Digital Dentistry: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

Today, digital dentistry has revolutionized the way dental professionals provide patient care. It refers to the use of digital technologies in all aspects of dentistry, including diagnosis, treatment planning, and restoration; encompassing a range of technologies, including computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), three-dimensional (3D) printing, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and teledentistry; a rapidly evolving and transformative field. This review article explores the evolution of digital dentistry, including advancements in imaging, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, and regenerative dentistry, amongst others. It discusses current and future applications of digital dentistry, such as AI, AR, and teledentistry. The potential benefits and challenges associated with these applications are also examined, including their impact on patient privacy, dental education, and the overall practice of dentistry and oral surgery. Indeed, digital dentistry has transformed the way we diagnose, plan, and treat our patients. In other words, the use of digital technologies in dentistry has allowed for greater precision, accuracy, and efficiency, while also improving patient outcomes. An overview of the history and current state of digital dentistry, as well as a discussion of future developments in the field is presented, in addition to examining benefits, limitations, ethical considerations, and the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the rapidly evolving field. To simplify concepts and approaches, real-life examples of how digital dentistry is being used in modern dental practices are also provided to the reader.