Current Location: Delta Dental > Oral Health and Wellness > Pediatric Oral Health > Dental Procedures
Print this Page Send to a Friend

Dentistry: It’s Not the Same Old Drill

Imagine going to your dentist's office without hearing the whirring of a high-speed drill—sounds nice, doesn’t it?

New developments in dental technology eventually may replace the drill for certain procedures.5 And that isn’t all that’s on the horizon. Here are only a few of the many advances dental experts see when they look into the future.

Laser Surgery

Already, an intense beam of laser light is being used to remove ulcers and operate on gums. Lasers have been licensed to remove cavities and fill teeth, and they are also being studied for their use in strengthening teeth to prevent decay.2,5

Digital X-Rays

Some dental professionals are already using digital X-ray machines. Digital pictures allow the dental professional to adjust the image to make them lighter or darker and to see the details of your teeth in greater detail. They also expose patients to less radiation and don’t take as long as traditional X-rays to develop.1

The Soundest Advice

Technological advances aside, the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy are still tried and true. Follow these suggestions:

  • Brush your teeth gently at least twice a day, paying special attention to the gum line.3

  • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and help freshen your breath.3

  • Floss your teeth at least once a day.3

  • The combined process of brushing and flossing should take about three to four minutes. Here’s a suggestion: Brush for the length of one song on the radio or use an egg timer to keep pace.4

1 “Why Do I Need X-Rays?” Academy of General Dentistry, March 2007. www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=342&Topic=X&ArtID=1373 Accessed 2008.

2 “Lasers: Frequently Asked Questions.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/public/topics/lasers_faq.asp Accessed 2008.

3 “Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums (Oral Hygiene): Frequently Asked Questions.” American Dental Association, March 14, 2005. www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning_faq.asp Accessed 2008.

4 “What Is the Best Technique for Brushing?”Academy of GeneralDentistry, February 2007. www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=291&Topic=B&ArtID=1133#body Accessed 2008

5 “Technology: Dental Light Sabers: Coming Soon?”Academy of General Dentistry, June 2005.  www.agd.org/public/newsroom/pressreleases/Default.asp?PubID=45&IssID=403&ArtID=1566 Accessed 2008.

</>

Date Last Reviewed: 10/14/2008
Date Last Modified: 10/14/2008
The views represented by this article are that of the author and not of Delta Dental. This article is provided for information only. Please consult with a licensed dentist to discuss the best way for you to improve or maintain your oral health.

In all cases, specific group contract provisions, benefits, limitations and exclusions take precedence over oral health recommendations given here. We recommend that you contact your dental benefits carrier to determine the specific limitations and exclusions for your group.