Dental intra-oral camera photography has become an integral part dental education and dental examination. You will be able to create valuable and creative dental intraoral photography by understanding the basic methods of intra-oral camera usage. These are just a few examples that you might find useful:
New patient examinations and comprehensive examinations
Intraoral camera photography is a great tool for capturing important conditions in the mouth that dentists and patients can discuss. This is often called co-diagnosis. It is enhanced by dental IOC photography. While the dentist may need to refer to other diagnostic methods, IOC magnification allows patients to see the details of specific conditions in a way that is not possible with more advanced diagnostic tools. Many potentially dangerous conditions might not be visible or felt by patients. The dentist and patient can view the color images in a larger format on the intraoral camera images. This will enable them to discuss and decide the best treatment options. These pictures are a great tool for building trust with new patients. Snapshots can also be saved and used for subsequent appointments.
It is essential to create a set of images you will want to use in intraoral camera images. These pictures will serve as a reference point for professional communication and patient care. A list of the photos you take every day will allow you to refer to them at any moment for comparisons, insurance claim support, referral-sharing, treatment planning, and other purposes.
Here are some useful images that you might want to capture regularly:
-Full face photo
-Smile photo
-Open bite smile
-Individual photos of occlusal teeth
-Mandibular lingual anterior photo
-Buccal views
-Lingual views
Image of the Tongue
-Soft tissue areas of concern
Once all diagnostics have been compiled, the dentist will be able to combine them into a complete diagnosis. Most patients are able to understand a picture. It is a time-saver to have the patient’s intra-oral camera images displayed on the chair-side monitor. This will make it easier for patients to understand conditions and recommend treatments. To create a live video of the patient’s examination, some dentists prefer to use their intra-oral camera system in video mode. Although this can be copied and presented to the patient, it may take more time to view than embedding images into a printed treatment plan.
If the patient is allowed to take photos or videos, depending on their preference, they can be supplemented by printed images or videos.
Periodic Examination during Hygiene Visits
The number of patient visits to the hygienist is more than that for dentist appointments. The hygienist will spend more time in the chair with the patient, establish a rapport and monitor conditions using intraoral camera images. While dentists are required to conduct dental exams at least once a year or every six months, the state requires that hygienists invite dentists into their office to assess and view patient conditions. The dentist can benefit greatly from intraoral camera images that allow fast and magnified capture of any questionable conditions. The dentist can see the larger images to help him understand whether radiographs or comprehensive exams are necessary.
It is convenient and can help educate the patient about their most important conditions. After the dentist has presented the treatment options and given the diagnosis, the hygienist is able to clarify any questions or provide answers. This can lead to patient acceptance of the hygiene appointment in a positive manner.
During treatment evaluation
IOC images are a valuable tool for dentists to evaluate the quality of their tooth preparations. Many dentists scan their work using the intraoral camera wand before they begin the restoration process. Images can show where the crown margin requires more solid groundwork or where there is more decay to be removed. The dentist may take an intraoral camera image of the pulp to determine if there is any potential for further treatment.
Comparative Analysis of Before and After
Both in hygiene and restorative situations, before and after photos are a great asset. These photos can be used to show differences in the quality of the restorative treatment, track the progress of the patient’s whitening, or capture changes in tissue. Patients could see before and after photos to confirm their decision to invest in their dental health.