Intraoral Camera

Oral exams are an essential part of the health of your mouth. Whether we are performing a routine exam or we are examining your mouth to diagnose specific symptoms, a close inspection of your teeth, your gums, and your other oral tissues help us to find the smallest issues and take appropriate measures to treat them. Some areas of your mouth are not as easy to see, however. Traditionally, a handheld mirror has been used to check the harder to access spaces in your mouth. At Van Alstine Family Dentistry we use an intraoral camera.

What Is An Intraoral Camera?

An intraoral camera is a technologically advanced version of the traditional handheld mirror that has been used in the past. The device is electronic, approximately the size of a large pen. There is a small camera at the end of the wand. It is hooked up to our computer and, as we move the camera around in your mouth, real-time images are displayed on the monitor. With the intraoral camera, we are provided with a unique, up-close look at the structures inside your mouth.

Features For A Closer Look

The intraoral camera is equipped with numerous features. Along with the ability to capture real-time images, we are also able to capture stills of areas we want to examine more closely. By taking stills, you do not have to sit with the tool in your mouth the entire time. Using special software, we are able to manipulate the stills in several different ways. We can zoom in on suspicious areas of the mouth, and we can enhance the images for greater quality. We can also change the color display from black and white to color. Images can even be displayed in the negative. All of these features enable us to find the smallest details, make a more accurate diagnosis, and provide you with the most effective treatment possible.

Become Actively Involved In Your Oral Care

With the traditional handheld mirror, your role in your professional oral care was very passive. You would sit while we examined your mouth. We would explain to you the things we saw. Many patients could not fully understand what was being explained or didn’t think the issues were that serious. Some might not have believed there was an issue at all. The intraoral camera allows you to become more actively involved in your oral care. Because the images are displayed on the computer monitor, you can see exactly what we see. By being able to see the issues present in your mouth, you are able to understand better the severity of the issue and why we are recommending specific treatments.

Digital Storage Of Your Images

Just about everything is done digitally these days. Instead of having a bulky paper file with your information, X-rays, and other images (which could easily become lost, damaged, or difficult to navigate), your information is now stored in a digital file. Any images we take with the intraoral camera can be stored here too. We are then able to access your images from previous visits and compare them side by side with newer images.

Less Anxiety During Your Visit

There are many dental patients who experience anxiety or fear when it comes to attending a dental visit. For some, this anxiety is due to the fact that they have no idea, or control over, what is going on. The intraoral camera enables you to see everything that we see, which can be a big relief for anyone who suffers anxiety.

With an intraoral camera, we can get a much closer look at the structures in your mouth and spot the smallest issues before they become serious. Call Van Alstine Family Dentistry at Van Alstine Family Dentistry Phone Number (734) 482-8500 today to learn more.