Thanks to CAD/CAM, tooth-colored materials, and improved bonding technologies, dentists have more options than ever before for placing minimally invasive posterior restorations, according to Dr. Steven Gold. As a result, dentists can practice more precise dentistry and better save teeth.
Gold, who is an assistant professor at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine, will address this very topic on May 16 at the California Dental Association's CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry virtual convention. His experience has led him to firmly believe that tooth preparation is the foundation for the long-term success of conservative CAD/CAM restorations -- and that using CAD/CAM technology is also more fun than conventional dentistry.
"Call me crazy, but that's just about the most fun I could possibly have, at least in dentistry," said Gold, who is also a coordinator of digital dentistry at the university, in a video interview.
While lecturing about digital dentistry, Gold has come across a common misconception about the use of CAD/CAM for restorations: that the technology doesn't work, and restorations don't fit or don't look good.
"I can say 100% that's not true," Gold said. "Like any dental procedure, though, you have to be a continual student. You do have to learn the technology and the techniques in order to do what I call world-class restorations."
Watch the video below to learn more about Gold's presentation as well as his thoughts on industry trends shaping the future of CAD/CAM technology in the dental office.
