The Advantages of Dentists Having Their Own Dental Lab

One of the advantages of a dentist having his own dental lab is being able to make a quick diagnosis. The dentist is able to deal with an individual patient's needs immediately, making sure she receives the best examination possible and a clear and accurate answer to any dental problems. In a lab setting, a dentist can make a variety of decisions in a short period of time. This can benefit the patient as well as the dentist.

Lab Technicians

• Technicians work under the dentist in a dental lab.

  In a dental lab, a dentist has technicians working under her. These technicians are trained to do a variety of things, such as using impressions to prepare tooth replacements or making metal appliances. They do not work with patients. Lab technicians take their instructions directly from the dentist, and work on individual cases, one at a time. This gives the dentist more time to fully assess his patients.

Cutting-Edge Technologies

• Computer technology is an essential part of a dental lab.

  Using a computer-aided design called CAM/CAD technology, a dentist can clearly see the shape and formation of the jaw, teeth and gums in the lab. These images are seen in 3-D on a computer screen, and with them the dentist can easily locate any problem and address it in a timely manner. He can also fabricate crowns, onlays or bridges for multiple tooth restoration and can even spot an abscess or infection under the gum line.

Dental Prosthetics and Metal Appliances

• With a dental lab, dentures can be created and made to fit perfectly.

  A dentist can prepare dentures, caps, crowns and metal appliances in her own lab. She can take a wax impression of the patient's teeth to prepare any of these items. With help from her lab technicians and using the latest technologies, the tooth replacements will be close to the perfect shape and color. Thanks to the lab, metal appliances like braces and retainers can be better fitted, and the progress of these appliances can be more easily monitored. Full dentures can also be created and made to fit perfectly along the gum line.