A dentist’s skill and experience are two huge factors that determine how well they can care for patients. However, technology also plays a big role in the type of service they are able to provide. When you choose a dentist who uses cutting-edge instruments in their practice, you can expect efficient, high-quality treatment. Let’s talk about just one piece of technology that is changing the way dentist’s care for patients — a 3D dental printer.
Better Product Quality
In the past, dental lab technicians depended primarily on plaster models when creating various types of prosthetics. Such models could get worn down through use, and they were not always 100% accurate to begin with. Today, 3D printed models provide a more stable, more reliable form that technicians can use to complete their work. This results in higher-quality end products and improved patient care.
Faster Care
3D printers use detailed scans to print top-quality plastic dental products. The process is fast and automated, resulting in more efficient care. Of course, the speed of 3D printing does not mean that accuracy is sacrificed. A top-quality 3D printer can precisely create the designs given to it.
Improved Patient Experience
3D printers can be used for numerous applications in dentistry, all of which have the potential to improve a patient’s experience. For example, a dentist can a 3D printer one to create a surgical guide for dental implant placement. The guide ensures that the implants are placed at the exact location, angle, and depth that they should be. This reduces the risk of complications and facilitates an easier recovery time for patients.
Reduced Expenses
The cost of materials and labor in a dental laboratory can add up to large amounts. Those expenses get passed along to the patients who are benefiting from a dentist’s care. When a dentist invests in a 3D printer, they are spending several thousand dollars (or more) for the equipment. Over time, however, they can save a significant amount of money and, in turn, choose to adjust their fees so patients can enjoy treatment at a reasonable price.
In-House Oversight
A dentist who has an on-site 3D printer can keep a close eye on every aspect of a patient’s care, including portions of it that, in the past, always took place at an off-site dental laboratory. The streamlined care made possible by 3D printers reduces costs, minimizes errors, and results in overall superior dental care.
Does your dentist use a 3D printer and other advanced tools? If so, you can rest assured that you are enjoying the benefits of the latest innovations in the realm of oral health care.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Robert Bruce McDonald and the other skilled dentists at Ocean Oaks Dental Group are committed to providing the best patient care possible. Not only do they have many years of combined experience, but they also keep up-to-date with innovations in dental technology. Our on-site dental lab includes a 3D printer and other highly advanced instruments. To learn more about the tools we use to make our patients’ smiles healthier and happier, contact us at 772-569-4424.