Over the past several decades, dentists and scientists alike have made incredible discoveries that make our visit to the dentist's office much more effective and also a much more enjoyable experience. Some of the improvements are of a medical nature, including safer and more concise techniques, while others are more for cosmetic purposes and deal with improving the appearance of one's smile.



One such invention is the Cavitron, which uses ultrasonic technology to clean teeth thoroughly without too much unnecessary scraping and poking. Air abrasion is another technological advance that allows dentists to remove portions of decayed or decaying tooth matter by using pressurized air and abrasive materials which minimizes or in some cases eliminates the need for drilling. The mandibular block injection delivers anesthesia to the nerve trunk in the lower jaw. This will completely numb the lower jaw, and the teeth, as well as half of the tongue allowing heavy dental work to be done with minimal discomfort to the patient. Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas, is another discovery that has helped the field of dentistry enormously. Laughing gas is an inhalant that produces a sedative effect, allowing the patient to relax and overcome the nervousness associated with having dental work done.

The material used to seal the surface of teeth has improved drastically in recent years. A very hard resin material was developed that is used as a sealant to protect the chewing and biting surfaces of teeth from decay and cavities. The final and perhaps most exciting development is that of Dental Veneers. Cosmetic dentistry has been revolutionized by this invention and patients are very pleased with the results. Some Dental Veneers are made from plastic while others are made out of porcelain. The thin wafer is placed onto the surface of the teeth with the general purpose of repairing chips or cracks. These wonderful little devices can also be used to cover up unsightly stains or even to correct minor misalignments.