An intraoral camera shows close-up pictures of your teeth and gums on a screen, so you can see what your dentist sees. It can reveal small cracks, worn fillings and early gum changes that are hard to spot with a mirror alone.
We use an intraoral camera during exams so patients of our dentist in Grand Rapids, MI can look at their own smile up close.
Here's what you need to know about this small tool and what it can show.
What Is an Intraoral Camera?
It is a small, pen-sized wand with a tiny camera and LED light at the tip. As it moves around your mouth, it sends a magnified, real-time image to a nearby screen.
There is nothing to bite down on and no tray to hold in place. The camera simply takes pictures, one tooth at a time.
Small Cracks and Fractures
Some cracks are too fine to see with the naked eye. The notes that certain cracks can go unnoticed for some time, and that early diagnosis is key to saving the tooth.
A magnified photo can make a hairline crack much easier to find. Catching it early may mean a simpler repair, such as a dental crown, before the crack spreads.
Worn or Leaking Fillings
Fillings don't last forever. The camera can show edges that have chipped, worn down or started to pull away from the tooth.
If a filling needs to be replaced, tooth-colored fillings are one option we may talk through with you. Seeing the photo first makes that conversation much clearer.
Early Cavities and Buildup
Cavities often start in grooves and tight spots that are hard to see. The that about 1 in 5 adults ages 20 to 64 has at least one untreated cavity.
The camera can also show plaque and tartar that a professional teeth cleaning removes. Spotting decay early is far easier than waiting for the signs of a root canal to show up.
Gum Inflammation and Soft Tissue Changes
Red, puffy gums and pockets around the teeth show up clearly on a large screen. These can be early signs of gum disease.
If we see them, gum disease treatments may help, and our post on whether gum treatment can save teeth covers what to expect. The camera can also record spots on the cheeks or tongue that we want to watch.
Why Seeing It Yourself Helps
A problem that doesn't hurt is easy to put off. A dental hygiene journal points out that help patients see what clinicians see and can build trust.
Photos also go into your record. That lets us compare the same tooth from one visit to the next and track any changes over time.
How It Fits With Other Technology
The camera is one part of the dental technology we use in our office. X-rays still show what's hidden below the surface, while the camera shows the surface in sharp detail.
Together they give a fuller picture, so treatment plans are based on what is really there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an intraoral camera use radiation?
No, an intraoral camera does not use radiation. It is a small digital camera with an LED light that takes regular color photos of the surfaces of your teeth and gums.
That makes it different from dental X-rays, which use a small amount of radiation to show structures below the surface.
Can an intraoral camera replace dental X-rays?
No, the camera and X-rays do different jobs, so one does not replace the other. The camera shows the outside of teeth and gums, while X-rays show what is inside teeth and under the gums.
The American Dental Association explains that X-rays help dentists find damage and disease that a regular exam cannot detect. Your dentist decides when X-rays are needed based on your own history.
Is an intraoral camera exam uncomfortable?
Most people feel very little during an intraoral camera exam. The wand is about the size of a pen, and there is no tray or impression material to bite down on.
At MI Roots Family Dental, the camera is used during regular visits and the images appear right away on a nearby screen. You can ask to pause at any point and look more closely at a tooth.
Can my intraoral photos be shared with a specialist or my insurance?
Yes, intraoral photos are saved as digital images, so they can be shared when needed. MI Roots Family Dental notes that images can be sent electronically to specialists or insurance providers.
This can help a specialist see the problem before your visit. It can also give your insurance company a clear record of why a treatment was recommended.
Can an intraoral camera detect oral cancer?
An intraoral camera cannot diagnose oral cancer, but it can photograph a sore, patch or spot so it can be watched over time. Any area that looks unusual is checked further.
Cleveland Clinic explains that a dentist who sees a suspicious area may refer you to a specialist, and that a biopsy collects cells to check for cancer. Ask about oral cancer screenings at your next exam.
See Your Smile Up Close
An intraoral camera turns a quick look in the mirror into a clear, shared view of your teeth and gums. It helps you ask better questions and make informed choices about your care.
Call MI Roots Family Dental today at (616) 453-0002 or request an appointment online with our family dentist in Grand Rapids, MI.