Very often, when examining the oral cavity, the dentist finds that some teeth need treatment. However, the patient does not experience pain yet and refuses the offered services. With the help of dental intraoral cameras, the doctor can visually show problem areas on the monitor and motivate the client to carry out the necessary procedures.
Functional properties
Dental intraoral 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 oral cavity, an image of the teeth appears on the screen, magnified many times (from 10 to 40). At the same time, even the simplest camera (without a computer) displays images on the monitor screen 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 images in electronic form to another doctor, to the registry (for attachment to the patient's record). It should be noted that the cameras have a small size and weight, good waterproofing, allowingsecurely protect them during disinfection. For personal protection, a disposable plastic cover is put on the camera tip.
Some modern intraoral cameras have a number of additional features:
- mirror image;
- "freeze frame";
- picture-in-picture;
- ability to produce x-rays.
Device Advantages
The advantages of using an intraoral camera with monitor for diagnosis over other methods are clear:
- Determining the presence of diseases of the oral cavity at an early stage.
- Visual demonstration of the work done to the patient.
- The ability to take a picture in hard-to-reach places.
- Using captured images for display to students and research papers.
- Good visibility of the oral cavity due to the available additional illumination.
In addition, the image on the screen helps the dentist to correctly plan the treatment and control his work. Recorded images can be used to reveal the truth in case of any disagreement between the doctor and the patient.
Key Features
The first intraoral cameras appeared in the 90s of the last century. They were little in demand, since there was practically no information about their existence. Now manufacturers offer a large selection of these devices. Thanks to the Internet, their popularity has increased a lot. The models are updated from time to time.new functionality appears. For the right choice, this fact must be taken into account.
Main features of intraoral cameras to consider when buying:
- Work in several modes at the same time.
- Portable.
- Easy to focus.
- The presence of the "freeze frame" function.
- Camera control method.
- Optical properties.
- Light sensitivity.
- Flash quality.
For the quality work of the dentist, shooting from 6 angles (minimum) is required. Most cameras have these features, so there is no problem when choosing a device.
You also need to take into account the compactness of the cameras. Bulky appliances interfere with work. Focusing in most cameras is done manually. In order to operate this function with one hand, you should pay attention to the clarity of the markings. The amplitude of the movement of the cameras should be no more than 100 degrees. Older models often don't have a "freeze frame" feature, so it's important not to miss this fact. You also need to be interested in the amount of memory for storing images.
Intraoral cameras are controlled, usually with a foot pedal or buttons on the handpiece. The choice depends on the preference of the doctor. When choosing optical characteristics, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the lenses that the devices are equipped with. It is desirable to give preference to well-known manufacturers of these products. Light sensitivity is alsoan important characteristic in conditions of lighting differences or its insufficiency. It is important to remember that when specifying this characteristic in lux (Lux), it is better to choose this indicator with the smallest value. When determining the quality of lighting, it is necessary to choose a special dental round flash that evenly distributes light in the oral cavity.
Differences between Good Doctors cameras and analogues
Currently, there are many models of intraoral cameras on the market from different manufacturers. The products of the Good Doctors company, which are supplied in finished form with individual software, are most in demand. Consider the varieties of the intraoral Whicam camera manufactured by this company.
The Whicam Drs Cam from this company appeared in 2010. Its main advantages distinguish it from analogues:
- ability to deviate 18 degrees;
- rotation around its axis;
- coating with a special paint composition that prevents fogging of the lens;
- equipped with a zoom function that enlarges the image by pressing one button;
- connect to any computer using a regular USB connector;
- lack of additional illumination (use of OLED technology);
- Store up to 30 pictures in memory and transfer to computer;
- transfer image to "X-ray mode".
It should be noted that with all the variety of functions listed, such cameras are quite simple to operate (only 3buttons).
Whicam variety
Despite the listed advantages of Whicam Drs Cam, Good Doctors additionally released a number of models that meet different price categories, optimizing some functions. For example, a Whicam 1 can be connected to a TV using an RCA cable and to a computer with the appropriate board (TV tuner). It can also run on batteries. All subsequent models also differ from each other in functional features. The latest Whicam 6 is wireless, which is very convenient to use. It comes with a high-capacity battery and LCD screen.
Installation of equipment
When buying an intraoral camera, the question often arises about how to mount the camera and monitor. To hang the camera itself, it is necessary that its dimensions match the connectors of the installation on which dental instruments are stored. To install the screen, the lamp stand is unfastened, and another 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, economy-class devices are offered in stores. 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 he alth. ATIn order to timely contact a specialist, some patients independently purchase these devices. They are connected to a TV or smartphone to constantly monitor the condition of the teeth.
