Pittman Dental Laboratory Blog

Periodontists understand the profound impact a healthy smile has on a patient's life. When gum disease leads to significant tooth loss, restoring function and aesthetics becomes a priority. Capture®, the innovative full-arch guided system from Pittman Dental Laboratory, empowers you to deliver life-changing smile restorations with exceptional efficiency and predictability.

Dental implants are a gold standard for replacing missing teeth, offering patients a natural-looking and long-lasting solution. But if you're a general practitioner dentist, you might hesitate to offer implant procedures in-house. Perhaps you lack the perceived expertise or the additional equipment. However, with the right tools and training, you can easily expand your practice and revenue stream by providing both single and multiple implant placements for your patients.

Traditional dentures have served their purpose for many years, but dental technology is constantly evolving. Digital dentures are a prime example, offering a cutting-edge approach to denture creation that benefits both dentists and patients.

As we step into the promising realm of 2024, the field of dentistry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technological advancements and a growing focus on patient-centric care. Let's delve into the top trends shaping the future of dental practices.

1. Tele-Dentistry Revolution:
Tele-dentistry is no longer a futuristic concept; it's the present and the future. With the integration of advanced communication technologies, patients can now consult with their dentists remotely. From virtual check-ups to video consultations, tele-dentistry enhances accessibility and convenience, fostering a more patient-friendly approach to dental care.

2.  Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosis:
AI is making waves in dentistry by revolutionizing diagnostic processes. Machine learning algorithms analyze radiographs and other imaging data, aiding in the early detection of dental issues. This not only improves diagnostic accuracy but also allows for more personalized treatment plans, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

3.  3D Printing for Dental Prosthetics:
The era of traditional dental prosthetics is gradually giving way to 3D printing technology. From crowns and bridges to dentures, 3D printing enables the creation of precise, customized dental prosthetics. This not only reduces production time but also enhances the fit and comfort for patients, marking a significant leap in the world of dental restoration.

4.  Regenerative Dentistry Breakthroughs:
Advancements in regenerative dentistry are opening new avenues for treating dental problems. Stem cell research and tissue engineering are at the forefront, paving the way for regenerating damaged tissues, such as gums and teeth. This has the potential to transform how we approach dental treatments, moving towards more natural and sustainable solutions.

5.  Virtual Reality in Patient Education:
Patient education is taking a leap into virtual reality (VR). Dentists are leveraging VR technology to create immersive experiences that educate patients about procedures, treatments, and overall oral health. This interactive approach enhances patient understanding and engagement, demystifying dental care and reducing anxiety associated with visits to the dentist.

In conclusion, 2024 is a landmark year for dentistry, characterized by innovation and a commitment to enhancing patient experiences. Pittman Dental Laboratory and Surgical Solutions is embracing these innovations and investing in the technology skilled technicians that will enhance our products and services.  As these trends continue to shape the landscape of dental practices, both professionals and patients alike can look forward to a future where technology and compassion converge to redefine oral healthcare.

As the field of dentistry continues to evolve, technological advancements play a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes and streamlining procedures. Among the breakthrough innovations, ScanCode, the anatomical healing abutment emerges as a game-changer in implant surgery, offering a unique blend of benefits that transcend traditional approaches. What sets it apart is not just its anatomical design but also its scannable nature, paving the way for a more efficient and precise implantation process.

At the core of ScanCode's advantage is the anatomical healing abutment's ability to mimic the natural contours of the patient's oral anatomy. Unlike conventional healing abutments, which often feature a generic design, these anatomically shaped counterparts provide a customized fit, promoting optimal soft tissue healing and esthetic integration. This tailored approach contributes to reduced patient discomfort and faster recovery times, ultimately enhancing the overall patient experience.

Furthermore, the scannable nature of ScanCode elevates the precision of implant surgery to unprecedented levels. Integrating seamlessly with advanced scanning technologies, such as intraoral scanners and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), ScanCode enable detailed and accurate digital impressions of the implant site. This not only simplifies the treatment planning process but also ensures a perfect match between the implant and the final restoration, minimizing the margin for error.

The benefits extend beyond the chairside experience. The scannable feature of ScanCode facilitates efficient communication between dental professionals and Pittman. Digital impressions captured through the anatomical healing abutment can be easily shared, enhancing collaboration and expediting the production of prosthetic components. This not only saves time but also reduces the need for physical impressions, contributing to a more eco-friendly and patient-friendly practice.

In conclusion, ScanCode, with its dual advantages of anatomical precision and scannability, marks a significant leap forward in the realm of implant surgery. By prioritizing patient comfort, accelerating recovery times, and streamlining the digital workflow for dental professionals, ScanCode is poised to redefine the standards of care in implant dentistry. ScanCode stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in dental innovation that Pittman Dental Laboratory strives for on a daily basis. Learn more about ScanCode and order your ScanCode kit today.

