Pittman Dental Laboratory Blog

How can AI enhance your dental practice?

Posted by Bill Williams on Jun 26, 2023 6:00:00 AM

AI can play a significant role in helping dentists gain and retain more patients in their practice by enhancing various aspects of their services. Here are some ways AI can assist dentists in patient acquisition and retention:

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Topics: marketing, marketing your practice, new patients, aquiring new patients, AI, artificial intelligence

Eight Typical Steps For Dental Implants

Posted by Bill Williams on Jun 12, 2023 6:00:00 AM

When a patient decides to get All-on-4 dental implants, which is a technique used to restore a full arch of teeth, they will typically go through several steps. Here's a general overview of the process:

1. Initial Consultation: The patient will schedule an initial consultation with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon who specializes in dental implant procedures. During this consultation, the dentist will assess the patient's oral health, evaluate their jawbone density and structure using X-rays or CT scans, and discuss their dental history and expectations.

2. Treatment Planning: Based on the evaluation, the dentist will create a customized treatment plan for the patient. This includes determining the number of implants required, identifying the optimal implant positions, and discussing the materials to be used for the prosthetic teeth.

3. Preparatory Procedures (if necessary): In some cases, patients may require preparatory procedures before the implant surgery. This can include tooth extractions, bone grafting to enhance the jawbone density, or treatment for any existing oral health issues like gum disease.

4. Implant Surgery: On the day of the surgery, the patient will be given anesthesia or sedation to ensure their comfort. The dentist will then surgically place the dental implants into the jawbone. The All-on-4 technique involves using four implants per arch, strategically positioned to maximize support and stability.

5. Temporary Prosthesis: Following the implant surgery, a temporary prosthesis (denture or bridge) will be attached to the implants. This temporary restoration allows the patient to have functional teeth while the implants integrate with the jawbone during the healing period, which can take a few months.

6. Healing and Osseointegration: Over the next few months, the implants will gradually fuse with the surrounding jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This provides a strong foundation for the permanent prosthesis.

7. Final Prosthesis Placement: Once the osseointegration is complete, the patient returns to the dentist for the placement of the final prosthesis. This prosthesis is custom-made to match the patient's natural teeth in terms of color, shape, and size. The dentist will attach the prosthesis securely to the implants, ensuring proper fit and aesthetics.

8. Follow-up Care: After the All-on-4 procedure, the patient will have follow-up appointments with the dentist to monitor their healing progress and ensure the long-term success of the implants. Regular check-ups and proper oral hygiene practices are crucial to maintaining the health of the implants and prosthesis.

It's important to note that while the above steps provide a general outline, the exact process may vary depending on the patient's individual needs and the specific protocols followed by the dentist or oral surgeon.

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Topics: aquiring new patients, Dental Implants, Oral Surgeon, Focal Point, Guided surgery

Keeping Remake Percentages Down

Posted by Bill Williams on May 31, 2023 11:50:43 AM

Pittman Dental Laboratory – Keeping Remake Percentages Down

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Topics: Remake Percentage, Dentist, Dental Lab Remake Percentage, Dental Lab

Harnessing the Profit-Boosting Potential of Clear Aligners in Your Dental Practice

Posted by Bill Williams on May 23, 2023 11:23:30 AM

In the rapidly evolving field of dentistry, staying ahead of the curve is crucial to maintaining a thriving practice. One innovative development that holds immense profit-boosting potential is clear aligners. Not only do they provide patients with discreet and comfortable orthodontic treatment, but they also offer a range of advantages for your dental practice's profitability. In this blog post, we will explore how incorporating clear aligners into your treatment options can drive financial success and secure the future of your practice.

Expand Your Treatment Options:
As dentists, it's essential to adapt to changing patient preferences and demands. Clear aligners have gained tremendous popularity among individuals seeking orthodontic solutions that are aesthetically pleasing and convenient. By integrating clear aligner therapy into your services, you can cater to this growing market and attract new patients who value discretion and comfort. Expanding your treatment options to include clear aligners positions your practice as a modern and patient-centered destination for orthodontic care.

Enhance Case Acceptance:
Traditional braces can deter patients from pursuing orthodontic treatment due to their visibility and potential discomfort. However, clear aligners provide a solution that addresses these concerns. The ability to remove aligners for oral hygiene routines and enjoying favorite foods without restrictions significantly improves the patient experience. Consequently, patients are more likely to accept treatment when it aligns with their lifestyle and preferences. By offering clear aligners, you can increase your case acceptance rates and ensure a steady flow of orthodontic patients.

