Dental technology has come a long way from the days of traditional darkroom radiographs and cold dental putty impressions. Nowadays, dentists are integrating newer innovations not only to improve the patient experience but also to provide more accurate and efficient care. Among the most prominent devices used today are intraoral cameras. Read on to learn more about them and why they benefit your oral health.
What is an Intraoral Camera?
An intraoral camera is a handheld, camera-tipped, pen-like device that easily scans your teeth and gums, projecting high-resolution images onto a nearby monitor in real-time. As your dentist moves it around in your mouth, they can explain what is being shown on the screen, allowing you to see exactly what they see.
What Makes Intraoral Cameras Beneficial?
In the past, you had no way of being able to visualize in real-time what your dentist could see inside your mouth. All you could do was take them at their word if they said you had a cavity or another serious problem.
However, with an intraoral camera, your dentist can show you any issues they see, some of which would have been missed in the past due to poor imaging.
What makes this device so beneficial is that:
- It offers you a first-hand look at what is happening inside your mouth so that you can better understand what your dentist is talking about when they discuss their findings.
- It pinpoints the smallest areas of decay that are buried within the crevices of your teeth, allowing for more timely, effective, and conservative treatment.
- It serves as an educational tool for your dentist to use when discussing the problem, the reason for it, and why it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene.
- It produces high-resolution imaging, so your dentist can see your teeth and gums more clearly, and insurance companies can easily view the problem area, which can improve your chances of being approved for treatment.
While intraoral cameras are among the many technologies dentists are incorporating today, they are game-changers for dental diagnostics and improving the health and longevity of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Ira Newman remains a respected New York dentist who has overseen operations at his private dental practice in Manhattan and on the North Shore of Long Island for more than two decades. After earning his dental degree from Emory University School of Dentistry, he underwent advanced training at the prestigious Dawson Center for Advanced Dentistry and the Spear Center for Clinical Excellence. Well-versed in dental technology, he incorporates up-to-date devices, including intraoral cameras, into his practice so that patients can enjoy a more comfortable and even educational visit. Visit our website or call (212) 924–6890 to schedule an appointment to learn more about the equipment we use in-house.