In recent years, same-day dentistry has revolutionised the way that care is delivered. Modern workflows allow a range of solutions to be completed in one appointment, benefiting both the patient and practitioner alike. However, it is crucial that such procedures are implemented without any compromise on the quality of treatment provided. To achieve all this, it is crucial that dental teams have a few aspects in place.
Meeting demand
A broad body of research has found society to have become increasingly impatient over time. Whether assessing patience in the run up to government election results or getting on a bus, it seems the general public tolerate the wait less than they once did. The immediacy made possible for so many routine tasks today is driving demand for the same in every aspect of life.
The evidence suggests a similar lack of patience within a healthcare environment as well. Many people have already admitted to seeking private healthcare because they did not want to wait for it to be available to them on the NHS. Interestingly, this was particularly apparent among younger generations.
For dental professionals, the same desire for fast results can be seen in practice every day. Especially for those who regularly treat young people or who provide a high proportion of cosmetic solutions, the availability of short treatment times can often significantly improve patient acceptance and satisfaction. Clinicians and their teams benefit from more efficient treatment workflows, streamlining the appointment schedule, enabling more patients to be seen and increasing earning potential.
Challenges and practicalities
To deliver fast and efficient treatment – whether same-day or not – there are several considerations for dental teams to work through. Firstly, the team must have the knowledge and skills to deliver these streamlined workflows confidently. This might require specific training, clinical or otherwise, to ensure that colleagues understand the steps and how to collaborate with each other where necessary.
The next step is having access to the appropriate technologies. Digital dentistry has largely become mainstream in the last few years, with practices all over the world utilising its advantages. However, this is not simply about investing in digital equipment; businesses must invest in the right digital solutions for them and their patients.
3D printing and same-day solutions
Which technologies are required for same-day dentistry? There is no one solution fits all, but there are some options that will suit most practices striving for increased efficiency and quality. An intraoral scanner is one example of how a clinician might replace a time-consuming and tedious analogue process with a quicker, more accurate digital workflow. Digital impressions are fast becoming the norm across the dental disciplines, eliminating the need to produce and send physical impressions to labs or colleagues in prosthodontics.
A 3D printer is another example of cutting-edge technology employed by dental practices to elevate their services and their business. Whether utilising the equipment to fabricate temporary or final restorations, orthodontic aligners or retainers, surgical guides for implant placement or dentures, a 3D printer affords several benefits. These include increased workflow efficiency, improved predictability and faster treatment outcomes – ultimately facilitating same-day dentistry in various different situations. The latest 3D printers also help to reduce costs (to the practitioner and patient) and require fewer appointments for patients while ensuring the same or higher quality dentistry that clinicians could achieve with previous workflows.
Consequently, same-day dentistry is made a reality for a range of treatment areas with 3D printing. All these benefits and more are maximised when you chose to work with a proven solution like those from from SprintRay. Midas is a digital restoration press, using innovative technology to deliver crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers. It offers efficient processes, is easy to use, delivers high accuracy and is unique in that it uses low viscosity resins for expanded material options. Crowns can be printed in only 10 minutes, with a total treatment time of 45 minutes or less. For other indications, the SprintRay Pro 2 3D printer delivers unprecedented accuracy for restorations, retainers, dental models, hybrid dentures and more.
The crossroads
Many dental practices today are at a crossroads – invest in technology to protect the future of the business or wait a little longer, become a late adopter and risk getting left behind. Same-day dentistry is not only more common in today’s world, but it is increasingly expected by patients. The implementation of 3D printing provides a way to streamline workflows while obtaining the highest standards of quality and accuracy. Consider the investment for your practice’s future today. Can you afford not to?
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