Perhaps you've heard about it from a friend or you may have seen
it on the Discovery Channel; but what is Intraoral Video Imaging
anyway and what role does it play in my oral examination?
Several years ago the computer industry felt that the ability
to communicate was being hampered by the inadequacies of verbal
communication. Most of what you listen to is either never really
heard or else it is just too easily forgotten. Our goal is to
inform you about your dental health so that you can make an educated
decision regarding your own care. Active participation in the
oral health process is a must if we are to accomplish our mutual
goals.
Intraoral video imaging involves the use of a small camera with
a fiber optic light source small enough to be placed within the
mouth. This camera is attached to a computer which allows the
images of your teeth to be displayed on the computer monitor.
These intraoral images can then be stored by the computer or printed
out just like a photograph.
One of the nice things about computers is their ability to store
these images in their memory, indefinitely. We can access these
images whenever we want in order to compare one recare examination
with another. At the same time, the computer allows us to send
copies of these images to other dentists or physicians thereby
improving our ability to consult on issues that may be of strategic
importance. A picture is truly worth a thousand words.
Some of the conditions we can see with an intraoral camera that
are difficult to see with the naked eye include : various types
of oral pathology and lesions, broken fillings and other types
of restorations, cracked teeth, a variety of gum conditions and
cavities in areas that are difficult to see and reach. You will
be amazed by the quality of the images and just how diagnostic
they really are.
Another intriguing aspect of imaging is its ability to use the
computer to predict cosmetic alterations without ever actually
having to touch a tooth. Close a space, change the shape of a
tooth or just see what your teeth would look like a shade whiter.
It's all possible with Cosmetic Imaging!