Hi Tech Dental offices

Q: I recently saw a TV news program showing a very small percentage of dentists are using a new technology called digital impressions that replaces the gooey, clay- like stuff. Is this just a gadget like an iPhone or is it truly state of the art? RBJ in Boynton

A:  Don’t take all your healthcare advice from Cathy Lee Gifford. Less than 10% of all dentists are using digital impressions which take 3-D scans of the teeth. I am one of them, however, traditional impressions are fine too.  In the June 2010 edition of   JADA (Journal of the American Dental Association), a study showed: “By examining the virtual model that can be magnified on a monitor, the dentist and lab tech can identify deficiencies and correct them without the delay that may happen when making conventional impressions. Precision improves with use of this digital technology as well as patient comfort”. For a free consumer booklet on this, contact us.  Dr. Josephs practices Cosmetic, Implant and General Dentistry in Palm Beach and can be reached at drjosephs@palmbeachdentist.com (888-378-6684)