An accurate diagnosis and examination are two core elements of a successful dental practice. Although dentists rely on mirrors to explore the oral cavity, they can use a dental intraoral camera to achieve better results.
These high-end technology devices allow watching the teeth on a screen. This helps to observe any tiny detail that could be hard to see with the naked eye. Therefore, it can help achieve an early and accurate diagnosis.
Also, the dental camera can improve the patient experience. Patients can understand their condition and treatment plan better by watching their mouths on a screen. This even makes the dentist look more professional and improves their relationship with patients.
A dental intraoral camera is a simple yet effective device. As the name suggests, it is a tiny camera that dentists can place inside the mouth to examine the teeth, gums, and other tissues.
The dental camera is connected to a screen that shows what the lens sees. This makes the oral cavity examination more comfortable, helping to observe everything in a larger proportion. This way, the dentist can assess every case more accurately.
The dental intraoral camera is a hand-held device with a large body and a small head to fit comfortably inside the mouth.
The body is designed to offer an excellent and ergonomic grip. Therefore, it allows dentists to hold and manipulate it comfortably and with no effort.
On the contrary, the head is usually small to reach every area of the mouth. They are equipped with high-resolution camera lenses to provide adequate images.
Lastly, dental intraoral cameras work with various software that enables dentists to adjust the images and perform different functions.
When the dental camera power is on, it begins broadcasting the images directly into the screen in live video. Dental cameras need to be connected to a screen for them to function. Although most cameras are connected through a cable, some of them are wireless.
Dental intraoral cameras allow recording and taking photos of the oral cavity. Moreover, the images can be edited through camera software. This helps dentists to observe the image or video with a different color grading to see any tiny detail.
Nowadays, dental cameras are integrated with a zoom function. This is highly useful when diagnosing lesions in their early stages.
The best dental intraoral cameras can focus on any tooth's spot, even when placed close to it. Furthermore, the image won't lose resolution as the dentist zooms in.
Both the dentist and patient can obtain multiple benefits from the use of a digital intraoral camera during the consultation, such as:
1.Increase credibility:
Patients, most times, cannot see their caries and other types of lesions. While they can see moderate and severe caries on their lower teeth, the ones in the upper maxillary can be hard for them to see.
If these lesions don't hurt, the patient could be skeptical about the treatment. However, a digital intraoral camera can increase credibility as the patient can look in full detail at the lesions.
2.Better relationship with the patient:
The dentist can use the intraoral camera to boost the relationship with the patient. The image can be used to discuss the issue and explain the treatment plan. This even allows the patient to participate more actively in the decision-making process.
By using the camera, it is easier for the dentist to explain things regarding their cases to the patient. This helps achieve a better mutual understanding. Therefore, improving the relationship between both parties.
3.Documentation:
Intraoral cameras can be employed to record cases and evaluate changes throughout the treatment. The videos and photos can be stored on the computer or indexed on the patient's medical file.
This offers a simple and effective way to obtain before and after documentation.
4.Improved accuracy
The high resolution of the intraoral camera can improve the accuracy of both the diagnosis and the restoration.
By looking at the teeth and gums in close detail, the dentist can observe tiny specific characteristics that help obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Furthermore, the camera can also be used to evaluate the quality of the restoration. The zoom of the dental camera allows the dentist to have a closer look at the prepping margins. This is highly useful in crown cases and inlay or onlay restorations. Moreover, after the restoration is finished, the camera helps check all the margins to ensure there are no leaks.
5.Early detection of oral health issues
Most oral health issues begin with a minor change on the gums or tooth surface. In its early stage, caries is just a tiny white spot that goes unnoticed.
Since these changes and signs are often hard to spot with the naked eye, the issues and diseases are often not diagnosed until they have progressed and become more apparent.
However, the camera zoom and focus allow dentists to spot these small changes early. Therefore, helping to apply the necessary treatment before the condition worsens.
There are different types of dental cameras available in the market, such as:
● USB intraoral camera:
These cameras can be connected to a computer through a USB cable. The computer must have adequate software for it to function appropriately. USB intraoral cameras are among the most common types available.
● Wireless intraoral camera:
These types of cameras are connected to the computer or mobile device remotely. Wireless intraoral cameras are an excellent option for dentists who prefer a clean aesthetic with fewer cables.
● Intraoral camera with screen:
Unlike the other alternatives, this type of camera comes integrated with its own screen. Therefore, the dentist can use it without needing a computer in the dental office. An intraoral camera with a screen is a great alternative for dentists who prefer a clean dental office aesthetic with fewer cables.
Since there is a wide variety of types, the intraoral camera price varies depending on its quality and characteristics. The best dental digital cameras tend to be more expensive as they offer more features and better resolution.