Technology in Modern Dentistry
Technology has revolutionized dentistry, making treatments more precise, faster, and comfortable.
One major innovation is digital X-rays and imaging. According to CareCredit, “digital dentistry can improve your oral care experience, with benefits like improved accuracy and shorter appointments.” This means fewer retakes and quicker visits for patients (ADA News).
Another breakthrough is intraoral scanning. The American Dental Association confirms, “Intraoral scanners may provide a faster and more comfortable experience for patients than the traditional method of taking an impression.” They’re used routinely—about 53% of surveyed practices use them—and they help improve outcomes and practice efficiency (ADA News).
These scanners eliminate the need for uncomfortable putty molds and create precise 3D models that are instantly sent to labs or used in-office. This digital data also integrates seamlessly with CAD/CAM systems, allowing dentists to design and mill crowns or bridges on-site, often in a single appointment.
Beyond imaging and scanning, digital workflows are streamlining dental practices, too. According to a recent article from Dental Economics, integrating digital technologies “simplifies administrative processes, increases overall dental practice efficiency,” and allows staff to focus more on patient care (Dental Economics).
In short, modern dental technology, from digital X-rays and intraoral scanners to CAD/CAM workflows, benefits patients with better comfort, faster care, and more accurate results. These advances mark a new era in dentistry where innovation meets compassionate care.
Sources
CareCredit: Digital Dentistry: What It Is and How It Can Benefit You (July 2024)
https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/health-wellness/what-is-digital-dentistry/ADA News: Digital dentistry: What to know about a few popular technologies (June 2022)
https://adanews.ada.org/2022/june/digital-dentistry-what-to-know-about-a-few-popular-technologies/3Shape News: ADA study finds 53% of surveyed practices using an intraoral scanner (Oct 2022)
https://www.3shape.com/en-us/news/2022/ada-study-on-ios-usageDental Economics: Fully harnessing technology to advance dental practice efficiency (June 2025)
https://www.dentaleconomics.com/science-tech/article/55286732/fully-harnessing-technology-to-advance-dental-practice-efficiency
