Comprehensive Dental Exams
A full, head-to-toe look at your mouth that sets a starting point for your care.
About comprehensive dental examsPreventive care
Intraoral camera exams in Herriman
It is hard to make a choice about a tooth you cannot see. An intraoral camera puts a close-up picture of your teeth on a screen so you can see what your dentist sees.
What is an intraoral camera?
It is a small camera about the size of a pen. Your dentist moves it gently around your mouth, and clear, enlarged pictures of your teeth and gums show up on a screen. You can see the same view your dentist sees.
- Takes photos, not X-rays, so it uses no radiation
- Shows cracks, worn fillings and decay on tooth surfaces
- Images can be saved to track changes over time
How the camera helps you
Your dentist may use the camera during a comprehensive exam, a checkup or a visit for a problem tooth. It is helpful when:
- A tooth hurts when you bite and your dentist is looking for a crack
- An old filling may be breaking down at the edges
- You want to see a spot your dentist is watching
- You are deciding between options such as a filling or a crown
- Your insurance needs photos to review a claim
The camera shows the outside of teeth and gums. It does not see inside a tooth or into the bone, so your dentist often uses it along with X-rays.
What to expect
- Quick and easy. The camera tip is covered with a new, clean sleeve for each patient. Your dentist slides it slowly along your teeth. It feels a bit like a toothbrush resting on your teeth.
- Look together. The pictures appear on a screen by your chair. Your dentist can freeze an image and enlarge it.
- Talk it through. Your dentist points out what they see, such as a crack line, a stain or a worn edge. Ask as many questions as you like.
The whole thing usually takes only a few minutes and is done during your regular visit.
Cost and insurance
Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.
FAQ
Questions about intraoral camera
Is the intraoral camera safe?
Yes. It is a regular camera with a small light, not an X-ray. It does not use radiation, and a clean cover is used for every patient.
Will it make my visit longer?
Not by much. The pictures take a few minutes, and they often save time by making it easier to explain what is going on.
Can I get copies of my photos?
Ask our team. We can often share images with you so you can review them at home or show a family member.
Why does my tooth look so different on the screen?
The image is greatly enlarged and brightly lit, so small stains and lines look bigger than they are. Your dentist will tell you which spots need care and which are normal.
Related care
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About dental imaging and x-raysCracked Teeth
Find and repair cracks early, before they spread and put the whole tooth at risk.
About cracked teethQuestions?
Call to book your visit
Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.