It has been discovered that augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are useful instruments for clinical practice as well as for improving students' learning throughout their pre-clinical education and training programs. Before undergoing dental treatments, doctors can utilize VR technology to demonstrate to their patients the results they can anticipate. Furthermore, dental anxiety, which is frequently encountered by young patients, can be treated with AR and VR. Future research must concentrate on creating technological benchmarks with high-quality data and creating AR/VR tools for dental treatment that are supported by research.
How AR and VR are Improving Dentistry?
The scope of numerous dental specialized fields has altered as a result of the latest developments in the field. Innovative features have been added to improve both dental training and the practical use of dentistry. These innovations consist of VR and AR, which have been developed and researched to advance dentistry, increasing its demand. Software is utilized in dentistry to model dentofacial characteristics in real time. An advanced yet comprehensive virtual experience also simulates the operation of these anatomical structures.
Here are some of the benefits of AR and VR in dentistry
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AR and VR in Dental Training
Before conducting treatments on patients, dental students have historically practiced and improved their clinical abilities on phantom heads and teeth as part of their education. These simulators enable instructors to show treatment methods while aiming to improve the students' manual skills. Before utilizing various treatment modalities, the students are required to provide their teachers with ongoing feedback regarding their progress due to the use of these simulators.
With the aid of 3D real-time digital simulations, professionals can assist students and PG residents in developing accuracy in pre-clinical and clinical abilities, respectively, in the management of dental education and training. An essential component of dentistry education is understanding and remembering the anatomy of the head and neck. Students have been taught about anatomy using lectures and 2D illustrations from texts. Cadaveric skulls are frequently used in this traditional method of instruction, and students are taught using them. But students find it difficult and ineffective to visualize all related musculoskeletal, neural, vascular, and other systems.
Virtual reality enables dentistry students to observe oral procedures as active participants, furthering their learning. Under the supervision of experts, students can also attempt to replicate the oral treatment situation.
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AR and VR in Dental Implants
When it comes to the restoration of missing teeth or teeth in patients' mandibular and maxillary arches, numerous advancements in dentistry have been established, including the use of removable dentures, permanent dental prostheses, and dental implants. Due to their outstanding success rate and long-term advantages, dental implants have become an appropriate and preferred option for several patients. Numerous implant-related operations have been greatly enhanced by the use of AR technology. In the beginning, the retinal imaging display was utilized when combined with AR surgical navigation technology for positioning implants while the surgeon maintained their focus on the surgical area, removing the necessity for the surgeon to look away from them.
Since placing a dental implant requires surgery, VR technology offers patients the chance to learn more about the process in-depth while learning what to expect during the whole procedure. Patients who receive comprehensive information through VR are better psychologically prepared.
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Restorative Dentistry
The two most difficult and demanding areas in dentistry are endodontics and restorative dentistry. A skilled doctor needs expertise and clinical abilities to deal with diseases like dental caries, pulpitis, and dental abscesses. Globally, people suffering from tooth cavities have increased, which necessitates a trip to the dentist and might call for dental fillings or even root canal therapy. These procedures are done to preserve a molar that, if not handled promptly, might have to be extracted. Failed tooth fillings and endodontic procedures can be caused by a variety of reasons, including isolation, bad technique, smoking, underfilled canals, and overlooked canals.
AR has been utilized in endodontics for the accurate identification of root canals to reduce the likelihood that endodontic procedures will fail in patients. In the research conducted by Bruellmann et al., AR was utilized to identify root canals, and it was discovered that premolars and molars had greater root canal sensitivity. Since any missed canal has pulp fragments that could cause pain for the patient, a high success percentage of root canal therapy primarily relies on finding every canal.
Conclusion
Since AR and VR can alter the patient experience, their demands are increasing in the field of modern dentistry. Multiple areas of science have benefited from the incorporation of AR and VR, but their application in dentistry has not yet been fully researched, and traditional dental practices are still widely used. Technology advancements have considerably changed dental treatment in the past few years. Although AR and VR systems have not yet been widely adopted in dentistry, their various applications must be investigated.
Author's Detail:
Surabhi Bhaiyya, LinkedIn
Senior Research Analyst at Cognitive Market Research
Surabhi Bhaiyya is an experienced market researcher focused on the Pharma & Healthcare industry. With over 7+ years of experience, She has worked with major pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers, helping them to understand market trends, identify new business opportunities, and develop effective sales & marketing strategies. Her expertise lies in the ability to analyze complex data sets and deliver insights that drive business decisions. At Cognitive Market Research, she handles the market research related to Pharma and healthcare industry. To get in touch and access the above report book an apointment at https://calendly.com/speak-to-analyst.
Author's Detail:
Surabhi Bhaiyya /
LinkedIn
Senior Research Analyst at Cognitive Market Research
Surabhi Bhaiyya is an experienced market researcher focused on the Pharma & Healthcare industry. With over 7+ years of experience, She has worked with major pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers, helping them to understand market trends, identify new business opportunities, and develop effective sales & marketing strategies. Her expertise lies in the ability to analyze complex data sets and deliver insights that drive business decisions. At Cognitive Market Research, she handles the market research related to Pharma and healthcare industry.