Ever wondered what your dentist sees during an exam? Intraoral cameras take the guesswork out of your visit by showing real-time images of your teeth and gums on a chairside monitor. At Marlborough Dental Centre in NE Calgary, this advanced technology allows us to detect early signs of decay, cracks, or gum disease with precision, and helps you see exactly what we see. Intraoral cameras not only improve diagnostics, but also help patients better understand their oral health and treatment options. Contact Marlborough Dental Centre in NE Calgary to experience a more transparent, informed approach to dental care with intraoral camera technology.
A Closer Look: What Is an Intraoral Camera?
An intraoral camera is a small, wand-like device with a high-resolution lens that captures live video and still images inside your mouth. The camera is about the size of a pen and is designed to reach all areas of your teeth and gums, places that are hard to see with a mirror alone.
The images are displayed instantly on a chairside screen, allowing both you and your dentist to see the condition of your oral tissues in real time. These images can also be saved and used for future comparisons, treatment planning, or insurance documentation.
Intraoral cameras are used during:
- Comprehensive dental exams
- Hygiene appointments
- Emergency visits for cracked or painful teeth
- Cosmetic consultations
How Intraoral Cameras Improve Your Dental Exam
A Clearer, Closer Look at Your Teeth
Intraoral cameras are handheld imaging devices that let your dentist see your teeth and gums up close, far beyond what’s visible with a mirror. These pen-sized tools use high-resolution optics and built-in lighting to provide detailed images of your oral structures. This level of visibility helps detect cracks, early-stage cavities, worn fillings, gum inflammation, and even signs of oral cancer that might be missed during a standard visual exam.
Better Diagnoses Mean Better Care
When your dentist has access to clear, magnified visuals, diagnosis becomes more accurate. Intraoral cameras let us spot small issues before they become big problems. For example, we might see signs of enamel erosion developing in areas you can’t see or feel yet. This allows us to recommend preventive steps or early intervention, such as fluoride treatment or replacing a failing filling, before more serious procedures are needed.
You See What We See
One of the most valuable features of intraoral cameras is how they let you see exactly what’s going on in your mouth. The images are projected in real time onto a screen, so as we walk through the exam, you’re not just listening; you’re seeing. This helps you understand why we might recommend certain treatments, whether that’s a filling, crown, or follow-up appointment. Patients feel more informed and empowered when they’re part of the process.
Monitoring Changes Over Time
Intraoral cameras are also used to track your oral health across visits. By saving high-quality images to your file, we can compare changes over time. If we notice that a chipped tooth has worsened or gum recession is progressing, we’ll have a visual history to guide next steps. This is especially useful for patients undergoing cosmetic or restorative care who want to monitor healing or results.
Smoother Insurance Approvals
Photographic documentation from intraoral cameras can make it easier to communicate with insurance companies. When we submit a claim for something like a crown, deep filling, or periodontal treatment, including detailed images supports the diagnosis and speeds up the approval process. It’s one more way we help make your visit stress-free.
See the Difference at Your Next Appointment – NE Calgary Dental Technology
At Marlborough Dental Centre in NE Calgary, our use of intraoral cameras reflects our commitment to transparency, education, and early intervention. Whether you’re here for a checkup, treatment, or consultation, you’ll always be shown the “why” behind our recommendations. Contact us today to book your next dental visit and experience how modern technology improves every aspect of your oral care journey.