Intra-Oral CamerasWhat is an Intra-Oral Camera?You are probably very familiar with the handheld mirror that has been used for decades to take a closer look at your teeth, particularly those areas that are a little more difficult to see. While the mirror can be effective, it is limited in exactly what it can see. An intra-oral camera is a technological advancement on the small metal mirror. The camera wand is about the size of a large pen. It has a small optical camera on one end, which is placed in your mouth. The other end is attached to a computer. This allows the what is seen by the optical camera to be shown on a monitor. As we move the camera around in your mouth, we can watch the monitor to see your teeth, gums, and other intraoral tissues. We can also click a button to capture stills. This enables us to more closely examine your mouth without you needing to keep your mouth open for extended periods of time. Providing More Thorough ExamsWhen we take stills of your mouth, we are then able to use specialized software that enables us to zoom in on targeted areas. The picture can then be enhanced for greater clarity. We can see the smallest details of your mouth, including those that might go unnoticed with a metal mirror. As a result, we can more accurately diagnose oral health issues in their earliest stages and provide you with the treatment you need. Look Inside Your MouthDuring an exam, you typically have no idea what is going on. You do not know what see. Even with explaining what we see, you might have a hard time imagining what is being described or might not believe the severity. Some patients feel anxious when they do not know what is going on during their exams. With the intraoral camera, you can watch the monitor and see exactly what we see. This can help you to understand better the issues we find and why we are recommending certain treatments. If you are feeling anxious, seeing exactly what is happening can be a great help and can aid in making you feel more comfortable. Take a More Active Role in Your Dental HealthThe images we take of your mouth can be printed and sent home with you. These images provide you with a reference point. You can then look at your mouth in the mirror and compare what you see to the image. The moment you notice any changes, you can call the office to schedule an appointment. The earlier treatment is provided, the less invasive it typically needs to be, and the better able we are to prevent more serious complications from arising. Easy, Safe Storage of ImagesYour information is stored in a digital file. The large paper folders are a thing of the past. Any images we take, including those from digital X-rays, cone beam scans, and the intra-oral camera can be stored in this digital file. We can then easily find older images as needed. With an intra-oral camera, we can more closely examine the structures inside of your mouth, including the ones that are more difficult to see, even with a handheld mirror. For more information on our intra-oral cameras, call Harmony Dental at (541) 246-3250 today. |
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