Most patients believe what their dentist tells them, but now an effective dental tool lets patients actually see what’s going on in their own mouths. Dr. Brad S. Haines of White and Haines Advanced Dentistry in Cornelius, North Carolina, talks here about the benefits of intraoral cameras, which allow you a dentist’s view of your teeth.
Intraoral cameras are a great educational tool used to show patients what is going on in their mouths. I personally would not recommend going to a dentist who does not have one. Otherwise, you just have to take the dentist’s word for what is wrong with you, and you cannot see what is going on with your own teeth.
With intraoral cameras, you can see cracks in your teeth, fillings that are breaking down, cavities. You can see tartar or calculus, gingivitis, and many other problems that are going on in your mouth. When you know what is going on, you can then make an informed decision about the best treatment for you.
Say Cheese!
Intraoral cameras are mainly just video cameras that take still pictures. The one we use is a small cylindrical camera with a light on the end. There are many brands and types of intraoral cameras, but they all work basically the same. When you use one you can zoom in on the tooth, or show an anterior arch, a full dental arch, or take a snapshot.
In our office, we print the pictures out so patients can take them home to show their spouse or parents what has transpired. It’s important to be able to show the money-decision person what is going on when they get home.
Less Suspicious
Sometimes people are suspicious of what the dentist tells them, especially if they are not in any pain and don’t believe that they have a problem, such as if they just come in for a check-up and discover they need lots of dental work done on their teeth which they had not planned on having done. With an intraoral camera, patients have the option of seeing what the dentist is seeing, so they understand why they need the work carried out.
The intraoral cameras also help dentists become aware of problems early on, so they can get them fixed before there is a need to carry out any more serious – and more expensive – work on the teeth. In the long run, they actually help the patients save money.
Intraoral cameras are painless and require no radiation at all, so they can be used as many times as needed without any potentially harmful effects. They are also a valuable tool to allow the dentist to monitor your treatment and track your progress at subsequent visits.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