Title: Promising Experimental Medicine in Japan May Revolutionize Dentistry

In the world of digital dentistry, the use of advanced technology has revolutionized the way dental professionals diagnose, plan treatments, and create custom dental appliances. Digital files play a crucial role in this transformation, and four common file formats are frequently used: STL, CBCT, PLY, and OBJ. Each of these formats serves specific purposes and has distinct characteristics that make them essential tools in the field. Let's explore the differences between these file types.

In recent years, the world of dentistry has witnessed a groundbreaking shift in technology usage. The adoption of the dental model-less workflow has been a game-changer for both dental laboratories and practices. This digital revolution has been particularly welcome news by Pittman Dental Laboratory, looking to reap the benefits of a completely digital workflow. The model-less approach involves the elimination of physical dental models, relying solely on digital tools for treatment planning and fabrication.

Between 2017 and 2021, the percentage of practices embracing this model-less concept more than doubled from 22% to 53%. Pittman Dental Laboratory is one of the leading labs in the country accepting digital cases. This shift has enabled them to streamline their processes and enjoy a multitude of benefits. Let's delve into the advantages of the dental model-less workflow for both Pittman and their practices.

1. Streamlined Workflow: Gone are the days of messy impressions and physical models. The digital workflow simplifies the process, allowing dental professionals to scan the patient's oral cavity, creating a 3D model that can be manipulated and analyzed with ease. This not only reduces the risk of errors but also accelerates the workflow.

2. Cost-Efficiency: Embracing model-less dentistry translates to significant cost savings. Practices no longer need to invest in materials for traditional models, which can be expensive. Moreover, it reduces labor costs associated with model creation, manipulation, and storage.

3. Faster Turnaround Times: The elimination of physical models and the manual steps involved in traditional dentistry significantly reduces production and turnaround times. Patients benefit from faster treatment planning and quicker delivery of restorations.

4. Improved Accuracy: Digital scans and models are incredibly precise, minimizing the chances of errors in treatment planning and restoration fabrication. Dentists can provide more accurate diagnoses, leading to better treatment outcomes.

5. Enhanced Patient Experience: Patients no longer need to endure the discomfort of messy impressions. The digital process is more comfortable and less time-consuming, leading to improved patient satisfaction.

6. Eco-Friendly: Going model-less is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. It reduces the need for physical models, which are often discarded after use. This contributes to a greener, more sustainable approach to dentistry.

The Pittman model-less workflow offers a host of benefits to practices, ushering in a new era of efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect an even more seamless integration of digital tools into the dental field.

This shift is a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of dentistry, with technology at its forefront. Pittman Dental Laboratory consistently invests in cutting-edge technologies each year, resulting in accelerated and superior results for our esteemed dentists and their patients. The future of dentistry looks brighter than ever, promising improved patient care, reduced costs, and a more sustainable approach to oral healthcare. As more practices embrace the model-less concept, we can expect the dental industry to continue to flourish in the digital age.

Inflation is a term that frequently makes headlines, impacting various sectors of the economy. While it may not be the first industry that comes to mind, the dental industry is not immune to the effects of rising prices. In this blog post, we'll explore the ways in which inflation can sink its teeth into the dental industry and the consequences it brings.

1. Rising Material Costs:
One of the most immediate effects of inflation on the dental industry is the surge in material costs. Dental practices rely on a wide range of supplies, from dental instruments to restorative materials like crowns and fillings. As the prices of these materials increase, dental professionals are forced to either absorb the additional costs or pass them on to patients in the form of higher fees for procedures.

2. Impact on Small Practices:
Smaller dental practices may face even greater challenges in coping with inflation. They often lack the purchasing power of larger dental chains, making it harder to negotiate favorable prices with suppliers. As a result, they may see their profit margins squeezed, making it more difficult to invest in new equipment or hire additional staff.

3. Access to Care:
Inflation can also affect access to dental care, particularly for those without comprehensive insurance coverage. As the cost of dental procedures rises, individuals may postpone or forego necessary treatments due to financial constraints. This can lead to more serious dental issues down the line, potentially increasing the overall cost of care.

4. Employee Compensation:
Dental practices need skilled and qualified staff to provide quality care. Inflation can drive up the cost of living, making it necessary for dental practices to increase employee wages to retain talent. This added financial burden can put additional pressure on practice finances.

5. Investment in Technology:
The dental field relies heavily on technological advancements for better patient care and streamlined processes. Inflation can make it challenging for dental practices to invest in new technologies, hindering their ability to stay competitive and provide the best care possible.

In conclusion, inflation may not be as readily associated with the dental industry as it is with others, but its effects are nonetheless significant. Rising material costs, challenges for smaller practices, limited access to care, increased employee compensation demands, and hindered technological advancements all contribute to the complex relationship between inflation and the dental industry. Pittman Dental Laboratory and Surgical Solutions must remain vigilant to navigate these challenges as well.  At Pittman Dental Laboratory and Surgical Solutions, we are continually engaged in negotiations with our suppliers, tirelessly striving to secure the finest materials at the most competitive prices. 

Utilizing the products and services offered by Pittman Dental Laboratory can provide several advantages for a dental practice. Here are 8 key benefits: