There have been many recent advancements in dental technology that have allowed for more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatments. One of those powerful tools is the intraoral camera, which helps provide a more detailed view of the patient’s mouth. Intraoral cameras offer many benefits, including the ability to detect oral health problems earlier, and help patients understand why they require certain treatments.
What Does an Intraoral Camera Do?
Intraoral cameras are diagnostic tools that allow dentists to capture high-resolution images of the inside of your mouth. They transmit enlarged images of the teeth and gums, so that your dentist can identify any issues that aren’t clearly visible to the naked eye, like hairline tooth fractures or plaque buildup in hard-to-see areas.
With intraoral cameras, dentists can accurately diagnose potential problems early on and plan effective treatments. The detailed digital images captured by an intraoral camera also make it much easier to explain the state of our patients’ oral health.
How Do Intraoral Cameras Work?
An intraoral camera is a small wand that’s roughly the size of a pen, with a tiny lens on one end. As the wand is moved around inside your mouth, it transmits enlarged images of your teeth and surrounding tissues to a computer in real time. The images can be magnified and enhanced as needed to accurately identify and diagnose any issues.
Four Benefits of Intraoral Cameras
1: Early Detection
Intraoral cameras feature LED lights, strong magnification, and easy rotation. These features enable dentists to detect hidden signs of problems such as tooth decay, cracked teeth, and gum disease in their earliest stages. Early detection and prompt intervention are crucial in preventing serious dental issues from progressing and causing more severe complications.
Plus, the earlier a problem is detected, the less invasive the treatment to restore the tooth will be. For example, a crack in a tooth that isn’t visible to the naked eye can allow bacteria to reach deep inside the tooth, causing serious pain and sensitivity. A root canal might then be necessary to restore the tooth. The intraoral camera allows us to spot hairline fractures that may otherwise go unnoticed, preventing unnecessary pain as well as the need for a root canal.
2: Enhanced Treatment Accuracy
With intraoral cameras, dentists can easily examine hard-to-reach areas of the mouth using the magnified images they generate. Dental problems that might otherwise get missed can be diagnosed sooner, allowing for preventive treatment.
3: Improved Patient Understanding
In the past, dental patients would have to take their dentist’s word for anything that was wrong with their oral health. But today, intraoral cameras allow patients to see exactly what the dentist sees on the monitor. You can better understand what’s happening in your mouth, and why the recommended treatments are necessary. Seeing the teeth on the screen allows you to become a partner in the diagnostic process. You will be instructed on what you’re seeing, and maintain control of your individualized treatment recommendations.
4: More Detailed Patient Records
Intraoral cameras give detailed images that help document your dental health for future reference. This can be especially beneficial when it comes to insurance claims because insurance companies need evidence of medical necessity. The detailed digital images can easily be shared and may help justify the need for your treatment, so you can get coverage.
Comprehensive Dental Care in South Jordan, Utah
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or you’re due for a checkup, it’s important to choose a dentist who uses the latest technology. At Copper Creek Dental, we use intraoral cameras and other advanced in-house technology to identify and treat a variety of dental issues. Give us a call at 801-280-1911 to schedule an appointment today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/10/2024). Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels