Cosmetic Dentist

Intra-oral Camera

pic1Anchor Point, serving Homer and Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

If you’ve ever tried to inspect the teeth in the back of your mouth, you know it’s nearly impossible. That’s why it is common to have cavities and other dental problems in your back teeth that you are unaware of, until you go to your dentist for a routine visit and they are discovered. And even when your dentist can clearly see what’s going on, you still can’t.

How Does the Intra-oral Camera Work?

The intra-oral camera has changed al that, literally revolutionizing your ability to see all the way into the back of your mouth. The intra-oral camera is a pen-sized wand with a camera on the tip. Your dentist covers the camera with a plastic sheath to avoid contaminating the camera, the passes the wand around inside your mouth. The camera takes video of your mouth and sends the pictures to a computer screen, where you can view full-color images you and your dentist can look at together to determine the procedures you will need.

Can’t See It? That Doesn’t Mean It Isn’t There

Finding out you’ve got a mouthful of tooth decay is not good news. But it’s important information to know, for three good reasons:

  1. Being made aware of problems with your teeth and gums so you can address and treat them before they become even more serious.
  2. Offering an honest evaluation of your level of brushing and flossing at home
  3. Helping your dentist to form a comprehensive treatment plan for the future

Other Benefits

Since human tendency dictates that we ignore potential problems until they become bigger problems, the intra-oral camera is a great way to actually see for yourself what needs to be corrected and take the necessary steps to get the treatment you need.

The intra-oral camera is also a timesaver for x-rays:

  • Photos are easier to take
  • Patients don’t have to wait for x-ray film to develop
  • Pictures can be printed, duplicated or sent to insurance companies, who have begun accepting email images and X-rays in an effort to  ‘go green’ and cut down on paper usage

The intra-oral camera can also record the depths of pockets between the tooth and gums, called periocharting, for treatment of gum disease, using voice recognition software to records the dentist's comments and store these voice records in the computer.

As wireless technology continues to spill over into the world of dentistry, patients can expect advanced dental office to take advantage of these new opportunities to serve patient needs. Dr. Bartley is committed to accessing the latest equipment and techniques to make the best options available in Anchor Point for the residents of Homer & Kenai Peninsula. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

 

(907)226-3700
Contact Us

34115 Sterling Hwy.
Anchor Point, AK 99556