In our practice, we like to stay on top of the latest diagnostic tools. The more we are able to see in the imagery we take, the easier we can arrive at a diagnosis, which results in providing
the best care for our patients.
To this end, let’s talk about X-rays and a device called an intraoral camera. When used together, these two things give us the full picture of a patient’s dental health.
Conventional X-rays have fallen by the wayside, and digital X-rays are now the standard. Digital X-rays have much lower radiation. Furthermore, they allow a dentist to spot things that could otherwise be missed using a conventional X-ray. With digital X-rays, you can adjust the brightness and contrast to show more detail and identify the smaller cavities, potentially before they would require a larger filling, crown or even a root canal.
“With digital X-rays, you can adjust the brightness and contrast to show more detail and identify the smaller cavities, potentially before they would require a larger filling, crown or even a root canal.”
Another tool we use is the panoramic X-ray, which is an image of the entire mouth and jaw. Whereas regular digital X-rays show a close-up of certain areas to help us find cavities, the panoramic gives us the “big picture,” a comprehensive look at the entire mouth and jaw in one image. Such images are used to identify issues like impacted teeth, bone abnormalities and fractures. They are also used to plan for treatments such as implants and braces.
The intraoral camera takes high-resolution images of the inside of a patient’s mouth, which show up on a screen for the patient to see. Think of it as similar to showing a patient their mouth using a mirror, except it is a lot easier to see everything up on the monitor. With the intraoral camera, our patients can see exactly what is going on, and the dentist can explain what they are looking at and what needs to be done. A major benefit of having the camera is that we can always refer back to the images. We also submit the images to insurance companies to show what services are needed and why, so that they can be covered.
“With the intraoral camera, our patients can see exactly what is going on, and the dentist can explain what they are looking at and what needs to be done.”
We often use the digital X-rays, panoramic X-ray, and the intraoral camera together to arrive at the most comprehensive diagnosis. What the digital X-rays don’t show, the panoramic can. What the panoramic doesn’t show, the camera shows.
To learn more about the cutting-edge technology we use here at Enamel Dental or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.
