Dentistry Ch7

Information Technology in Dentistry - Chapter Overview

Learning Objectives

  • Upon completion of this chapter, the reader will be able to:

    • Describe the use of computers in education.

    • Discuss the significance of the electronic patient record in integrating practice management and clinical applications.

    • Discuss the impact of changing demographics on dental practice.

    • Describe the use of computers in endodontics, periodontics, and cosmetic dentistry.

    • Define diagnostic tools including X-ray, digital X-ray, electronic concordance, and newer tools that utilize light.

    • Define minimally invasive dentistry.

    • List the uses of computers in dental surgery.

    • Describe the field of teledentistry.

Overview of Dental Informatics

  • Dental Informatics:

    • Combines computer technology with dentistry.

    • Creates a basis for research, education, and addressing real-world problems in oral healthcare using computer applications.

Education in Dentistry

  • Virtual Reality Simulations:

    • Example: DentSim: A program utilizing virtual reality for teaching technical dexterity.

Administrative Applications

  • Key Applications (1 of 3):

    • Computerized Appointment Calendars:

    • Streamline scheduling for patients.

    • Computerized Submission of Insurance Claims:

    • Facilitates the insurance process.

    • Software-generated Recall Notices:

    • Automated reminders for patient follow-ups.

    • Treatment Plan Creation Software:

    • Assists in generating detailed treatment plans.

    • Patient Education Planning:

      • Tools to enhance patient understanding of treatments.

    • Postoperative Instructions:

      • Provide patients with guidance after procedures.

  • Key Applications (2 of 3):

    • Electronic Dental Chart:

    • Standardized data that is easy to search and read.

    • Integrates administrative tasks with clinical information.

  • Key Applications (3 of 3):

    • Systematized Nomenclature of Dentistry (SNODENT):

    • Internationally recognized terminology for detailed clinical data capture in a structured manner.

Demographics and the Transformation of Dentistry

  • Trend Over Time:

    • General improvement in dental health over the last century.

    • Historical Context:

    • In 1900, most individuals lost their teeth by middle age.

    • In the 1950s and 60s, Streptococcus was identified as a primary cause of tooth decay.

    • By the 21st century, fluoride started being incorporated into many water sources.

  • Statistics (Current):

    • According to the CDC:

    • 13.2% of adults aged 65 and older reported complete tooth loss (Years: 2017 - March 2020).

    • 86.9% of children aged 2–17 years had a dental visit in the previous year (Year: 2019).

    • Populations at Increased Risk:

    • Individuals with low income, minority status, and immigrant populations.

Computerized Instruments in Dentistry

  • Fiber Optic Camera:

    • Similar to surgical endoscopes.

    • Used to visualize areas that are difficult to access.

Instruments in Dentistry

  • WAND (STA): Computer-assisted painless anaesthesia machine:

    1. Provides painless single tooth anesthesia without affecting surrounding areas.

    2. Features digitally controlled, slow, and continuous administration of anesthetics.

    3. As anesthesia takes effect, patient feels less discomfort.

  • Digital Intraoral Scanners:

    • Utilized for creating digital impressions in dentistry.

Specialties in Dentistry

  • Endodontics:

    • Involves diagnosing and treating diseases of the dental pulp.

    • Common procedures include:

    • Root canals.

    • Treatment of traumatic dental injuries.

    • Installation of dental implants.

  • Periodontics:

    • Focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the gums and structures supporting teeth.

  • Periodontal Disease:

    • Associated with an increased risk of premature and low birth weight births.

    • More prevalent among African-American populations.

    • Linked to systemic health issues, including strokes and certain cancers (notably pancreatic cancer in men).

  • Cosmetic Dentistry:

    • Bonding: A procedure involving the application of a material to the tooth, which can be shaped and polished.

    • Dental Implants: Replacement for missing teeth, with computer-assisted technology aiding precise placement.

Diagnostic Tools

  • Types of Diagnostic Tools (1 of 3):

    • Standard X-rays.

    • Digital radiography.

  • Types of Diagnostic Tools (2 of 3):

    • Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Scanner:

    • Known for being controversial due to radiation exposure concerns.

  • Types of Diagnostic Tools (3 of 3):

    • Electrical Conductance Measurement.

    • Other Methods:

    • Light Illumination Techniques:

      • Fiber optic transillumination.

      • Digital imaging fiber optic transillumination (DIFOTI®).

      • Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF).

      • Intraoral fiber optic cameras.

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques

  • Fiber Optic Transillumination:

    • Used to detect early caries by transmitting light through the tooth.

  • DIFOTI:

    • Employed for digital imaging of incipient caries.

  • QLF:

    • A method of detecting caries through fluorescence properties.

Lasers in Dentistry

  • Utilization of Lasers (1 of 2):

    • Low-level lasers can identify pits in enamel which may turn into cavities.

    • The FDA has approved laser machines for drilling and filling cavities, and reducing bacteria in the mouth.

    • Note: The American Dental Association (ADA) has only approved one laser system for root canals (as of 2015).

  • Utilization of Lasers (2 of 2):

    • Minimally Invasive Dentistry: Employs laser technology.

    • Periodontists use lasers to reshape gums and eliminate bacteria from periodontal pockets.

Minimally Invasive Dentistry

  • Key Principles (1 of 2):

    • Emphasis on prevention with minimal intervention, prioritizing:

    • Antibacterial rinses and toothpastes.

    • Fluoride treatments.

    • Dietary considerations.

    • Dental sealants.

    • Use of sugarless gum for saliva production.

  • Key Principles (2 of 2):

    • Focus on Remineralization: Addressing demineralization caused by acids.

    • Treatments often involve calcium, phosphate, and fluoride.

    • Use of lasers to vaporize decay—only affecting the decay, not the healthy tooth structure.

Surgery in Dentistry

  • Computers in Surgery:

    • Utilized for anesthesia delivery, planning and creation of dental implants, and monitoring patient vital signs.

  • Radiosurgery:

    • Utilizes radio waves for surgical incisions.

    • Applications include:

    • Gum surgery.

    • Root canal therapy.

    • Oral biopsies.

    • Periodontal surgery.

    • Tumor removal.

Teledentistry

  • Teledentistry Programs:

    • Developed and expanded to facilitate dentist-specialist communications and improve patient care.

    • Research indicates effectiveness across various dental specialties.

3D Printing in Dentistry

  • Applications of 3D Printing:

    • Production of:

    • Dentures.

    • Dental implants.

    • Retainers and aligners.

    • Crowns and bridges.

Conclusion

  • Followed by review questions at the end of the chapter for assessment and reflection.