Is There a Way I Can See For Myself What’s Going On Inside My Mouth?
By Family Dental | Published on October 14, 2010 | 0 Comments
The dental field is experiencing rapid changes in the way information is transmitted, thanks in large part to the digital revolution. From digital x-rays to intraoral cameras, it is easier than ever for high-tech dental offices to instantaneously share all types of information with their patients.
Of course, not all dental offices have made the investment in digital technology the way Family Dental has. In San Mateo, the leading dental practice offers patients the tools necessary to remain calm, comfortable, and informed during their dental procedures. From emergency visits to the dentist to cosmetic procedures that have been planned for months, digital equipment is being used by the professionals in countless new ways.
More than anything else, the experts at Family Dental say that investing in digital technology has allowed them to better educate their patients about what they are doing and why they are doing it. Among the two most popular digital devices at Family Dental are the practice’s digital x-ray machines and intraoral cameras, both of which allow patients to see first hand what is going on inside their mouths.
For nearly all new patients, oral x-rays are a necessary first step in order for the dentist and hygienist to know what issues need to be addressed in the mouth. With conventional x-rays, it was common for a patient to be told that he or she needed to have a cavity filled and then shown a tiny postage stamp-sized x-ray that supposedly illustrated that point. With such a tiny image, however, it was difficult for patients to ever fully visualize the problem.
With digital x-rays, meanwhile, a patient can see the exact image that his dentist is looking at on a full-sized 19-inch monitor. This allows the patient to decide, based on that image, whether he would like to proceed with treatment or not.
In addition, Family Dental also offers an innovative diagnostic tool called the DIAGNOdent, which shines a laser inside the tooth so that patients can see whether there is decay inside. Using the same concept as a metal detector, the DIAGNOdent tool finds decay that is hidden deep within the teeth and gives out a reading when it makes a discovery. By finding this decay sooner rather than later, patients can avoid having to make emergency visits to the dentist.
Finally, possibly the most popular tool among patients at Family Dental in San Mateo is the intraoral camera, which allows people to see images taken from a camera inside their mouths. For both emergency matters and general appointments, the use of this camera gives the dentists at Family Dental a way to show their patients any cracks or holes in their teeth that need to be addressed.
The use of these digital tools allows patients to take active roles in their treatment decisions. Meanwhile, dentists love these high-tech devices because they make it easier to educate patients on why specific procedures are necessary.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.