Intraoral cameras - reliable assistants to the dentist

Very often, when examining the oral cavity, the dentist discovers that some teeth need treatment. However, the patient does not experience pain and refuses the proposed services. With the help of dental intraoral cameras, the doctor can visually show the problem areas on the monitor and motivate the client to conduct the necessary procedures.

Functional properties of

Intraoral dental cameras are miniature video devices built into the tip of a small device to which a monitor is connected. When you enter it into the mouth, the image appears on the screen, enlarged many times( from 10 to 40).In this case, even the simplest camera( without a computer) displays images on the screen of the monitor and allows you to save up to four pictures at the same time.

Currently, there are cameras to which you can connect a computer. This provides additional opportunities for transferring pictures electronically to another physician, to the registry( for attachment to the patient's card).It should be noted that the chambers have a small size and weight, good waterproofing, which allows them to be safely protected during disinfection. For individual protection on the tip of the camera put on a disposable plastic cover.

Some modern intraoral cameras have a number of additional functions:

• mirror image;
• "freeze frame";
• picture-in-picture;
• ability to produce X-rays.

Advantages of

devices The advantages of using an intraoral camera with a monitor for diagnosis in comparison with other methods are obvious:

• Determination of the presence of diseases of the oral cavity at an early stage.
• A visual display of the work done to the patient.
• Ability to take a picture in hard-to-reach places.
• Use of the received pictures for showing to students and in scientific works.
• Good visibility of the oral cavity due to the available additional illumination.

In addition, the image on the screen helps the dentist to properly plan the treatment and monitor their work. Fixed pictures can be used to reveal the truth in the event of any disagreement between the doctor and the patient.

Main characteristics of

The first intraoral cameras appeared in the 90s of the last century. They had little demand, as there was practically no information about their existence. Now manufacturers offer a large selection of these devices. Thanks to the Internet, their popularity has greatly increased. Periodically, models are improved, new functional properties appear. For a correct choice, this fact must be taken into account.

The main characteristics of intraoral cameras, which should be noted when buying:

• Work in several modes simultaneously.
• Portability.
• Ease of focusing.
• Presence of "freeze frame" function.
• Method of controlling the camera.
• Optical properties.
• Light sensitivity.
• Flash quality.

For the qualitative work of the dentist you need to shoot in 6 angles( minimum).Most cameras have such functions, so there are no problems when choosing a device.

You should also consider the compactness of the cameras. Cumbersome devices interfere with work. Focusing in most cameras is done manually. In order to control this function with one hand, you should pay attention to the clearness of the marking. The amplitude of camera movement should not be more than 100 degrees. In older models, there is often no "freeze" function, so it's important not to miss this fact. It is also necessary to show interest in the amount of memory for storing images.

Intraoral cameras are controlled, usually with the help of a foot pedal or buttons on the tip. The choice depends on the physician's preferences. When choosing optical characteristics, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the lenses with which the instruments are equipped. Preference should be given to well-known manufacturers of this product. Light sensitivity is also an important characteristic in conditions of light fluctuations or its insufficiency. It is important to remember that when specifying this characteristic in lux( Lux) it is better to choose this parameter with the lowest value. When determining the quality of lighting, it is necessary to choose a special stomatological round flash, which evenly distributes light in the oral cavity.

Differences between Good Doctors cameras from

analogues Currently, there are many models of intraoral cameras from different manufacturers on the market. The products of the company Good Doctors, supplied in the complete form with individual software, are most in demand. Consider varieties of intraoral chamber Whicam, produced by this firm.

Model Whicam Drs Cam from this company appeared in 2010.From its analogs, the main advantages are:

• the ability to deviate by 18 degrees;
• rotation around its axis;
• with a special paint coating, which prevents fogging of the lens;
• equipped with a zoom function that provides an enlargement of the image by pressing a single button;
• connects to any computer with the usual USB connector;
• no additional highlighting( application of OLED technology);
• stores up to 30 pictures in memory, which are transferred to the computer;
• translates the image into "X-ray mode".

It should be noted that for all the variety of functions listed above, such cameras are quite simple to operate( only 3 buttons).

Variety of Whicam

models Despite the advantages of Whicam Drs Cam, Good Doctors has also released a number of models that meet different price categories, optimizing some functions. For example, a Whicam 1 camera can be connected to a TV using an RCA cable and to a computer with a corresponding card( TV tuner).It can also run on batteries. All subsequent models also differ from each other functional features. The latest Whicam 6 model is wireless, which is very convenient to use. The delivery kit includes a high-capacity battery and a liquid crystal display.

Installation of

equipment When buying an intraoral camera, there is often a question about how to attach the camera and monitor. To suspend the camera itself, it is necessary that its dimensions coincide with the connectors of the installation on which the dental instruments are stored. To install the screen, the lamp rack is loosened, and one more link is inserted. It is necessary that the camera has a video output, and the monitor - with an input for connection without additional wires.

However, in order to avoid problems, it is still better to buy a unit equipped with a monitor. For these purposes, the stores offer economy class devices. More expensive units include a camera and a flat screen.

Specialists note that the use of an intraoral camera in dentistry has greatly increased the desire of people to maintain oral health. In order to promptly contact a specialist, some patients purchase these devices on their own. They are connected to a TV or smartphone for constant monitoring of the teeth.