High-tech dentistry: what is necessary and what is not

Many new high-tech concepts and devices for dentistry have been introduced in recent years, and corresponding advertisements are predominant throughout the dental profession. Most high-tech devices and concepts are useful, some more than others. It would be difficult and costly to incorporate into dental practice every new technology that comes out on the market. It is common knowledge among most dentists that some dental procedures can be accomplished faster, easier and better with well-known, time-proven techniques, whereas other tasks are better accomplished with today's newest technologies. Dentists must weigh technology's perceived value to patients, as well as the relative efficiency of clinical techniques accomplished by conventional versus high-tech concepts when deciding whether to incorporate technology into their practices. This article has expressed my opinions about various high-tech concepts as I perceive them, and from my experience as I see them being accepted and used by the practicing profession.