Intraoral Camera
What is Dental Intraoral Camera
More and more dentists are investing in newer diagnostic tools. One such head-turner is the intraoral camera, which gives an amazing look into every dark crevice of the patient’s mouth.  Gone are the days when dentists had to get uncomfortably close to one’s face to examine one’s oral cavity. Using intraoral cameras, dentists can move the intraoral camera around in the patient’s mouth, and enjoy a detailed view of the entire oral cavity on a monitor screen. Patients can also take a good look into their own dental situation; this helps the dentist while explaining their diagnosis and treatment plan to their patients. Having a first-hand view of their own dental issues helps patients understand the need, or even urgency, for specific treatments, and the costs associated with them. The intraoral camera literally allows the patient to see via the eyes of the dentist!
How Do Intraoral Cameras Work
An intraoral camera is a handheld, corded device equipped with a sensor, which acts as a light receptor. This light is then converted to an electronic signal which transforms into an image on the screen after being processed by intraoral camera imaging software. The sensor can be placed much closer to the lens for high-quality images. There’s no need for a flash, owing to the LED lighting in the sensor.
Images that are taken by the intraoral camera are stored in the device’s built-in memory until the images are transferred to the computer. The IOC’s imaging software helps dentists to sort through, store and even archive images and videos of patient’s oral cavity. It is possible to store these images on the cloud as well. This presents an enormous advantage to dentists, patients and insurance providers, as the data can be retrieved at any time, emailed or printed as the need might be.
To make life easier, cordless IOC devices are also available these days. These devices come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionalities. With cordless IOCs, it is possible to transmit images of patient’s oral cavity to one’s computer in real-time. This saves more time for both patients and dentists. Plus, with no cords to manage, the dentist can move the screen around to display the image to the patient’s best advantage.
Advantages of the Dental Intraoral Camera
- Total Transparency: Patients commence treatments only when they and their insurance people are convinced of the necessity. Using intraoral cameras, dentists can now encourage total transparency among their patients and their insurance companies.
- Smoother Insurance Process: Also, in the case of an insurance firm refusing to pay for a crown or a cracked tooth, intraoral photos of the damaged tooth is the best way to support your case. Intraoral cameras drastically improve the quality of dentistry without having to increase the cost of treatment as much.
- Smoother Treatment Process: Whether due to language issues or communication problems, with some patients it’s hard for dentists to explain the oral condition and explain treatment modalities. This can become a big challenge for both parties. Using clear images obtained from the intraoral camera, dentists can familiarize their patients with the treatment plans before, during and after the treatment.