Streamline Workflow and Increase Efficiency:
Efficiency is a key factor in driving profitability for any dental practice. Clear aligner therapy offers a streamlined workflow, reducing the need for frequent in-person appointments. Leveraging digital technologies and advanced software, dentists can plan and track tooth movements with precision, minimizing the need for manual adjustments. This optimized treatment process not only saves time but also enables you to accommodate more patients, maximize your resources, and enhance the overall efficiency of your practice.

Improve Treatment Predictability:
Clear aligners leverage cutting-edge technology to provide highly accurate treatment planning. By incorporating 3D scanning and computer-aided design, you can achieve improved treatment predictability. This allows you to anticipate outcomes and timeframes for each patient more effectively. The reduced risk of unexpected complications and prolonged treatment durations enables you to better plan your schedule, resulting in improved productivity and profitability.

Generate Strong Patient Referrals and Reviews:
Happy patients are your best brand ambassadors. Clear aligners offer a discreet and comfortable orthodontic experience, leaving patients highly satisfied. When patients are pleased with their results, they are more likely to refer their friends, family, and colleagues to your practice. Positive word-of-mouth recommendations can significantly boost patient flow and contribute to practice growth. Moreover, patients sharing their experiences through online platforms and review websites further enhances your practice's reputation, attracting new patients and bolstering profitability.

Conclusion:

As you navigate the dynamic landscape of dentistry, it's crucial to seize opportunities that not only improve patient care but also enhance the profitability of your practice. Your Smile Factor clear aligners from Pittman Dental Laboaratory offer a win-win solution, providing patients with a modern and comfortable orthodontic option while opening doors to financial success for your practice.

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Topics: marketing your practice, aquiring new patients, Your Smile Factor, Clear Aligners

Working with your dental lab to get more patients.

Posted by Bill Williams on Apr 28, 2023 10:28:37 AM

Today there are many ways a dentist can advertise their practice in their community. There are traditional methods like local radio, billboards, and postcards. There is also digital marketing that involves websites, social media and email campaigns. However, one often overlooked source is your current dental lab. They have a vested interest in seeing you prosper. The more patients you have, the more work they get. Below, I examine common marketing strategies available to dental practices and I show you some ways your dental lab can assist you in these areas.

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Topics: marketing, marketing your practice, new patients, aquiring new patients

8 Advantages that the intraoral scanner offers to your dental practice

Posted by Bill Williams on Dec 8, 2020 11:38:35 AM

Intraoral Scanner technology is improving every day. These scanners are finding their way into dental practices across the country. Pittman Dental Laboratory is processing hundreds of cases a day from digital scans sent by doctors. But what are the advantages these scanners provide? Below is a list of 8 advantages that the intraoral scanner can bring to your practice.

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Topics: oral scanners, intraoral scanner

What will separate your dental practice from the crowd?

Posted by Bill Williams on Jun 24, 2020 9:00:00 AM

As a National Marketing Director, I am always curious as to why consumers behave a certain way. Why do they choose one company, product or service over another? What was the “trigger” that helped them decide? This question comes to mind when I look at dentists that Pittman Dental Laboratory is currently serving across the country.  What do consumers look for when picking a dentist? Here is what I have found:

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Topics: marketing, marketing your practice

Christina’s 11 Tips for Purchasing an Intra-Oral Scanner

Posted by Christina Reed, RDH on Jun 4, 2020 12:51:11 PM

Digital dentistry is taking off like a Space-X rocket for many reasons. Scans are easier, faster, and more reliable than analog impressions. Also, the accuracy is incredible! At Pittman, our remake percentage for crowns and bridges from digital scans is LESS than 1%! Compare that to around 6% for traditional impressions. Owning an intra-oral scanner will not only cut down on your chair time and material costs but will also give your patient’s even better results.

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Topics: oral scanners

Flexural Strength and Why It’s Important

Posted by Josh Griffin on Jun 2, 2020 11:18:55 AM

Surely you have already come across the term ‘flexural strength’. But what exactly does it mean, why is it important, and which values are considered good? Great information from our friends at Ivoclar Vivadent in their Dental Technician Blog. Read on to find out some of the most important things you should know about this topic.

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Topics: flexural Strength

‘Weird but familiar’: Back to practicing full time

Posted by Bill Williams on Jun 2, 2020 10:42:08 AM

Great blog from Dr. Champion about reopening her practice after the COVID-19 pandemic. You are not in this alone. Many Doctors can relate to this blog and can relate to what Dr. Champion describes.

Dr. Champion - American Dental Association New Dentist Blog blogger.

It was May 8, my first day back to work full time after Florida lifted the mandatory emergency only dental order put in place mid-March.

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Topics: covid-19