Intraoral Cameras

The use of intraoral cameras in daily dental practice can serve numerous purposes, from patient education to attaching images with insurance claims. Rapid advancement in technology and ease of use have greatly improved over the years. Intraoral cameras are very slim and ergonomically designed handpieces with a single button for capturing images of difficult-to-reach areas in the mouth, and most are corded and can plug into the USB port on a computer.

What They See

Intraoral imaging and education complement each other in the dental practice. A dentist can show as well as tell the patient what they see. Many patients are able to grasp the condition and are often willing to complete the recommended treatment. With the use of intraoral imaging, the patient sees the broken filling or recurrent decay on the computer screen.

What Insurers Can See

Many individuals want only to do a treatment that dental insurance will help pay for. One way to aid in the preauthorization process is to provide an intraoral image to the insurance carrier. Submitting the intraoral image may help the approval process of needed treatments such as crowns and even periodontal therapy.

'Watching' Disease Progression

Dentists and hygienists see numerous patients every day and often find areas to "watch". These include soft-tissue lesions, incipient decay, or other concerns. One great way to monitor these areas is with an intraoral image to refer to at each following dental visit. Having the ability to compare photographs side by side and evaluate and monitor changes creates a standard of care that is valuable in any dental practice.

New patients

New-patient visits for preliminary records, radiographs, and periodontal charting can add in intraoral images for a more complete understanding of their dental health. It is very convenient to add pictures of suspicious areas that will need future treatment or monitoring, such as failing restorations, caries, and the general gingival condition.

Going over the intraoral images with the patient before the dentist comes in for an exam prepares the patient that there may be work to do at future visits. The images give the hygienist an opportunity to answer any questions they can before the dentist enters the room. In turn, the hygienist can communicate concerns to the dentist to help mainstream the exam and keep on schedule.

In dentistry, the saying "A picture is worth a thousand words" is so true, especially regarding the use of intraoral cameras. Using images to describe needed treatment helps patients visualize oral conditions as well as the options to improve their smiles. Intraoral imaging is not only used to identify fractured teeth or periodontal conditions, but it can also be used for areas of cosmetic improvement. Intraoral cameras are essential for daily use in clinical dental practice and have the potential to improve the standard of dental care.  Contac the dental office of Dr. Steven K. Okamoto for a complete evaluation today.

Oral Cancer Screening

Cancer of any type is frightening, but the more we learn about certain types of cancers and seek routine examinations to catch problems early, the better able we are to ensure health and wellness for our patients into the future. Oral cancer, for example, has been researched extensively; with that comes the knowledge that avoiding certain behaviors can decrease the likelihood of developing cancer.  With this in mind, routine and preventive dental care is important in preventing and detecting cancer.

Who is at Risk?

While cancer can affect anyone, there are behaviors that increase risk. In particular, extensive tobacco use is a significant catalyst for oral cancer; an estimated 80% of oral cancer cases affect patients who smoke or chew tobacco. Both smoked tobacco and chewed tobacco affect different areas, with cigarettes causing the most harm for the mouth and throat and chewing tobacco affecting the cheeks, lips and gums.

Alcohol can also increase the risk of cancer. Studies indicate that men who drink more than two servings (pints or glasses) a day or women who drink more than one have a significantly higher risk of developing oral cancer than others. When compounded with smoking or chewing tobacco, the likelihood of developing oral cancer increases dramatically. If you are able to kick or curb tobacco and alcohol habits, your risk is minimized. 

Several things beyond your control may also have increase chances of developing oral cancer. Genetics, radiation exposure, certain infections, gender, and age can all increase likelihood. Studies show that men are twice as likely to get it, and the vast majority of those who have it are over 55-years-old. People who spend the majority of their time outdoors also have higher risk for lip cancer.

Dental Hygienists: Catching Signs of Oral Cancer Early

Staying on top of biannual dental office visits is an essential part of diagnosing oral cancer early, with dental hygienists acting as the first lines of defense in spotting early warning signs Typically, oral cancer starts as a cluster of small white or red spots. Other warning signs include bleeding sores that do not heal or odd discoloration in certain areas. Some patients may develop lumps or unnatural toughening in spots throughout their mouth or on lips.

At Okamoto, DDS, our dental hygienists are trained to examine your smile for the presence of oral cancer each year. During this inspection, our dental hygienist will ensure that no lesions are present and will also visually examine tissues that include the floor of the mouth, palate, tongue, and tonsils. Our screenings also extend to the neck and thyroid to determine the presence of issues with the lymph nodes. 

If any of these problems are detected, fast action by our dental hygienists allows patients to receive appropriate medical attention as quickly as possible, including biopsies, excision of affected tissue, and even chemotherapy. These life-saving examinations and early treatments make all the difference in ensuring that patients are informed about their oral health and can access the most proactive care for their needs.

Talk to our Hygiene Team about Oral Cancer Screenings

The next time you’re due for a teeth cleaning, please feel free to ask our dental hygiene team about when you’re due for an oral cancer screening or what occurs during a preventive examination. If you have noticed any of the symptoms above on your own smile, contact our office as soon as possible for a screening.