Central Valley Dentistry uses the latest in digital technology to help diagnose and treat patients. One of the unique resources that we use are our intraoral cameras.
What Is an Intraoral Camera?
An intraoral camera takes enlarged digital photos of the inside of your mouth. It’s a handheld device that looks like a thin wand. The lens is small so that it can get into hard to reach areas. Its digital technology instantly uploads the photos to your chart, saving time and resources.
What Are the Benefits of Using An Intraoral Camera?
Better DiagnosticsPatients can sometimes feel the smallest chip or crack in their tooth. It can often be difficult to see these trouble areas with the naked eye. In this case, intraoral cameras work by serving as a magnifying glass so we can both take a closer look inside your mouth. Also, if you have a suspicious area – on your tongue or lip, for example – we may take a few photos of it to help evaluate the condition. We can even email the photographs to a specialist if needed, to get a second opinion on the matter.
Smoother Insurance ClaimsWith every procedure that our Phoenix dentist completes, we have to submit a claim to your insurance company. Before agreeing to reimburse your services, the insurer requires diagnostic evidence. X-rays and intraoral cameras are commonly used tools to capture the proof that we need to show the insurance company why treatment was done.
Patient Co-PlanningIt’s one thing to tell you that a specific treatment needs to be done. It’s another thing to show you the same thing that we see. X-rays can sometimes be hard to interpret. Intraoral cameras are a great tool that our patients love. You can see color, close up images of a problem tooth, and “co-plan” your treatment alongside of us. Even if you trust us to make the right decision for your smile, you’ll be able to see what’s going on instead of just taking our word for it.
Reference Point / Baseline MeasurementIf our Phoenix dentist spots something that we need to keep an eye on, a picture can be very helpful. For instance, if you have a habit of grinding, over time your teeth will wear. Intraoral images can be used as a reference point to determine what affects your grinding is having on your teeth from one visit to the next.
Intraoral Vs. Extraoral
When it comes to using an intraoral camera versus using an extraoral (regular) digital camera, one isn’t necessarily better than the other. They’re both an excellent tool and the right one to use will depend on the situation. Intraoral images are magnified and of a higher quality for treatment purposes.
Seeing is Believing
Central Valley Dentistry prides itself on providing our patients with all of the latest and greatest resources in modern dentistry. When you visit our Phoenix dentist, you’ll see why so many families trust us with their oral health needs.
Call today or request an online appointment today.
