HEALTH: Dental health goes hi-tech

2009/08/04

SUZANNA PILLAY

Digital dentistry, which is not only less invasive but also more precise in its diagnostic procedure, is now available in Malaysia. SUZANNA PILLAY writes. A VISIT to the dentist is something that many would like to avoid if they could. Part of the fear stems from being kept in the dark about procedures being done to your teeth and the inability to see what’s happening inside your mouth once he/she gets to work.

But this is set to change with digital dentistry which aims to help provide better care and service to patients, by being more efficient and avoiding unnecessary procedures. Additionally, they equip dentists with better diagnostic tools and improve treatment to the patient.

“Digital dentistry is already practised in Malaysia, but many are not aware of it because not every dentist has the equipment, which can be costly. The easiest way to identify whether a dentist offers this new technology is to look for the LCD screen attached to the dental chair. The LCD screen can be used as an intra-oral camera which can show patients the condition of their teeth, areas in their mouth that need work and areas which are in good condition,” said Dr Lee Soon Boon, president of the Malaysian Dental Association.

Dr Lee said not only had digital photography found its place in dentistry, to show patients a track record of “before and after” treatment, but it was also handy for dental/legal procedures and for maintaining dental records on patient’s clinical visits.
“These can be recalled and displayed on the LCD screen as can digital X-rays, so that both dentist and patients can have viewing access to them when necessary.”

Apart from improving doctor/patient communication and maintaining records, Dr Lee said digital technology also made some dental procedures like crowning quicker. “Nowadays a lot of digital and IT technology can make procedures more precise and less invasive.”

THEN: The string engine and push pedal method for tooth extraction is used. (left) NOW: Modern-day dental equipment is IT smart.

An example would be tooth restorations like crowning. The traditional method dentists previously had to follow when it came to crowning/tooth restorations was to prepare a patient’s tooth by making a mould/impression of the tooth which was then sent to the laboratory technicians, who would then model the crown by hand.

“It was a very labour-intensive process which not only takes time but had a high risk of human error. Now with computer-aided design and manufacturing technology (CAD/CAM technology), everything is done by computer. The dentist prepares the tooth which is then scanned into the computer. He then proceeds to design an appropriate tooth in terms of shape and size for the person, and where best to position it, in accordance to the patient’s cosmetic needs and for optimal functioning.”

He said previously, waiting periods to get a crown ranged from a couple of days to a week, but with the new process it takes only one to two hours for a patient to get a crown. It also allows more input from patient and dentist about the look of the crown, which is shown on computer for them to make alterations to. When both patient and dentist are happy with the crown, only then it is manufactured by computer. A machine cuts the crown unlike the traditional method where the cutting is done by a lab technician and both patient and dentist have no idea what the resulting crown would look like until it’s back from the lab.

Another area he identified digital dentistry as being useful in was in diagnostics and rooting out dental problems.
“This new digital technology can even detect diseases at early stages, whereas with traditional tools you would need dental diseases to spread and manifest in a more serious condition before being able to do so.”

To raise awareness of the topic, Dr Lee said a seminar on Digital Dentistry will be held from Aug 15- 16 at Vistana Hotel in Penang.

When it came to Malaysians’ dental health, Dr Lee said the No.1 cause of most dental health problems is bacteria. He said there is a big misconception among the public that tooth decay is caused by consumption of sugar and sweet things alone.
“These bacteria are always present in your mouth but you shouldn’t allow them to grow in numbers and to cause damage. Practising good oral hygiene will help control the bacteria population and thus slow the development of a cavity.”

He also advised on the need to use a proper toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss when cleaning teeth. He cautioned on the use of mouthwashes, and other products made with alcohol or other chemicals as they may lead to dehydration and increase the bacteria population. These include caffeinated beverages, laxatives and smoking.

For good oral health, yearly dental check-ups are also a good practice to adopt. “Don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist if you are anxious about any procedure.”

Members of the public can find out more about the harmful impact of bacteria on teeth, get free dental check-ups and advice on oral hygiene at two upcoming Oral B roadshows which will be held in conjunction with the launch of Oral-B’s latest Cross Action ‘Pro-Health’ toothbrush this month.

The first roadshow will take place at Giant, Kota Damansara, on Aug 29 and 31 while a second roadshow will take place at Jaya Jusco, One Utama Shopping Complex on October 10 and 11.