This article is sponsored content brought to you by A-dec.
Intraoral cameras have become something of a game changer in progressive dental practices, offering far more than a convenient diagnostic aid.
Increasingly intraoral cameras like the Sopro 717 and high-end SoproLIFE and SoproCARE diagnostic cameras (with built-in caries detection and periodontic functions), are providing added value in terms of patient communication, case acceptance and patient retention.
A-dec Product Marketing Manager, Shal Hafiz says more and more patients are becoming involved in their treatment planning and are self-diagnosing both aesthetic and functional flaws in their dentition.
Intraoral cameras help to demonstrate treatment value visually by communicating information to the patient in real time through visuals rather than words.
This makes the practitioner’s job much easier, overcomes miscommunication and greatly boosts both case acceptance and ongoing treatment – as well as the patient’s trust.
In some cases, the intraoral camera can to a large extent replace X-rays – which has the added benefit of easing concerns for patients anxious about radiation exposure, while providing a more time- and cost-efficient diagnosis.
Mr Hafiz says there is a strong argument that cameras should be introduced into all consultations to aid diagnosis, provide a medico-legal patient record and to aid patient education, treatment planning and case acceptance.
He said the popular Sopro 717 has become the workhorse of many practices because of its ease of use, high resolution images and its compatibility with digital workflow.
“The Sopro 717 provides up to 115x magnification, helping locate problems that are not easily visible to the naked eye or even when using loupes.
“Sopro cameras enable images to be captured at the swipe of a button and then easily saved to the patient record, so that patients’ oral health can be studied more closely on a large screen and monitored over time or utilised for future reference.”
Mr Hafiz said what is most interesting to hear is the amount of ‘self-diagnosis’ by patients when they see their teeth close-up on a video monitor for the first time.
“Patients are opting in for both cosmetic and restorative treatments to address anything from plaque build-up, cracks, replacing old restorative materials – to orthodontic and other specialist treatments such as implants.
“This is not only a great ‘practice builder’ in terms of return-on-investment, but probably more importantly builds patient trust in their practitioner.
“There is simply nothing like ‘seeing it with their own eyes’ to buy into the recommended treatment plan,” Mr Hafiz said.
To find out more about the Sopro range of intraoral cameras, including the Sopro 717, SoproLIFE caries detection aid and SoproCARE with additional inbuilt perio function, phone 1800 225 010 for the location of your nearest authorised A-dec dealer. Or visit australia.a-dec.com or acteongroup.com
