This Month's Free CE:
Digital Dentistry: The Golden Age for Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
By Radi Masri, DDS, MS, PhD; Carl F. Driscoll, DMD; Se Jong Kim, DMD; William M. Wahle, DDS
ABSTRACT:
It could be argued that nothing has influenced the art and science of dental diagnosis and treatment planning more than the innovative use of digital dental technology. Acquiring a digital replica of dentoalveolar structures accurately and non-invasively is common with several current systems. This facilitates and enhances diagnosis and treatment planning and refines treatment outcomes. Optical impressions can be obtained and articulated immediately and anatomic information can be evaluated using high-resolution 3D images. Optical scans of teeth, or diagnostic wax-ups, can be combined with 3D radiographic images using the existing teeth as natural fiduciary markers to facilitate diagnosis and treatment planning in implant dentistry. This technology can be used to produce surgical guides that do not allow for intraoperative modification of implant position. It should be fully embraced and implemented in the workflow of dental clinics.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
After reading this article, the reader should be able to:
- Describe advantages and disadvantages of digital technology used for intraoral optical impressions.
- Understand 3D radiographic scanning technology and how it is used in diagnosis and treatment planning for endosseous implant placement.
- Recognize various resources available to learn clinical applications of digital dental technology.