Editing Digital Dentistry

{{Short description|Use of computer-based technologies in oral healthcare}}
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== Definition ==
'''Digital Dentistry''' encompasses any dental technology or device that incorporates digital or computer-controlled components. Unlike traditional analog methods, digital dentistry utilizes the [[CAD/CAM]] workflow to improve the precision, efficiency, and predictability of dental treatments.

== The Digital Workflow ==
The transition from analog to digital typically follows a three-step process:

=== 1. Data Acquisition (Scanning) ===
The process begins by creating a high-resolution digital map of the patient's oral cavity.
* '''[[Intraoral Scanner]] (IOS):''' Replaces physical impressions by capturing thousands of images per second to create a 3D mesh.
* '''[[CBCT]] (Cone Beam Computed Tomography):''' Provides 3D volumetric data of bone structure, nerve pathways, and sinus cavities.
* '''Facial Scanning:''' Captures the patient's extraoral features to integrate "Smile Design" with facial harmony.

=== 2. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) ===
Once the data is digitized, clinicians or technicians use specialized software (e.g., exocad, 3Shape) to:
* Design monolithic crowns or multi-unit bridges.
* Plan orthodontic tooth movement.
* Design '''Surgical Guides''' for precise [[Dental Implants|implant]] placement.

=== 3. Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) ===
The digital file (usually in .STL or .PLY format) is sent to a manufacturing unit:
* '''Milling (Subtractive):''' A block of ceramic, zirconia, or resin is carved by high-speed burs.
* '''[[3D Printing]] (Additive):''' Photopolymer resins or metal powders are layered to create models, splints, or frameworks.

== Applications in Specialties ==
* '''Prosthodontics:''' Digital "wax-ups" and monolithic zirconia restorations.
* '''Implantology:''' Computer-guided surgery and immediate loading protocols.
* '''Endodontics:''' Guided endodontics for calcified canals using 3D templates.
* '''Orthodontics:''' [[Orthodontic Aligners]] and digital indirect bonding trays.

== Benefits and Challenges ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Benefits !! Challenges
|-
| Increased accuracy and marginal fit || High initial investment costs
|-
| Enhanced patient comfort (no "gagging") || Learning curve for clinical staff
|-
| Simplified communication with labs || Software interoperability issues
|-
| Better documentation and data storage || Rapid obsolescence of hardware
|}

== See Also ==
* [[Teledentistry]]
* [[Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry]]
* [[Intraoral Scanner]]

[[Category:Digital Dentistry]]
[[Category:Dental Technology]]