Seeing Your Smile Up Close: Benefits of Intraoral Cameras

Once a dentist earns their dental doctorate, their education doesn’t stop there! Many providers continue learning about the advancements in the field through the various instruments and techniques developed. The technology used has continued to evolve, creating intraoral cameras that modern practices are using for their treatments. Continue reading to learn more about this kind of imaging.

So, What Are Intraoral Cameras?

In order to get a good understanding of your smile, dentists often use a dental mirror. They maneuver it in ways that let them look behind your teeth or at your molars. While plenty of offices still use this technique, intraoral cameras have made it easier. This instrument is a small, pen-shaped device that has a powerful camera at the end of it.

Since it’s not big, it can be easily moved around your mouth to see any problems, such as damage or decay. There will be a monitor that shows the real-time image on the screen, so you can even watch and look at what your dentist is examining!

How Do Intraoral Cameras Benefit Me?

More and more practices have started to use intraoral cameras to benefit their patients. They are effective at what they do, that they are used from complex procedures to routine cleanings. Here are a few ways that they can be good for your treatment:

• Better Accuracy: The head of the cameras has LED lighting that often has a powerful zoom. This can help your dentist get a closer look at your teeth and gums, allowing for a more precise diagnosis. You can then get a personalized plan to fix the problem.
• Lower Dental Anxiety: Patients often get nervous during their appointment because they don’t know what’s going on. However, with a real-time image being projected on a screen, they can see what their provider is doing and feel a bit more at ease.
• Education: When you can see what your dentist sees, they can walk you through your oral health. They can show different spots and explain how it lets them understand more about your smile.
• Accurate Documentation: Since high-resolution photos can be taken, it’s great for your records. They can get sent to your insurance with your claims, so they have proof of why a certain treatment is needed.

Keep these benefits in mind if your dentist uses an intraoral camera during your next visit. They are a handy instrument that helps them get a better understanding of your smile. If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask them, and they will be able to give you a thorough answer.

About the Author

Dr. George Philip earned his dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. With over 20 years of experience, he is happy to help the Sunnyvale community get the highest quality care possible with state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Philip is proud to use advanced instruments that help you learn about your oral health. If you want to know more, schedule an appointment or call his office at (972) 285-6144.