Single visit dentistry has transformed the way dental procedures are performed, offering patients the convenience of receiving comprehensive dental care in just one appointment. This modern approach leverages advanced digital technology to streamline dental treatments. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of single visit dentistry through the insights of Dr. Kim, who shared his daily practice in a recent Medit webinar.
Step-by-Step Guide: Single Visit Inlay Restoration
Dr. Kim provided a detailed walkthrough of a single visit ceramic inlay procedure using Medit Apps and the i900 intraoral scanner. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
1. Initial Examination:
The procedure begins with a panoramic X-ray to get a clear view of the patient’s mouth, identifying the exact location for treatment.
2. Pre-Operative Treatment and Scanning:
The patient undergoes anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Subsequently, a diagnostic scan is then performed using the Medit i900 scanner, capturing detailed images of the upper and lower jaws and the bite relationship.
3. Tooth Preparation:
The targeted tooth is isolated with a rubber dam. The old amalgam filling is removed, and any remaining decay is excavated. The cavity is cleaned thoroughly, and a resin base is applied.
4. CAD Design :
Using Medit ClinicCAD, a free software by Medit Link, the form of the tooth is selected and set as an inlay. The scans are aligned, and the margins and insertion direction are set using the diagnostic scans and opposing teeth as references. Adjustments are made to the outer form, and the handle for milling connections is attached.
5. Milling:
The designed inlay is sent to an on-site milling machine, which carves it out from a ceramic block. This automated process ensures high accuracy and speed.
6. Polishing and Glazing:
After milling, the inlay is polished, cleaned, and treated with hydrofluoric acid. It is then ready for fitting.
7. Final Fitting and Bonding:
The inlay is fitted into the cavity, ensuring a perfect match. It is bonded securely, with excess adhesive removed and the final restoration polished to perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions: Insights into Single Visit Dentistry
Q1. Do you prefer single visit dentistry treatment? How many hours does it take to go through all the cycles in a single case?
Single visit dentistry treatment is highly preferred due to its convenience for both dentists and patients. For a ceramic inlay, the entire process takes about an hour and a half. This includes 30 minutes for anesthesia, cavity preparation, and scanning, 40 minutes for inlay design and fabrication, and 20 minutes for surface treatment and bonding. For a Zirconia crown, the process takes around two and a half hours, including the sintering time.
Q2. How do patients spend their time while waiting for the prosthesis fabrication?
Patients have several options during the waiting period for prosthesis fabrication. For instance, some opt for a scaling treatment, while others leave the clinic and return once the prosthesis is ready. Many patients choose to have lunch or a snack at a nearby restaurant or cafe.
Q3. Do you prefer printing or milling in single visit treatment? Do you only do provisional restoration, or do you perform final restorations as well?
Milling is generally preferred over printing for final restorations in single visit treatments due to its superior durability. Meanwhile, provisional restorations can be printed if necessary; however, milling ensures the highest quality and longevity for final restorations.
Q4. Is there any clinical tip that you would like to share for those who are willing to perform single visit dentistry treatments?
Simplifying the design process is crucial for single visit dentistry. Choosing accurate milling equipment is essential for producing precise prostheses. As design software becomes more automated, in-house fabrication is becoming more accessible and feasible for a wider range of dental professionals. This trend reduces the time and skill required, making single visit treatments more efficient and common.
Embracing Single Visit Dentistry
Embracing single visit dentistry can significantly enhance patient satisfaction, streamline the workflow for dental professionals, and reduce the overall cost and time associated with dental treatments. By leveraging advanced digital technology, single visit dentistry is setting a new standard in dental care, offering a seamless and efficient experience for both patients and practitioners.
Stay tuned for more insights and updates on digital dentistry, and don’t forget to check out the full webinar on our YouTube channel.