July 5, 2021
There is a lot of buzzes nowadays about 3D printing technology & the changing future of dentistry, especially implants.
Concepts that have long since been the stuff of science fiction are not only becoming a reality.
This advancement in technology has enabled the creation of things that could not be imagined in the past.
3D printing is expanding its use to a wider range of applications every day, and the field of dentistry has also begun to realize its potential.
It can bring amazing advantages to a wide variety of dental procedures.
In this post, we are going to take a look at how 3D printing works and how dentists & implantologists at Kirkland Premier Dentistry are using it to maximize patient benefit.
We will also reflect on just how far this technology may go in the future to bring unimaginable improvements to the world of dentistry. The opportunities are limitless.
3D Printed Dental Implants
You will be surprised at how 3D-printed dental implants are designed. They aid in restoring any missing teeth you might develop.
The design structure of bones and tissue for each patient is different.
Also, the nature & extent of the damage that the patient has suffered is also entirely unique to them.
Because of this, implants should be custom-made and uniquely designed to fit each patient.
3D metallic implants are made by building complex pieces with intricate & minute internal structures with essential variations straight from a computer-aided design or CAD drawing.
Experts are adopting 3D scanning & three-dimensional printing to craft patient-specific prosthetics and dental implants with unprecedented precision.
The result? Next-gen prosthetics & custom-made implants.
The Prosthetics
The chief product purpose of 3D printing or additive manufacturing is prosthetics. 3D printing is already improving prosthetics by making them custom-fit and affordable.
Using a patient’s MRI or CT images, prosthetic limbs of any complexity, size, and shape can be produced within 24 hours.
Conventionally, prosthetic sockets are made from standard shapes & later modified according to the patient’s measurements by shaving metal to the desired shape.
It takes many iterations to obtain the right fit. The new approach enables the fabrication of personalized dental solutions in prosthesis implants.
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How are Dentists Using 3D Printers?
Ascending with this technology for use in the health industry didn’t need much time, as innovators in the field quickly started exploring 3D printing capabilities.
Patients around the globe have already started getting 3D printed objects to assist in their healthcare, including prosthetics & bone substitution.
Doctors and surgeons are also availing of its ability to instantly design & create custom specialized medical tools, enabling them to do their jobs better, faster, and with improved patient recovery times.
Dentists, orthodontists, and implantologists are using 3D printing technology in oral care as well as in research and testing.
Using advanced scanning equipment; exact imitations can be made of practically any part of the human body, including the jaw and teeth.
By having such precise replicas to work with, dental implants and corrective devices can be devised to fit better, appear better, and have better functionality than ever before for virtually every patient.
There are immense advancements in the materials that can be used to make 3D printing. While a majority of them are printed using plastics, there are now a wider variety of composite materials being used.
These composites are combinations of materials to produce characteristics that are best suited to the purpose where the 3D printed appliance will be used.
For instance, some include metallic elements, which are useful for artificial tooth implants.
In dental applications, materials are being created that will be remarkably hard & tough, just like real tooth enamel, and on top of that, they can also be infused with antibacterial properties.
Generally, three-dimensional printing is being used in the creation of dental implants and crowns.
The method yields a final object that is indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
The shape, size, color, and position of the artificial tooth or crown are all precisely fashioned to ensure a perfect match for your smile.
Progressively, at Kirkland Premier dentistry, we are using the strongest possible crown and implants for your dental restoration.
What is the Future of Dentistry in 3D Printing Metallic Implants?
With this amazing technology, options are limitless and it is merely the beginning. More and more applications for getting even better results will be discovered.
Even now, materials of implants have become stronger and more durable providing better adhesion and fusion to natural bone and gum tissue.
We are now equipped with advanced materials & technology to give you the perfect smile you have always wanted.
At Kirkland Premier Dentistry Dr. Gaurav Sharma has 400+ hours of Continuing education from the prestigious AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry) He applies for the latest research & advances in dentistry to provide the best dental care to patients.