vital information is readily accessible to address emerging dental problems in the younger population.

In this book, we have explored the strategies, tools, and mindset required for dentists to thrive in the digital era. The digital revolution has brought about unprecedented opportunities for dental professionals to enhance patient care, streamline processes, and build a strong online presence. As we conclude this journey, let's reflect on the key takeaways and issue a call to action for dentists ready to embrace the digital transformation. The dental industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing patient expectations. To remain competitive and provide exceptional care, it is crucial for dentists to adapt and harness the power of digital tools and strategies. Building a strong online presence, leveraging social media, optimizing websites for search engines, and embracing digital marketing are essential steps to reach and engage with today's digital-savvy patients. Furthermore, the digital revolution presents opportunities for dental professionals to enhance patient experiences, improve workflows, and stay at the forefront of the industry. Embracing innovations such as digital dentistry, electronic health records, and tele-dentistry can revolutionize the way dental practices operate and connect with patients. By adopting these advancements, dentists can deliver more precise treatments, streamline administrative tasks, and offer greater accessibility and convenience to their patients.

This book offers up-to-date, readily understandable guidance on the materials and equipment employed in digital restorative dentistry and on the specific clinical procedures that may be performed using the new technologies. The key components of digital restorative dentistry – image acquisition, prosthetic/restorative design, and fabrication – are fully addressed. Readers will find helpful information on scanners, the software for prosthetic design, and the materials and technologies for prosthesis fabrication, including laser sintering, 3D printing, CAD/CAM, and laser ablation. The section on clinical procedures explains all aspects of the use of digital technologies in the treatment of patients requiring removable partial dentures, complete dentures, fixed partial prostheses, crowns, endodontics, and implant surgery and prosthodontics. The field of restorative and prosthetic dentistry is undergoing rapid transition as these new technologies come to play an increasingly central role in everyday dental practice. In bridging the knowledge gap that this technological revolution has created in the field of dentistry, the book will satisfy the needs of both dentists and dental students.