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The intraoral camera, used by many cosmetic dentists like ourselves, is an excellent tool for examining cases of dental abfraction, gum disease, and cracks in teeth. This device is light years ahead of previous dental tools that were used to examine these conditions, and it offers a much higher level of diagnostic accuracy for the dentist. In addition, the intraoral camera also offers greater benefits to patients who sometimes find themselves facing a number of concerns regarding which path to take in their own personal dental hygiene and care.
Prior to the invention of intraoral cameras, people often attempted self-diagnostics whenever they felt discomfort or pain in a tooth or around the gums. This seldom did anything other than increase anxiety, because even with a good mirror and bright light, any problems uncovered are typically unidentifiable to the average person who lacks advanced dental training. Many such people saw blood around their gums or what looked like a crack in their teeth and panicked. They went straight to the dentist, who then used special mirrors and lights to examine the mouth closely.
The problem with this older method is it did not allow the patient to see his or her own mouth. If a dentist recommended a procedure that appeared non-standard or painful, patients often hesitated before authorizing treatment. There is something to the cliché that seeing is believing. Many people hesitate to sit for several hours in a dental chair, or undergo something uncomfortable, unless they have seen evidence that it is absolutely necessary to do so. This has often been the case when dentists discover that old silver-mercury amalgam fillings are failing and need to be replaced. They will recommend dental bonding with composite resin as a more bio-friendly and durable substance. This is a completely painless procedure, but one that some patients may still hesitate to authorize due to financial concerns in the midst of a recession.
With an intraoral camera, however, the patient is able to see clearly exactly what the dentist sees, and to settle in his or her own mind just how severe the condition may be. The camera itself resides at the end of a long, thin tube very similar to a pen. The dentist can move it anywhere along the outside or the inside of the teeth without causing the patient discomfort. A digital video feed then relays the image to a large, high-resolution color monitor that displays close up images of teeth and gums. Minor fractures can be examined in thorough detail. Fillings that are falling out can be seen clearly, along with the corresponding damage to the teeth that is occurring due to failure of the filling. Periodontal disease can be seen clearly, and the particular type and stage accurate diagnosed.
As the patient and the dentist examine the clear evidence and extent of the condition in the intraoral camera, options can then be discussed from a more informed perspective. The dentist can point out a number of painless general and cosmetic dental procedures, along with more advanced surgical techniques such as LANAP that can be used to treat severe conditions with much less pain and recovery time than primitive dental surgical techniques of the past.
Once the patient understands the best course of action to take and knows how painless modern cosmetic dentistry can be, the only real concern remaining is the financial condition of the patient. Our office has a number of financial plans that can be considered as either adjunct to insurance coverage or for procedures not covered by insurance.
One final benefit of the intraoral camera is that printouts can be made and sent home with copies of financial program options so the patient can discuss both the recommended treatment and the cost with a spouse or other family members prior to making a final decision.
If you are looking to improve your smile without diminishing it with visible orthodontics in the process, please call us at 1-888-790-0309 to schedule an appointment for this highly specialized and technologically advanced alternative to metal braces.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services.
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