Dental technology is making dental visits easier for patients because of the effectiveness and efficiency used through digital x-rays, laser dentistry, and implants.

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Growing up as a dentist's daughter, I always loved going to the dentist. I would proudly wear my "I love my dentist, he's my dad" t-shirt. But unlike me, a majority of the population has a large distaste for dental visits. Many books and movies love to play on this fear, making dentists look like villains. 

According to Dr. Lisa Heaton, about 75% of adults experience dental anxiety. This issue is so prevalent that the amount of people who experience dental phobia is compared to be about the same as those who experience fear of heights. 

This phobia generally stems from the fear of pain, but also takes into account the fear of seeing bodily fluids or needles, gagging, or the drilling sound. But those that stay away from the dentist will suffer tremendously, resulting in tooth decay and eventually tooth loss. 

With a poor reputation, dentists have been trying to find a way to alleviate their patient's nerves and make them more comfortable. Some dental offices have installed TV monitors in the ceiling or provide headphones to keep their patient's preoccupied. 

Even with these distractions some patients are still distraught. Patient comfort is becoming a priority when creating new tools in the dental field. Digitized x-rays, laser dentistry, and dental implants will make dental procedures easier and more comfortable for patients, especially apprehensive patients. 

Compared to traditional x-rays, digital x-rays are much more efficient because the image appears almost immediately and contains a fraction of the radiation. 

Even though I like going to the dentist, I still find the process of getting x-rays taken uncomfortable. It's understandable that many people don't like placing a large, rigid object in their mouth, but digitizing the process has eased some patient's nerves. 

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Because the process is digitized, x-ray images show up on computer monitors within seconds. Being able to immediately see a radiographic image, opposed to waiting 10 minutes or more, is easier for both the dentist and the patient. This way, dentists are able to diagnose right away. 

Digital x-rays are more effective because they can be enlarged on the monitor. A large image makes it easier for dentists to clearly see dark patches or abnormalities on the x-ray. This is also more comforting to the patient because they are better able to see and understand the dentist's findings. 

There is also the added apprehension from receiving any form of radiation. Patients can be comforted by the fact that dental x-rays emit such little and non-penetrating radiation that it is shown to have no influence on the likelihood of cancer. Compared to all of the other forms of radiation emitting x-rays, dental x-rays emit a negligible amount. 

Laser dentistry will eliminate patient discomfort because it is quick and many times does not involve need for anesthesia. 

Laser dentistry is a fairly new concept, but is becoming more and more popular, especially for those afraid of needles. Certain procedures, that normally would require use of needles, do not require injecting anesthetic or placing sutures. 

This is also a viable option for those afraid of seeing blood because properties of the laser cause blood to clot more quickly. Not only are procedures quick, but less tissue is damaged resulting in more rapid healing time, thus appealing to patients afraid of post-operative pain. 

Lasers are commonly used for frenectomy procedures due to all of these benefits. A frenectomy is done on patients who have a small amount of tissue between the lip or tongue and the mouth. This restricted movement affects speech and other functions. 

According to Dr. Christopher Owens, the procedure with a laser takes about 1.5 minutes, maybe less and involves little blood and no sutures. This is very different compared to the traditional method that takes about 15 minutes and involves use of a scalpel and sutures. 

Laser dentistry is also a very popular option for those that do not enjoy the sound of the drill. For cavities, a laser is used to remove decay, making the need for a drill unnecessary. Laser dentistry is ever growing due to its popularity among patients who are afraid of going to the dentist. 

By replacing missing teeth with dental implants, patients are given the confidence to show off their teeth while also giving them the ability to chew and eat normally. 

The procedure of placing a viable dental implant is a lengthy, tedious procedure, but its benefits tremendously outweigh discomfort during the procedure. Dental implants instill familiarity and confidence by filling gaps with realistic looking teeth. 

Many times when patients have missing teeth, they tend to cover their mouths or simply keep their mouths closed. By placing dental implants, patients become more comfortable with themselves and have a new sense of self-confidence. 

Besides the aesthetic appeal of dental implants, they are very practical. When one is missing teeth, he or she can no longer chew food as he or she used to. The food easily slips into the gaps between the teeth and the opposing tooth is unable to break the food down. With dental implants, there are no large gaps between the teeth. This allows for patients to eat hamburgers or salads comfortably, instead of just mashed potatoes or soup. 

Yes there are other alternatives to dental implants, such as dentures that have been in practice for many, many years, but nothing compares to the comfort of having a fixed dental implant. Fixed dental implants allow patients to eat whatever food they desire. Even though dentures fill the gaps where teeth used to be, they are still not stable, permanent fixtures in the mouth. 

Because dentures aren't anchored, they can move when a person chews, causing sores to develop on the gums. Not only do dentures not allow for easy chewing, but it does not allow for someone to chew their food well. This means that patients with dentures must always be cautious and conscientious when eating. Implants alleviate this nuisance by acting as a normal, fixed tooth. 

Dentists are better able to treat their patients through the use of dental technology because patients are less apprehensive. 

I interviewed Dr. Paul S. Yi, a general dentist in Baltimore, MD. At his dental office, he has implemented digital x-ray technology and laser dentistry, and offers dental implant services. 

As was said in his interview, Dr. Yi does see dental technology making dental procedures easier and more comfortable for patients. He touched on several topics mentioned earlier such as less radiation exposure and less invasive procedures. 

He also gave insight into his own experience with doing a frenectomy with a laser. Ultimately he enjoys this method much more because of the greatly minimized post-operative pain for the patient. Also, as mentioned earlier, it was a quick procedure and involved very little blood.

Besides convenience for the patients, Dr. Yi agrees that dental technology makes it easier for him to work on patients, ultimately leading to better execution on his part. By patients being less apprehensive, he is able to work in a "more efficient and more effective" manner. 

Patients are more comfortable in the dental chair because of the more patient-friendly technology being used. 

In the introduction I mentioned two types of people: those who love the dentist, such as myself, and those who absolutely avoid the dentist at all cost. I interviewed two people from both ends of the spectrum and interestingly enough, both patients agree that the new dental technology would make visits to the dentist easier and more comfortable for them. 

Patient Ngo stated that she was never very apprehensive about going to the dental office. She clarified that she didn't necessarily enjoy it, but didn't get nervous. She goes to see her dentist regularly and is indifferent about it. 

At Patient Ngo's dental office, digital x-ray technology is used over traditional methods. As a pre-med student, she said "it was interesting that I could see a big picture to better see the nerves and bone surrounding the teeth." 

After explaining the different new developments in the dental field, Patient Ngo stated in her interview that she would be more willing and more comfortable to go to the dental office. 

On the other hand, Patient Park is very apprehensive about going to the dental office. She avoids going until she feels pain. Currently, she is avoiding going to the dentist so she won't have to get her wisdom teeth extracted. 

Patient Park does not have a designated dental office because she hasn't been to a dentist in over four years. When I asked Patient Park to be interviewed, she said "I'm sweating already just talking about the dentist." 

After explaining the patient benefits of new dental technology, Patient Park seemed to be eased slightly. She is still apprehensive, but her willingness has changed. She was specifically intrigued to learn that many laser dentistry procedures do not use drills because, as many others do, she strongly dislikes the noise. 

Dental technology's turn toward appealing to and catering to the patient seems to have a positive impact on patient willingness and dentist performance. The combination of all of these factors results in better oral hygiene, and ultimately better care of the body.