Going to the dentist is not a fun experience for most people, and one of the parts you may dislike is getting the bitewing X-rays. These can be very uncomfortable and they do not always show good, clear images. If you visit a dentist who has an intraoral camera, you may never need bitewing X-rays again. An intraoral camera is relatively new in the dentistry field, and it offers many benefits for you. Here are three of the main benefits it offers.

You Can Watch

After a dentist takes bitewing X-rays, they may appear on a TV screen, or the dentist may place them on a lighted board. The point of this is for the dentist to look for problems with the teeth, but the average person doesn't know what to look for when viewing X-rays.

An intraoral camera is so much different than this, yet it offers clearer images you can really see. This camera is about the size of a pen and can take as many pictures as needed. It also contains a bright light that helps the dentist see the inside of your mouth.

As the dentist moves it around your mouth, the images appear on a TV screen or computer monitor for you to see. You will not only be able to see the images, but you may actually be able to understand the problems the dentist points out to you.

Having this ability sometimes makes patients more confident about having dental work done because they can actually see the problems.

Better Accuracy

In addition to being able to see your teeth and problems, an intraoral camera allows the dentist to see better images and angles of the teeth. Unlike bitewing X-rays, which are very limited and always show the same angles of teeth, an intraoral camera allows the dentist to view the teeth and gums from many different angles.

Because of this, dentists can really locate the problems with the teeth because the camera can view the teeth from hard to reach angles. This allows dentists to spot:

• Exact locations of decay, even when the decay is minor
• Cracks in teeth, even when the cracks are barely visible
• Problems with gums
• Worn out fillings

Dentists can also use the camera to zoom in on certain areas if needed. If a dentist sees a problem, many cameras offer zoom options that allow them to magnify the area up to 25 times.

Other Benefits

Many dentists still use conventional X-rays that require processing. After a hygienist snaps the pictures, he or she must take them to a room to develop them. As this is happening, you will sit there and wait. Because an intraoral camera transfers the images instantly, this wait time completely disappears. You will see the images immediately.

The use of intraoral cameras also saves trees because the pictures are all handled electronically. While they can be printed if necessary, there is no need to print them and store them. This is beneficial for the dental office and for the environment.

This ability also makes it handy if you need copies of the images to take to a dental specialist. Your dentist's office could email the pictures to the specialist, and you would not have to worry about bringing them with you to your appointment.

If you have not visited a dentist in many years, this is one of several newer types of devices used today. Because new technology in dentistry is always appearing, today's typical dental appointment may be very different from the procedures you remember. Make an appointment today to have your teeth examined by a dentist and discover how dentistry works today.