Intraoral Camera & Dental Camera Suppliers

An intraoral camera looks a bit like an electric toothbrush except instead of a brush it has a high-tech camera at the business end. Digital images recorded by this camera are displayed on a monitor in real-time for patients and dentists to analyse and assess treatment.

Just as importantly, these images can then be added to a patient’s ongoing health records and revisited if further treatment is required.

• Intraoral wand. These advanced devices are the Roll Royce of intraoral diagnosis offering excellent, almost instant visuals with high clarity and magnification. They’re easy to use and come with a USB connection making them immensely portable. Intraoral wands also use a strong spotlight for maximum clarity and can reach anywhere in the mouth.
• Single lens reflex (SLR) cameras are kind of the Holden Mondeo of the intraoral camera world, a perfectly decent if less high-tech option for more budget-conscious buyers. While the image quality is still good, the versatility and high-end capabilities of intraoral wands will always make them a better option.

Insurance companies are notorious for not wanting to pay out, especially when it comes to costly claims for major dental work. Now, thanks to intraoral cameras, all the visual evidence necessary to support the claim can be assembled to alleviate any doubt and ensure payment.

• Wand or SLR? While an intraoral wand is pricier, the benefits may justify the extra outlay.
• What software integration do you need? Does your preferred camera work with other devices, such as intraoral sensors and panoramic units?
• How good does image resolution need to be? Does the camera need to be able to generate excellent images on large monitors without pixelation?
• Fixed focus or multi-focus? Fixed focus cameras are good for regular images and paediatric work where it’s important to be quick. Multi-focus cameras are needed for full arch images and smile shots.
• Push button or swipe image capture? Push button image capture can jolt the camera lens slightly, whereas swiping generally doesn’t.

While you can buy an intraoral camera for as little as $470, it’s unlikely to get its teeth into much detail. For higher definition and better functionality, expect to pay more like $2,400. If you want a top-of-the-range intraoral camera capable of viewing the minutest dental flaw, expect to pay about $7,000.

Generally, intraoral cameras are reliable devices with no major recurring flaws. Most issues tend to arise when a newly purchased camera isn’t compatible with existing software or the range of focus options doesn’t support all diagnoses required. Issues can also arise if the manufacturer’s instructions aren’t adhered to.

If dentists do their homework and match cameras to their practice needs, any ongoing issues should be minimal.

• Go by the book. Cleaning an intraoral camera is very manufacturer-specific and each model will have its own very set of cleaning recommendations. Make sure you follow these to the letter to avoid any avoidable mishaps. For example, one manufacturer may require lens cleaning with an alcoholic wipe while another may stipulate that the camera lens is never touched at all.
• Discard camera sheaths after one use. Always use a new camera sheath when diagnosing each patient.
• Check the camera for blood and saliva. Clean it thoroughly with an antibacterial cloth.
• Rinse with a sterile lab sponge. Make sure the sponge is only damp, not wet

Intraoral cameras are designed to fulfil very specific diagnostic tasks within the dental industry and therefore can only be used by qualified dentists and oral care professionals.