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CAD/CAM - international magazine of digital dentistry

_Introduction Withdentistryasinnovativeanddynamicasitis, theprogressmadeandtheexcitingnewtrendsthat resultareoftenjudgedintermsofthetechnological or financial: We can update our equipment to have apurelydigitaloffice,orwecanadoptnewpractices andoffernewprocedurestoourpatientsthatbring in extra revenue. While these accomplishments are certainly laudable, it is time for dentistry to measure its progress by different standards, ones that affect the profession and the world as a whole. In short, we can examine how our practices and procedures influencetheenvironmentandwhatdentistryasa profession can do to ensure this influence remains positive. Fortunately, dental professionals no longer have to choose between advances in technology and what is considered “eco-friendly.” In fact, practice owners can assure themselves of the best of both worlds by adopting digital technology, such as in-office CAD/CAM systems such as the Planmeca PlanScan System (E4D Technologies). While the practical and financial benefits of CAD/CAM tech- nology are well established, the environmental benefits—though discussed less often and perhaps not as well understood—abound. _CAD/CAM: Why dive into digital? Though not ubiquitous, digital technologies, particularly in-office CAD/CAM systems, are mak- ing their presence known. Dental professionals who integrate these advanced technologies can offer sameday dentistry to their patients; that is, they condense the restorative process of multiple appointments over several weeks down to one appointment lasting a few short hours. Clinicians can digitally scan the patient’s teeth and design the restoration(s) right then and there. Once approved, the restoration(s) can be milled and seated im- mediately. Essentially, in-office CAD/CAM systems are revolutionizing how restorative dentistry is practiced. This CAD/CAM revolution provides almost in- numerable benefits to patients. Multiple appoint- ments for one restoration become non-existent, so patients no longer need to make multiple trips to the dental office. Digital scans eliminate the need for messy, uncomfortable impressions that make patients gag and are prone to errors. Temporary restorationsarenolongernecessary,removingthat extrastepfromtherestorativeprocessandensuring that patients are not at risk for increased sensiti- vity or leakage while wearing sometimes uncom- fortable provisionals for weeks. Finally, definitive restorations are fabricated and placed within hours of scanning and can be adjusted immediately, so patients no longer have to wait for that perfect laboratory restoration. Clinicians,too,reapseveralbenefits.Digitalscans equal easier “impressions” that enable accurate reproductions of patients’ dentition. Restorations can be designed in the office without communica- tion or transfer to a dental laboratory, eliminating back-and-forthexchangesthatcausedelaysorless than optimal results. In fact, restorations can now be fabricated with more patient input, since intu- itive CAD software enables dentists to easily design restorations on-screen while remaining chairside, providing patients with that “wow” factor as they I opinion _ ecological advantages of CAD/CAM 50 I CAD/CAM 1_2015 Going (unintentionally) green: The unexpected bonus of switching to CAD/CAM and same-day dentistry Author_Dr Joel Strom, USA CAD0115_50-53_Strom 02.03.15 13:18 Seite 1 CAD0115_50-53_Strom 02.03.1513:18 Seite 1

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