The Journey to Becoming a Dentist
It was Dr. Robert Appel's family dentist and orthodontist that first piqued his interest in dentistry. As a kid, Dr. Appel's parents taught him the significance and importance of excellent dental health, and they ensured that he visited the dentist every six months. As a result, he had excellent experiences with his family dentist and orthodontist, who each let him shadow them when he was in high school.
Dr. Appel went to the University of Michigan for his undergrad, where he studied chemical engineering. At the time, dental school was something he was mulling in the back of his mind, but he wasn't 100 percent sure about pursuing it. Engineering offered a path to meet the requirements of dental school while also obtaining a degree that would be useful if he decided not to go to dental school. The further he got into engineering, the more he realized he wanted to have a career with more personal interaction and wanted to be able to see the outcome of his work.
He knows that there are definitely easier paths to dental school, but looking back, he wouldn't have changed anything. He believes his engineering background gave him a solid foundation in problem-solving and applying scientific principles to new situations. Those skills help immensely in dentistry because it is a blend of art, science, and engineering. No two patients are the same, which means treatment options need to be tailored to each patient's specific goals while also following tried and true methods for long-lasting quality dental treatment.
What Are Some New Technologies Dr. Appel Is Excited About?
We have seen some huge advances in dental technology, especially over the last five years, and Dr. Appel recently had the opportunity to talk to the Yale New Haven Hospital GPR program about three pieces of technology that have changed his dental practice.
Intraoral Scanning or Digital Impressions
An ADA survey from 2021 showed more than 50 percent of dental offices have some kind of digital scanning technology. It's basically a small camera on the end of a wand that takes a bunch of pictures and combines them all together to create a digital 3-D model of your mouth without the goop of traditional impressions. From a dentist's standpoint, it is super useful because they can evaluate their work with the patient in the chair and modify things before they leave.
CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography)
CBCT or 3-D radiographs help us diagnose more effectively and make treatment more predictable (faster, less invasive, and less discomfort). 2-D images can sometimes be misleading or may not completely show all the relevant anatomy, especially when looking at teeth that may need root canals or extractions. He can also combine the 3-D x-ray data with the 3-D intra-oral scan data to plan implant surgery. Pre-planning the surgery means fewer surprises, more efficient procedure time, and it's more predictable outcomes.
3-D Printing
3-D printing is the one technology that Dr. Appel thinks will really transform practices. He uses a 3-D printer to make a variety of things, including dental models, night guards, dentures, and surgical guides. It can also make restorations like inlays, onlays, crowns, temporary implant crowns, and implant dentures. As technology improves, we will likely be able to do more same-day dentistry.
What Sets Humble Dentistry Apart?
When He's Not at the Dental Office...
What does Dr. Appel like to do in his spare time? Travel!
When he's not taking care of patients, Dr. Appel and his wife like to travel. They typically plan one big adventure each year!
In 2021, they went to Moab, UT, and Telluride, CO. They hiked Arches, Canyonlands, and Mesa Verde National Parks, and also attended the Telluride Film Festival. They also enjoy cooking project, and actually still have a sourdough starter from the pandemic!