Learn About How Technology Helps Us Help You!

The Intraoral Camera

The phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words” has never been so true! So often in the dental office a patient is in need of treatment but the dentist is limited in showing the reason for the treatment. Even with the assistance of a mirror, a patient is restricted to what he/she is able to see leading to limited understanding of the issue. In instances involving teeth, a dentist is able to use an x-ray to illustrate such things as location of a filling or cavity. However, even x-rays are only 2-dimensional representations of teeth and must be accompanied by visual inspection by the dentist for a comprehensive examination. Thus, it is not difficult to understand why some patients have reservations about recommended dental treatment that is not associated with pain or easily seen by the naked eye.

An intraoral (meaning “within the mouth”) camera provides a-dentist’s-view for patients, allowing them to appreciate the dentist’s concerns regarding their oral health and granting the patient more involvement in the decision-making process regarding their treatment. The photos obtained with an intraoral camera are taken in real-time and displayed on a computer screen. If a tooth is compromised with a massive filling, as seen in the adjacent photo, it is no longer a matter of “if” the tooth will break but “when” instead. Rather than merely explaining what is happening, the patient is given the opportunity to observe first-hand what is being described by the dentist. Whether it be the size and condition of an existing filling, an unusual lesion on the tissue, or effects of gum disease caused by the presence of bacterial plaque. The images are displayed immediately, thus saving the patient's time and the dentist’s, allowing for more time to be spent discussing any concerns.

The Diagnodent

The Diagnodent® is an extremely accurate, reliable and non-invasive method for detecting cavities. It uses laser technology to detect and quantify tooth decay by measuring laser fluorescence within tooth structure. The Diagnodent® reacts to bacteria and caries with elevated scale readings on the display for the dental professional to record. Research has proven the Diagnodent® has the highest success rate in detecting subsurface (early) cavities compared to other methods; including visual examination and exploring, and routine radiographs. It has been awarded the coveted Seal of Acceptance by the American Dental Association for its superiority in detecting cavities. The Diagnodent® is over 90% accurate in detecting lesions that are otherwise undetectable by exploring or routine x-rays. It is safe because of its use of light energy, posing no danger to patients or dental team members. It is a painless, non-invasive examination used to provide our patients with leading technology as part of our complete examination.