Let's face it. Almost no one enjoys going to the dentist. But the dentistry profession is attempting to make things more comforting for the patient. First, there was sleep dentistry, which enabled you to be knocked out while you got a root canal.

Today, there is 3D dentistry. The overall goal is to not only make your dentist visit less painful, but more precise and faster as well. These days, 3D scanners can create a three dimensional image within a matter of minutes. Do you remember that plastic bulky tray you had to put into your mouth? While it may not have been exactly painful, it was uncomfortable -- and even had the potential to cause your gag reflux to kick in. Not only was it uncomfortable, but the tray could prove to be messy.



3D dentistry is part of an overall growing trend in the dentist profession. It's referred to as Computed-Aided Design, or CAD, or Computer-Aided Manufacturing, or CAM. It involves using a computer to help with various dental procedures, such as crowns, veneers, bridges, dental restorations, inlays, outlays, dental implants, and other orthodontic procedures.



While using the computer for dentistry began over 30 years ago, it took some time to take off. Initially attempts found equipment to be bulky and inconvenient. Over time, as technology advanced, equipment became smaller and more precise. In addition to hardware, more and more digital technology and software has been developed to aid dentists in providing a better evaluation and treatment of your teeth.



Overall, dentists now have more tools in the dentistry toolbox, including many that are high-tech.