Technology and Your Smile

How Dental Advancements Have Changed Dental Treatment

The first dental cleaning devices were used by the Babylonians over 5500 years ago.  Their original “chewing sticks” were made from twigs pulled off aromatic trees.  The Babylonians would chew the twig until frayed on one end, leaving the other end pointed.  This became their “chewing stick”, and they would use the frayed end as a brush to clean teeth and the pointed portion to remove debris from between their teeth.  From the 15th century through the early 1900s, toothbrushes were fashioned by attaching the course hair from the back of a hog’s neck to a narrow piece of wood or bone.  By the late 1930’s, the first nylon toothbrush, touted as a softer and more hygienic solution, was introduced in the United States.

It’s hard to believe how much technology has changed the practice of dentistry in the last 80 years.  New  innovations such as air abrasion, lasers, and intra-oral cameras have not only revolutionized the way dentists treat cavities, but also the way they diagnose, treat, and prevent all types of dental conditions.

Replacing the loud, harsh drills of earlier decades, air abrasion technology delivers precision control for removing tooth material.  Intra-oral cameras provide outstanding images using tiny cameras, allowing dentists to have a clear, real-time view of every tooth.  This innovation gives dentists the ability to easily detect and address any small dental concerns before they become serious problems.

Dental digital x-rays cut radiation exposure over traditional x-rays, while providing better images that are available instantly.

With the introduction of durable composite resins, dental restorations today function and look like natural teeth, replacing the gold or amalgam fillings of the past.  Moreover, advancements in dental technology have resulted in dental implants that function as the tooth root, integrating with the jaw bone.  These are just a few of the dental innovations that make a huge difference in the lives of our patients.

Digital dental impressions use a reflective powder with a specialized camera to create a 3D image of your teeth.  The 3D image can then be quickly converted into dental restorations such as dental crowns or bridges.  The dental restorations have the same look and feel as regular teeth, and are ready to be implanted within a couple of hours of taking the 3D images with the camera.

Lasers use light energy that results in nearly painless and quick healing.  Lasers help dentists detect early cavities through a laser-based tool that alerts the dentist when it detects potential cavities.  Lasers are also utilized in a plethora of dental instruments, providing more precision and reducing or eliminating procedure-oriented discomfort in gum disease treatment and other procedures.

New technologies over the last few decades have changed the practice of dentistry, allowing dentists to offer more comfortable dental cleanings and evaluations, provide efficient, effective and long-lasting treatments, and prevent problematic dental conditions before they start.  With continued advancements, dentists will be able to provide optimal oral healthcare in fewer, more efficient visits. 

Miro Dental Center

Dr. Claudio Miro and associates have been treating patients in the greater Miami area for over 30 years. As a team, we believe that the patient is of upmost importance at every level.   We take pride in the care we provide to our patients at Miro Dental Centers. We take the time to make sure our patients are fully informed and are given all treatment options.  Our goal is to the provide our patients with optimal oral health by using state of the art technology.

With the dental field rapidly advancing, we are always looking for new and innovative treatments to serve our patients. We provide all types of services, including dental cleanings, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry.

If you have questions about your dental health or would like to schedule an appointment at our offices in Coral Gables, Kendall, Hialeah, or Hollywood, please contact us today at 305-442-7444.