
Mar
Dental care continues to evolve thanks to innovative treatments and technologies. The intraoral camera is one breakthrough that improves dental care for dentists and patients. For many reasons, the intraoral camera has become an invaluable tool to dentists who use it in the Willoughby, Ohio, area. When you visit Rich C. Flores, DDS, LLS, your patient experience will benefit from this (and other) technology. Dr. Richard Flores continues seeking out and implementing the latest innovative technologies and dental treatments.
Intraoral cameras create a dental experience that is more engaging to the patient, as you will have access to a view of your teeth which has never before been possible. The images displayed by an intraoral camera are used as a helpful visual aid. This technology gives dentists a more effective way to provide dental care and create awareness to patients.
While intraoral cameras have only started to be more widely used within the last several years, the first intraoral patents were applied in the 1980s. The device is relatively simple, consisting of a handheld wand with a camera at the end. While the device is nothing to be astonished by, the camera technology isimpressive and useful for both patients and dentists.
As the intraoral camera scans the inside of the mouth, a real-time image gets transmitted to a nearby TV screen that the patient can see, and the dentist can use to show visible dental issues. These high-resolution images are saved and are easily accessed for later analysis.
Many dental patients can point to some experience in their past where they sat with a dentist who made them feel guilty about their oral health. An intraoral camera can turn this guilt trip into a guided tour. Dental patients can sometimes become defensive when told they have specific dental health issues without a visual aid. When images created by an intraoral camera are used, a dentist can guide their patient through apparent dental health issues, making the experience more impactful and engaging.
One reason an intraoral camera creates a more engaging experience for the patient is that it allows dentists to co-diagnose. Images and video created by intraoral cameras provide a firsthand view of a patient’s dental condition, allowing the patient to feel more involved as an active participant in their diagnosis. Because this allows the patient to be more engaged with the diagnosis process, many find they are more open and accepting of recommended treatment.
There are some patients who, despite all evidence, may still decide to decline treatment. While a spoken diagnosis may not hold much weight with this type of patient, a visual representation of their oral health usually will. Taking digital images of a patient’s oral health, then again several months later, can allow a patient to actually see how their oral health could be deteriorating due to declined treatment and possible poor homecare habits. Visualizing these trends can serve as a light bulb moment and a wake-up call for patients. This is great for patients because they are now taking control of their dental health and are on the path back to good dental health.
Images provided by intraoral cameras allow the dentist to educate patients in a very modern way. Having a visual representation of one’s own mouth displayed on TV helps create awareness and builds trust between patient and doctor.Â
Call Richard C. Flores, DDS, LLC, today at (440) 856-8774 to schedule an appointment or consultation.
Dr. Rich Flores
Rich Flores, DDS, has over ten years of experience in private dentistry. He graduated from Saint Ignatius High School and attended Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then attended the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and entered private practice in Columbus, OH, immediately upon graduation.
Dr. Rich believes in compassionate, quality dental care in a comfortable setting and treats patients as if they are family. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and Cleveland Dental Society and is certified in Invisalign and dental implants.