As you visit your doctor for an oral examination, your understanding perhaps could be that the entire focus of examination is surrounded across our teeth. However, a proper oral diagnosis would require examinations of other parts. This includes parts of the oral and facial anatomy. This includes areas inside and around the mouth such as the gums, lips, tongue, the hard and soft palate as well. Examinations are also performed outside the oral region such as the skin, muscles, and glands inside the neck and the temporomandibular joints. A thorough dental examination will be your first line of defense.
Oral Diagnostic tools
So, the real question is, how are the diseases or abnormalities inside the mouth discovered? An obvious approach from your dentist will be to question you regarding any changes that you might have come across, especially in areas of your face, mouth, and neck. The initial phases of the examination will be visually inspected, certain areas will be palpated by gently touching or pressing with fingers. They made also be probed by using certain tools such as a Periodontal probe. If needed are when additional tests in the form of X-rays are conducted to have a better understanding of the condition.
Here are some of the tools and instruments that dentists use in order to provide your condition with a proper diagnosis for carrying our further treatment:
1. Digital X-rays:
Digital X-rays are almost similar to that of digital radiography. In this, your dentist will insert a sensor into the mouth to capture the images of the teeth. This is the safest form of getting images of your teeth without unnecessary radiation. It is also considered to better in terms of accuracy as compared to conventional X-rays. It is a faster process, as well as digital images, are instantaneously generated. As there we don’t use films of inks in this process, it is also a smarter option of radiography.
2. Digital Radiographs:
Digital Radiographs are an important diagnostic tool for dentists. These hi-tech radiograph instruments will allow dentists to study the anatomy of the mouth on a wide computer screen. These radiographs can be easily be copied and printed. It will also help dentists have an insight into the patient’s current and previous condition.
3. Intraoral Camera:
This is a vital diagnostic and educational tool. The device is a miniature video camera that moves inside the mouth to generate a visual video exam of the individual tooth. The images that are generated can be stored, examined, and printed if needed. This technology will help diagnose several dental problems at an earlier stage, can be used to efficiently track treatment progress, also, images of tooth decay can be submitted along with dental insurances to maximize claims.
4. Panoramic X-ray:
Panoramic X-rays are two-dimensional images of the face and teeth. These X-rays are simple to perform and offer a view that is generally invisible to the naked eye. Unlike the traditional X- rays that need to be taken every year, Panoramic X-rays need only be taken as and when the need demands. When dental X-rays require the patient to place the film inside their mouths, the panoramic film is hidden inside a facility that rotates outside the head.
5. Radiation Free Diagnosis:
Low radiation dental diagnostic tools are becoming popular these days as they are the most sought after. These procedures are also meant to be safer and more precise in evaluating the patient’s dental health. As comfort and expertise are our priorities we have chosen to use low radiation techniques in our services.
Dental Radiography
Dental Radiography has the ability to capture dental X-ray images with precision with dedicated software that runs the tool. This technology is able to provide state-of-the-art dental images without exposing yourself to harmful radiation. Our technology is to provide the patients with the best services without having to fear the possible side-effects.
Digital X-rays
Digital X-rays help to take clear, sharp, and accurate dental images of your teeth on a screen right in front of you. There is no waiting time for the film to be developed. This allows the dentist to review the results immediately. Digital X-rays produce high definition images as compared to the conventional X- rays. This will allow the specialists to zoom into the images for proper analysis of the case and hence provide an accurate diagnosis.
CariVu
CariVu is a new generation radiation-free diagnostic dental tool that is used to identify dental cavities and cracks in and outside of the tooth. CariVu consists of a small handpiece which illuminates the teeth in near-infrared light. As our Dentist San Jose gently touches the tooth with CariVu, they will be able to detect cavities and cracks through the teeth. CariVu helps to detect dental dilemmas at an earlier stage. Combined with intraoral cameras and digital X-rays, CariVu is the best instrument that will help resolve tooth problems allowing early treatment.
Reach out to Dentist in San Jose, CA by calling (408) 377-8200 or by scheduling an online appointment, and we’ll be happy to guide you further.