Harris KhanAt Nock Oral Surgery, our main priority as professionals in our field is the ultimate care and comfort of our patients. We prioritize utilizing all of our resources and skills to the best of our patients’ expectations. It is in our best interest to maximize comfort not only at our office, but after the procedure and throughout their lifetime.
Oral surgeries, such as dental implants and wisdom teeth removal, are meant to last a lifetime after all. These surgeries and advancements in the field of our craft are meant to enhance the way we go about our lives, with as minimum maxillofacial pain as possible. In doing so, the human race evolves with these advancements for the betterment of us all.
To break it down, this not only means we excel in our craft of surgical care. It also means we stay up to date with the latest technologies and embrace the breakthroughs they provide in the ever so advancing world of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Over time and even recently, the field of oral surgery has witnessed a remarkable surge in technological advancements, revolutionizing the way procedures are performed, outcomes are achieved, and most importantly, how patients are cared for.
Let us take a look at some of the innovative technologies shaping the future of the field.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Unlike traditional two-dimensional X-rays, CBCT provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the oral and maxillofacial structures with minimal radiation exposure, also making it easier to double down on detail and precision. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) represents a significant leap forward in diagnostic imaging for oral surgery.
Laser Dentistry
Entails using lasers to perform dental procedures. They remove the tiny amount of teeth to reshape the tooth or prepare them for other procedures. Laser dentistry is less invasive and typically results in less bleeding, swelling, and pain than traditional dentistry. This goes a long way in ensuring patient comfort.
Piezoelectric Surgery
A technology based on the high frequency vibration of a metallic tip used to selectively cut bone while sparing surrounding soft tissues. Consists of using ultrasonic vibrations to cut bone and tissues, making dental surgeries like tooth extractions less traumatic and more precise. The technology also reduces the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Robotic platforms, such as the da Vinci Surgical System, enable surgeons to perform delicate maneuvers with enhanced dexterity and visualization, leading to improved surgical outcomes and reduced complications. Robotic-assisted surgery is particularly beneficial for procedures requiring precise tissue manipulation, such as tumor resection and reconstructive surgery.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Therapy
This involves harnessing the regenerative potential of the patient’s own blood to accelerate healing and tissue regeneration following oral surgery. Your surgeon will draw a small amount of blood from your mouth and spin it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and other healing factors. The resulting material helps promote faster healing and reduce the risk of complications after dental surgeries.
Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
A type of manufacturing method that uses computer software and automatable machinery to create products with a high degree of accuracy and precision. This allows surgeons to customize dental restorations, such as crowns and bridges. The technology is perfect for patients needing immediate restorations after tooth extraction.
Mobilization of Stem Cells
Stem cells have special restorative properties unique among other cells, and recent advances in surgical technology have made the acquisition of stem cells easier and safer than ever before by discovering stem cells in teeth.
What makes them special is they regenerate and restore the cells in the skin, bones, muscles, cartilage, nerves, and other natural tissue. Stem cell technology in oral surgery is used to treat gum disease and periodontal problems
Digital Imaging
Digital Imaging is the creation of a digital representation of the visual characteristics of an object, such as a physical scene or the interior structure of an object. This is impactful in the world of oral and maxillofacial care, because by using intraoral scanners and digital imaging technology, oral surgeons can obtain highly accurate, detailed 3D images of the oral cavity without the need for messy traditional impression materials.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
AR and VR platforms enable trainees to practice surgical techniques, simulate complex procedures, and enhance spatial awareness in a virtual environment, fostering skill development and confidence before entering the operating room. These platforms also go a long way in reducing anxiety about future surgical procedures.
These newer technologies are reshaping the landscape of oral surgery, empowering professionals to deliver safer, more precise, and patient-centered care. From Piezoelectric Surgery to robotic-assisted surgery and regenerative therapies, these innovations are revolutionizing every step of the surgical journey, from diagnosis and treatment planning to detailed precision and postoperative recovery.
By embracing innovation and harnessing the power of the ever changing world, oral surgeons are poised to usher in a new era of excellence in patient care. At Nock Oral Surgery, we stay on top of these trends and are always embracing any sort of innovation that will leave our patients walking out of our office with a smile, as bright as ever.
We hope you found this blog informative and have furthered your interest in the ever expanding field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Thank you for reading and hope you have a wonderful rest of your day!
This article was written by Anna Naim at Third Loft Marketing.
