Q: Have any opinions on handheld intraoral cameras?
A: Sure do! They are a wonderful adjunct to dentistry because they are easy to use and always available. Unlike a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) or extraoral digital camera, a handheld intraoral camera does not require you to remove your gloves to take photographs during the procedure. A barrier covers the handheld units, and many can be mounted on the bracket table. So they are a very convenient way to take pictures in the mouth.
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| The Polaris intraoral camera. Image courtesy of Air Techniques. |
On the low end you can check out eBay and purchase a camera from Hong Kong. These cameras will give you an acceptable picture if you need to show something to a patient or for insurance documentation. These cameras will not usually integrate with imaging software, but they can capture a picture to your computer.
I suggest you contact the manufacturer and see if you can arrange for a demonstration from your local representative.
Martin Jablow, D.M.D., is a practicing dentist and a self-professed technophile who lectures and blogs on a variety of technologies used in dentistry (dentechblog.blogspot.com). If you have a technology question for Dr. Jablow, e-mail it to us at [email protected].
