"The evolution of the art and science of dentistry has always been gradual and steady, driven primarily by innovations and new treatment protocols that challenged the conventional wisdom such as the invention of the turbine hand piece and the introduction of dental endosseous implants. While these innovations were few and far between; the recent explosion in digital technology, software, scanning and manufacturing capabilities caused an unparalleled revolution leading to a major paradigm shift in all aspects of dentistry. Not only is digital radiography routine practice in dental clinics these days, but virtual planning and computer-aided design and manufacturing are also becoming mainstream. Digital impressions, digitally fabricated dentures and the virtual patient are no longer science fiction, but are indeed, a reality. A new discipline, digital dentistry, has emerged and the dental field is scrambling to fully integrate it into clinical practice and educational curriculums and as such, a comprehensive textbook that details the digital technology available, describes its indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, limitations and applications in the various dental fields is sorely needed. There are a limited number of books and book chapters that address digital radiography, digital surgical treatment planning and digital photography, but none address digital dentistry comprehensively. Although these topics will be addressed in this book, the scope is entirely different. The main focus is the practical application of digital technology in all aspects of dentistry. Available technologies will be discussed and critically evaluated to detail how they are incorporated in daily practice across all specialties. Realizing that technology changes rapidly, developing technologies and those expected to be on the market in the future will also be discussed"-- Provided by publisher.
|
