Intraoral Camera Tip #1: New patient “tour” of the mouth
Seeing is believing; and with the intraoral camera you can give your patient a visual tour of their mouth. This allows for better communication and gives your patient the opportunity to see what you are seeing. Likewise, the “tour” of your patients mouth shows their regular dental hygiene and enables you to suggest ways to improve it with more acceptance. The patient will then have a clear visual understanding of problems that needs to be fixed and thereby increase case acceptance. “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
Intraoral Camera Tip #2: Detect interproximal decay not visible on X-Ray’s ( Example: mesial decay on #18 when preparing #19 for a crown )
Even in its earliest stages the intraoral camera can detect interproximal decay, which can often be missed by X-Rays. When crowns of the mandibular and maxillary teeth are examined for example, it allows you to see the dark areas that denote the presence of interproximal decay. Catching this in the early stages is not only good for you, but it is also good for your patients’ teeth and prevents it from developing any further.
Intraoral Camera Tip #3: Hygienist “pre-exam” to convince patient of the need for a more comprehensive exam.
Most patients probably come to you with the belief that they know what they need; when in reality you are the one that knows what they actually need. Trying to convince your patient of the need for a more comprehensive exam can be tough, but it is essential. Technology plays a critical role in most practices today. To start a good foundation evidence is key, and with the use of an intraoral camera you can gather and show the patient this evidence. The evaluation and comprehensive exam processes are important steps in the care of your patient. Once your patient is evaluated and they are able to see problem areas, a long-term relationship develops as your patient accepts case treatment.
Intraoral Camera Tip #4: Demonstrate open margins.
Spaces between dental restorations and teeth can lead to decay. As you know, this problem is known as an open margin. The intraoral camera will show any open margins or decay taking place. This should be fixed as soon as possible and what better way to show your patient why they need work done than with an intraoral camera.
Intraoral Camera Tip #5: New patient perio-exam
The primary purpose of a periodontal probe is to measure pocket depths around a tooth in order to establish the state of your patients health. Proper use of the periodontal probe is necessary to maintain accuracy; and this accuracy can be improved by the use of an intraoral camera. This helps to show your patients if they have deep pockets around their teeth and if they are risking tooth loss. If your patients remain unaware of the progressive disease they may end up with severe pain or infection and risk tooth loss. With the help of the intraoral camera this can be prevented early on.
Intraoral Camera Tip #6: Presenting a better case.
Case presentations are imperative for communicating clinical information to your patients. You always need to give your patient a reason for the consultation and the intraoral camera can greatly assist. After you have intraoral images of your patient they can be used to identify the problems and helps you present a prepared, understandable case.
Intraoral Camera Tip #7: To show changes or improvements after a perio program is completed.
After a perio exam is completed, changes or improvements will have occurred. The intraoral camera allows you to see if changes or improvements have occurred in your patient’s’ mouth. Your patient is also able to see whether or not they have improved, and if not they know they need more work done to fix their teeth, plaque, gums, their bite, or bone structure.
Intraoral Camera #8: Show Occlusal wear
Occlusal wear is caused by tooth to tooth contact which results in the loss of tooth tissue and is commonly seen as a normal part of aging. With an intraoral camera you can show your patient the damage to their teeth and clearly explain what measures need to take place in order to correct occlusal wear
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