DIGITAL IN DENTISTRY

Advances in digital imaging, computer aided design, internet communication, digital manufacturing and new materials have undoubtedly simplified the diagnostic process and improved treatment outcomes. Patient care and communication can be enhanced substantially by usingseveral new technologies.Digital technology has impact over the patient motivation, practice management and clinical treatment procedures. Be it digital radiographs aiding in diagnosis, CAD-CAM ceramics for better aesthetics and function with less number of appointments, rapid prototyping and stereolithographyfor maxillofacial prosthesis fabrication and still others provide high level of predictability, more convenience and even less number of sittings. The contemporary dental practice has endless options for preserving oral health and provides next to natural aesthetics with an enhanced approach, reduced treatment time, minimized error potential and better quality assurance. These reasons rightly explain present day dentistry being called golden age of dentistry.Digitization started to influence dental fraternity with the form of audio visual aids in both teaching and patient education.