The more high-tech method of documenting the presence of microcracks is the use of an intraoral camera. It allows you to show patients their microcracks enlarged on a TV monitor, and also to record the finding on either a photograph or videotape. Thus, the patient involved in an accident claim has tangible evidence to provide insurance companies with proof of damaged teeth.

An intraoral camera provides instant visualization of the patient’s teeth in real time. It is a powerful communication tool that helps you and your patient focus on “how to treat” instead of “why treat?” In today’s high-tech society, patients relate to live video images in a way they seldom do to a sketch or x-ray. Since an intraoral camera also has the ability to store the images it records, the pictures are available later to both you and your patient, to demonstrate the before- and after-treatment images.

With the ability to see and record conditions such as the presence of enamel cracks, the intraoral camera has become one of the most valuable diagnostic aids in the dental operatory. It is the best tool to allow you to reveal which teeth and/or restorations are defective. In addition to showing your patient exactly why you are suggesting restorative therapy during the treatment planning stage, you can use the camera as a continuous communicator and educator during treatment. For example, you can point out actual caries under an old filling you are replacing. Since very few patients have ever seen real “decay,” you are also reinforcing your credibility as an honest practitioner performing necessary procedures.
A major use of the intraoral camera in esthetic dentistry is in showing patients defective restorations. This is especially useful when discussing how defective Class II restorations might affect the color of the proposed porcelain laminates. To achieve ideal esthetics when making porcelain laminates, the teeth should be uniform in color. Thus, an old amalgam restoration that is darkly staining a part of the tooth can influence the color of the final laminate. The intraoral camera will provide convincing evidence that the offending restoration should be changed prior to laminate construction.

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