Facts About Modern Dentistry From Our Columbia Dental Office

In our Columbia dental office, we understand how important technology is to our practice and to our patients.  As new methods, of treating teeth, become available, we aim to incorporate the technology and tools into our practice in order to improve the experience of our patients.  Still, it is amusing how many people still believe the Hollywood image of dentistry.  Despite popular belief, dentists are not eagerly running around pulling teeth or torturing people with a dental drill.  The opposite is true, as we mainly focus on how to keep our patients healthy and comfortable at the same time.

Here are facts about modern dentistry that you should know:

We can get a better view than we used to.

Imaging has improved so while traditional x-ray machines are being used less and less, we can get a better view of what is happening inside of the mouth than we used to.  This is important because it allows us to map out the procedure and create a plan for treating the problem without irritating the surrounding tissue or teeth.  By improving the accuracy and precision in which dental work is completed, we can ensure that patients are more comfortable and have a faster recovery period overall.

Discomfort is a thing of the past.

Modern dental care is extremely comfortable due to sedation dentistry.  In our dental office, we can help you to relax and eliminate any dental anxiety that you may have with the use of medication.  We can also numb the area that we are treating and provide pain relief so that you remain comfortable and happy while your dental procedure is being completed.  If you are concerned that you may feel discomfort, don't be.  Let us know about your worries and we will incorporate sedation into your treatment plan.

Restorations look natural.

Previously, a lot of people would get a filling after a cavity or a dental crown, and they would be made out of silver amalgam.  This meant that any time a person smiled, their mouth would look like they had dental work done.  This was embarrassing for many people, and now these restorations can be replaced with something that looks natural.  We offer tooth-colored fillings and crowns so that whether they are needed for a filling or to correct a damaged tooth, it is impossible to tell that dental work was ever performed.  These restorations are both durable and beautiful, making them a perfect solution.

New technology is available.

Science has grown leaps and bounds over the past two decades as computerized technology has made it possible to perform a variety of medical treatments using smaller tools, lasers, and other non-invasive methods. The same applies to dentistry.  The tools that we use are smaller and more accurate than in the past and we can complete procedures with little to no irritation of the surrounding tissue in order to prevent unnecessary discomfort.  Overall, technology is creating a more pleasant experience for patients of our dental office.