Intraoral Photos Houston, TX
Intraoral photos can be a helpful tool for dentists when diagnosing an oral health issue or working to educate a patient. An intraoral camera is a tiny digital camera used to capture the difficult-to-reach corners of the mouth. Its size is comparable to a pen, and it is wrapped in a disposable cover. The main goal of intraoral photos is to help the dentist assess and diagnose oral health problems.
Dental photos are an easy and non-invasive way to help keep your smile healthy. Intraoral photos are available at Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles in Houston and the surrounding area. Call us at (713) 979-4127 to schedule an appointment to learn more.
The History of Intraoral Cameras
The first intraoral camera was developed in 1987. These cameras were large, unwieldy, and pricey, at an average cost of about $40,000 per unit, and they consisted of a dental endoscope, a light scope, and a remote head micro camera. They required a handpiece, video processor, and dedicated computer to process the captured images and videos.
Today's intraoral camera systems are much more portable and easy to use. They have USB connectivity instead of a large docking station, making them lightweight and ergonomic. Many look just as conventional cameras do, and they can produce higher-quality images and videos that are readily available to view. As such, they have become so easy to use that they are quickly becoming a standard part of many dentists' operatories.
“Today’s intraoral camera systems are much more portable and easy to use.”
When to Use Intraoral Cameras
Intraoral cameras are an invaluable diagnostic tool. They facilitate patient education and help dentists better communicate with their patients. They are used regularly in dental examinations, particularly when determining accurate charting, assessing caries risk, and identifying restorative materials (both existing and ideal). Intraoral cameras are frequently used in place of mirrors, probes, and radiographs to evaluate the teeth.
Furthermore, intraoral cameras can help dentists show the importance of oral hygiene. By allowing patients to visualize the state of their oral health, dentists can use intraoral cameras to demonstrate proper oral hygiene practices. This may also enable patients to better understand any oral health conditions they may be afflicted with and, thus, assist in informed decision-making in the future.
“…intraoral cameras are frequently used in place of mirrors, probes, and radiographs to evaluate the teeth.”
What Intraoral Photos Reveal
Since their inception in the 1980s, intraoral cameras have continually helped dentists make more accurate diagnoses, establish a foundation of trust for relationships with patients, and determine the best treatment course for each patient's unique condition. They are particularly apt at detecting occlusal cavities, especially in comparison to visual examinations and microscopes.
Dental photos can also help establish a baseline for any existing dental conditions. This makes it easier for dentists to evaluate the mouth for any suspicious lesions, recession, or other aberrations. They may include the teeth, gums, or oral tissue. It is easier to see when an amalgam filling needs to be replaced, such as when dental photos make existing stress lines, wear, and discoloration evident.
“Dental photos can also help establish a baseline for any existing dental conditions.”
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Intraoral Photos and Diagnosis
Even today, it is not uncommon for some dentists to diagnose certain conditions after an unassisted visual examination. Though these may sometimes suffice, a more in-depth inspection is occasionally necessary. Intraoral cameras allow dentists to take close-up photos of the teeth from angles that they could not otherwise see, facilitating the diagnosis process. This can even be true when a patient has undergone an X-ray, as certain conditions may be more apparent "in the flesh."
Taking dental photos regularly also allows dentists to establish a "baseline" for a patient's mouth. Any aberrations from these photos will then be more easily identifiable as potential causes for concern. Dental photos can also make visits more convenient for the patients, who may have otherwise needed to be subjected to hours of visual examination for a proper diagnosis.
“Intraoral cameras allow dentists to take close-up photos of the teeth from angles that they could not otherwise see, facilitating the diagnosis process.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is an intraoral camera?
Q. What are intraoral cameras for?
Q. How can intraoral cameras assist in my treatment?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is an intraoral camera?
A. An intraoral camera is a tool used to examine your mouth in a detailed way. It is shaped like a large pen and has a camera that takes photos and sometimes videos. It is a high-tech version of the dental mirror.
Q. Who would benefit from intraoral photos?
A. If you are the type of patient who needs to see visual evidence of a diagnosis, an intraoral camera will provide extra information. Dental photos help you to see exactly what the dentist is seeing. These detailed images can show where there is decay or a crack that needs repair, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms.
Q. Does an intraoral camera hurt?
A. This type of camera is very small and specifically designed to be used inside of your mouth. Images are captured quickly and comfortably. It is more comfortable than a lot of other dental equipment, which can sometimes trigger your gag reflex.
Q. What can an intraoral camera be used for?
A. An intraoral camera allows the dentist to see parts of the mouth that are otherwise hard to navigate with traditional tools. It can help screen for oral cancer as an educational tool and help the dentist identify areas of concern, from cracks in fillings to small fractures. Patients can also see any areas that they miss when brushing and flossing.
Q. How often are intraoral photos taken and used?
A. Intraoral photography is used by most dental practitioners. It is recommended to be taken once yearly to ensure proper diagnoses and progression of any patient's oral health status. You may request to take intraoral photos at your next appointment.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Dental photography can help patients better understand their conditions and maintain their oral health. We at Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles can help. Call us today at 713-979-4127 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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