Intraoral Camera
Portland, OR
 When you come in to see the dentist, we of course want to look into your mouth to see the condition of your teeth and gums. We use various tools and technology in order to do this. One of the tools we use to achieve this is called an intraoral camera - a pen-shaped device that has a small camera at the tip. This tool can provide more advantages than you may initially think at first.
Introduction
An intraoral camera is a small, handheld device equipped with a camera that allows dentists to take high-resolution images of the inside of a patient's mouth. Many people may not realize what is going on in their mouths, it isn't exactly easy to view the details an intraoral camera captures by just looking into a mirror. We think it is important for patients to be able to view their own mouths and discuss with the doctor about an upcoming procedure. The tool not only serves as a useful device for staff, it also educates patients on any problems with their mouths and how an upcoming procedure is going to work.
Benefits
An intraoral camera is particularly useful in dentistry for several reasons:
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Enhanced Visibility: The intraoral camera provides a detailed, close-up view of the teeth and gums, which can be difficult to see with the naked eye. This enhanced visibility helps dentists and hygienists detect early signs of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth, and plaque buildup.
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Patient Education and Communication: The images captured by the intraoral camera can be displayed on a screen in real-time, allowing dentists to effectively communicate with patients about their oral health conditions. This visual aid helps patients understand the issues and the need for certain treatments, fostering a better understanding and cooperation.
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Documentation and Monitoring: Images taken with an intraoral camera can be saved in a patient's dental records. This allows for easy comparison over time, helping dentists monitor the progress of treatment or the development of dental conditions.
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Accuracy in Treatment Planning: The detailed images help in planning complex dental procedures like restorations, orthodontics, and other treatments that require precise measurements and understanding of the oral anatomy.
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Insurance Claims: Providing visual evidence of dental issues with intraoral camera images can also assist in the documentation needed for insurance claims, making it easier to demonstrate the necessity of treatments. |
Features and Technology
The features and technology of intraoral cameras significantly aid dentists in multiple aspects of dental care. Here's how:
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High-Resolution Imaging: Intraoral cameras typically feature high-resolution capabilities, which allow for clear and detailed visualizations of the teeth and soft tissues. This high level of detail helps dentists identify and diagnose issues like tiny fractures, early-stage cavities, and subtle changes in the gum tissue that might not be visible through traditional examination methods.
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Magnification: These cameras come with powerful magnification features that can enlarge small areas of decay or inflammation for better visibility. This feature is particularly useful for precise diagnostics and ensures that even the smallest anomalies are not overlooked during exams.
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Real-Time Visualization: Intraoral cameras provide real-time images that can be immediately viewed on a monitor. This allows for dynamic assessment of oral conditions, enabling dentists to make informed decisions quickly during examinations or procedures.
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Easy Access to Difficult Areas: The compact and maneuverable design of intraoral cameras enables dentists to easily access hard-to-reach areas in a patient's mouth. This ensures a comprehensive examination of all oral surfaces and hidden spots that might harbor dental issues.
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LED Lighting: Many intraoral cameras are equipped with LED lighting, which illuminates the examination area without external light sources. This feature ensures that images have consistent lighting for accurate color representation and detail, crucial for proper diagnosis.
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Documentation and Record Keeping: The ability to capture and store images digitally is a significant advantage. It allows for the creation of a visual dental record that can be used for longitudinal studies of a patient's oral health, comparison over time, and sharing with other dental professionals if needed.
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Enhanced Communication with Other Professionals: Images from intraoral cameras can be shared easily with other dentists and specialists. |
Applications
Our dentist has found the intraoral cameras provide several benefits during a dental exam. First, they can be used as an early detection method for oral health problems in the patient. The earlier we can find these dental issues, the easier it is to treat them, and this camera helps make it possible. It also improves the advised treatment because our dentists can accurately see inside the mouth and find exactly what is going on with each tooth, no matter where it is located.
Many of our patients enjoy the intraoral camera as well because they find that they can be more involved in the dental exam and treatment options. When our dentist utilizes the intraoral camera, the patient will see exactly what the dentist is looking at. They can ask questions pertaining to their issue. This helps to improve the patient and dentist relationship and gives the dentist more credibility in the eyes of the patient.
The usage of an intraoral can also lead to patients taking better care of their mouths in the future once they've seen their teeth up close. And at the end of the day, that is what any dentist would want. Better oral hygiene leads to better smiles and enables people to keep their natural teeth for as long as possible. We provide services to restore lost teeth, but at the end of the day your original teeth will always be your best option and they shouldn't be taken lightly.
Our dentist may also use this for future case documentation, especially if the patient needs to be referred to another of our colleagues for more advanced treatment options. We may also use the images on the intraoral camera to file for payment on dental exams and procedures, which can also save patients time and money.
Usage Guide
Protecting the oral health of patients involves catching oral health problems as soon as possible to prevent lifelong damages. Because an intraoral camera displays a large, lit image of what it is seeing, any imperfections or signs of diseases can be easily be seen. As a result, potentially missed problems on the first visit can be diagnosed, saving the patient of both damages and unnecessary expenses. Small cracks that may lead to larger ones, for example, can be caught with this camera and we will discuss the best course of action for you going forward.
Providing the Best Dental Technology at Portland City Dental
Overall, intraoral cameras are valuable diagnostic and educational tools that enhance the quality of care in dental practices by improving diagnostics, patient communication, treatment planning, and documentation. Having a healthy mouth is important. At Portland City Dental devices like intraoral cameras help us better serve our patients in treating their oral health needs. If you would like to contact us to schedule an appointment or ask us questions regarding our services or anything else, you can call our office at (503) 256-7917. |
