APPLICATIONS OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN DATA TRANSFER FROM THE DENTAL OFFICE TO THE DENTAL LAB

Abstract

Nowadays, digital technologies represent an essential tool for dentists and dental technicians, and the backbone of the communication between them. Aim of the study is to analyze the application of digital technologies in a common dental office and in transferring information to the dental lab. Materials and methods. The retrospective study included patients who presented for treatment to the dentist, in a 12 months period of time. Searched databases included dental charts, radiologic and imagistic data (OPG, CBCT), clinical photos and digital dental impressions. A comparison was made between the used digital tools as frequency. Results: 580 patients were included, 275 men and 305 women, aged between 19 and 82. Digital technologies used in the dental office in the studied period were: OPG (100%), CBCT examinations (25,34%), digital photographic exams (38,10%), intraoral scanning (24,13%), digital intraoral impressions (19,65%). Conclusions: All patients who attended the dental office during the study period received an OPG examination, while significant fewer patients were investigated using other digital technologies. For an easier, faster and complete data transfer between dental office and dental lab, digital evaluation is mandatory.

Keywords

• digital dentistry
• optical impression
• intraoral scan
• dental laboratory
• oral rehabilitation