Intraoral Cameras

An intraoral camera is a small, pen-shaped device with a camera and light at the tip. It is used during examinations to capture close-up images and video of the inside of your mouth, your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissue, which are displayed on a screen in real time.

The device is comfortable to use and does not produce any radiation. It is a visual tool, used alongside x-rays and clinical examination rather than as a replacement for them.

The camera produces magnified, high-resolution images that make it easier to see detail that may not be obvious to the naked eye during a standard visual exam. This can include:

• Early decay: Discolouration or changes in the tooth surface that may indicate the beginning of a cavity, particularly on the biting surfaces of back teeth where grooves can be difficult to inspect visually.
• Cracks and fractures: Fine cracks in enamel can be difficult to detect without magnification. An intraoral camera can help make these visible for further assessment.
• Worn or damaged restorations: Old fillings, crowns, or other restorations can chip, crack, or begin to break down over time. The camera allows us to document the current condition and monitor changes over time.
• Gum tissue appearance: The condition of the gum tissue, whether it appears healthy, inflamed, or otherwise changed, can be captured and discussed with you directly.

One of the practical benefits of intraoral cameras is that they allow us to share our findings with you directly. Rather than relying on descriptions alone, we can show you an image of the area we are concerned about, which often makes it easier to understand what is happening and to ask questions.

Images can also be saved to your records and compared at future appointments, which helps us track how a particular area is changing over time. This is particularly useful when monitoring a tooth or area that does not yet require treatment but warrants observation.