Oral surgeons are embracing modern technology and leveraging advanced imaging and 3D printing to enhance patient care, enabling faster, customized solutions like same-day restorations and precise surgical planning. The practice prioritizes continuous training and uses patient feedback to refine technologies and improve workflow. 

By collaborating with technology partners and exploring AI and machine learning, dental surgeons aim to advance surgical precision while maintaining accessibility and cost-effectiveness for patients. This creates a more comfortable and efficient patient experience with reduced visit times.

How Imaging and 3D Printing are Changing Oral Surgery

Advanced imaging and 3D printing in modern oral surgery technologies have enhanced surgical precision and improved patient experiences. They also set the stage for further innovations like AI and machine learning. Incorporating advanced imaging like CT scans and 3D printing technologies into oral surgery practices streamlines the results for the surgeons and provides faster wait times for the patient. This includes 3D intraoral scanners that can quickly capture a patient’s bite and send the data to a lab to fabricate a custom tooth within 24-48 hours. Utilizing newer technologies has the potential to have the tooth ready on the same day.

Detailed anatomical visualization with 3D printing provides a comprehensive view of the jawbone and surrounding structures. This allows surgeons to identify complex anatomical structures and plan more precise surgeries. The 3D printer can also print a guide based on a patient’s CT scan that can be used during surgery to guide incisions.

Taking a Hands-On Approach

Riverside Oral Surgery takes a multi-pronged approach to training its surgeons and staff on the latest technologies. They send their surgeons to various industry courses and work directly with manufacturers for hands-on guidance. The training ensures the surgical team can use the new tools and integrate them into their daily practice for the best patient experience.

Dr. Rinil Patel of Riverside says, “Advanced imaging and computer-aided design are transforming how Riverside plans surgeries. These tools allow for precise models of a patient’s anatomy, improving the accuracy of the surgery and better long-term outcomes.” 

Benefits to Patients and Practices

Patient feedback is a key driver in how oral surgeons select and implement new technologies. The information can improve the patient experience by reducing appointment times, increasing comfort, and delivering efficient, high-quality care. This extra care leads to accessibility and cost-effectiveness for patients. 

3D printing creates physical models of patients’ anatomy, which allows surgeons to plan procedures better, collaborate with colleagues, and even pre-manufacture custom surgical plates. This data-driven approach enhances precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

Challenges and Solutions

The primary challenge in adopting advanced 3D printing technologies is the physical space and cost required to have the equipment in every office. One solution is to establish centralized “pods” where the 3D printers and other key technologies can be housed, serving a cluster of nearby offices rather than requiring each location to have its own.

Looking Ahead: AI and Machine Learning in Oral Surgery

There is tremendous potential for AI and machine learning to enhance the precision and efficiency of oral and maxillofacial surgeries, particularly in tumor detection. Advanced technologies will make oral surgery even more accurate and effective as it becomes more refined. 

This efficient technology will continually improve patient outcomes and the overall patient experience. By adopting the latest technologies and collaborating with industry leaders, oral surgeons can provide the highest quality of care and optimal results for their patients.

Improving the patient experience by embracing new technological methods equips surgeons to provide more efficient and cost-effective services that benefit the patient and the dental practice. A primary advantage to this business philosophy is that the cost of the new technologies stays in-house rather than being passed on to the patient.